If there is a special destination that is worth visiting for game viewing in Uganda, then it is Lake Mburo, National Park. The park occupies a compact land area measuring about 370 sq. km but harbors plenty of interesting animal species. Its unique landscape features a mosaic of habitats including vast savannas, Lakes, bush thickets, forests, and rocky outcrops. For guests in need of off-the-beaten-path experiences, no better place is worth spending a holiday in than Lake Mburo National Park.
Where is the park located?
Lake Mburo National Park is one of the stunning parks lying in the Western tourist circuit of Uganda. The park lies within Kiruhura District and other neighboring districts, especially Isingiro, Lyantonde and Mbarara. It was founded as a controlled hunting area in 1933 and upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. In 1983, Lake Mburo National Park was officially gazetted as an Uganda National Park.
Attractions
Fauna/animals of Lake Mburo N.P
Lake Mburo National Park is comprised of 68 species of mammals and other species of animals. The popular wildlife in this park include a huge concentration of antelope families (elands, topis, impalas, reedbucks, waterbucks, klipspringers, oribis, duikers, sitatungas, kobs), Rothschild giraffes, leopards, lions, cape buffaloes, warthogs, genets, white-tailed mongoose, bush pigs, hyenas, Burchell’s zebras, hippos and crocodiles.
Birds
A bird record of about 350 bird species exists within Lake Mburo National Park and these are acacia-associated species and water birds. The bird-list of Mburo NP include the long-tailed cisticolas, brown-chested wattled plovers, papyrus yellow warblers, Abyssinian ground hornbills, African fin foot, bare faced-go away, yellow billed duck, grey crowned crested crane, white winged barbet, green hood hoopoes,
White headed barbet, tabora cisticolas, yellow breasted apalis, grey woodpeckers, White tailed pelicans, scimitar bill, lilac breasted rollers, shining blue kingfishers, blue spotted wood dove, red winged francolins, temminck’s courser, black winged bishop, blue quails, Chub’s Carruther’s, rufous chested swallow, swam warblers, yellow throated long claw, black bellied bustard and shoebill storks.
The Vegetation
Lake Mburo National Park is a stunning park and it is dominated by boscia, acacia trees and olea species. On its swamp fringes, there are papyrus home to numerous birds, especially the yellow, red and black papyrus gonoleks. Most of the park’s wildlife species also reside within its diverse vegetation area.
Tourism activities
Game drives
A game drive in Lake Mburo National Park is all about exploring its diverse animal species. The park holds unique animal species of visitor interest on a guided game drive including jackals, giraffes, topis, hyenas, leopards, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, lions, reedbucks, bird species, zebras, and many others. The available game drive options in Lake Mburo NP include day and night game drives.
Bird watching
Lake Mburo National Park is a birder’s paradise, holding up to 350 species of birds. A birding trip in this park allows you encounter a variety of avifaunal species including brown-chested wattled plovers, papyrus yellow warblers, scimitar bill, lilac breasted rollers, shining blue kingfishers, blue spotted wood dove, red winged francolins, temminck’s courser, green hood hoopoes,
White headed barbet, tabora cisticolas, yellow breasted apalis, grey woodpeckers, White tailed pelicans, black winged bishop, Abyssinian ground hornbills, African fin foot, bare faced-go away, yellow billed duck, grey crowned crested crane, white winged barbet, blue quails, Chub’s Carruther’s, rufous chested swallow, swam warblers, yellow-throated long claw, black-bellied bustard and shoebill storks.
Nature walks
Nature walking is a special experience Lake Mburo National Park has to offer. A nature walk through the park is an incredible opportunity to enjoy a close encounter with wildlife in various habitats. There is the highest possibility of encountering animal species such as zebras, birds and giraffes. If you are interested in forest walks, Rubanga Forest also has you covered. This lush forest host about 40 bird species and different floral species, etc.
Cycling experience
Lake Mburo NP is one of the best places in East Africa where you can explore not only in a 4×4 safari vehicle but also using a bicycle. Get to interact with the park’s diverse animal species along the different biking trails using a bicycle rather than a 4×4 safari car. The cycling trails come with exciting views of animals such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and several antelope families. Other than cycling, the park is also most popular for its thrilling quad biking experiences.
Launch/boat cruise
Lake Mburo N. Park offers a remarkable encounter of aquatic life while you are at the comfort of a boat. The boat excursion is done perfectly on Lake Mburo and you will have a chance to see crocodiles, hippos and water birds.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is such a memorable recreational experience, providing anglers opportunity to explore Lake Mburo N/Park. Sport fishing in this park is best done at Mazinga and participants must have valid fishing permits obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The different fish species to expect to catch on this adventure include lung fish, haplochromes, tilapia and mud fish.
Horseback riding
Nothing brings ultimate excitement on the face of a nature lover like viewing wildlife clearly on a horseback. Horseback riding is one unique experience tourists should expect while in Lake Mburo N.P and several animal species can be spotted including giraffes, zebras and antelopes, etc.
Cultural experience
A game viewing combined with a cultural tour makes your Lake Mburo National Park a memorable one. The park is surrounded by over 13 local community groups and these have been well-trained in eco-tourism and biodiversity activities. A visit to their communities allows you to explore the different local initiatives that have been put in place to boost livelihoods and also explore the unique cultures and traditions of Ankole people. The community groups living around Lake Mburo NP include the Rwabarata Drama Group, Ankole Cultural Community and Rwenjeru Campsite, etc.
When should you travel to the park?
Lake Mburo National Park is an ideal safari destination experiencing favorable weather conditions with a temperature range of 27 degrees celsius during the day and at night 14 degrees celsius. The dry season is however, the most favorite time of the year to visit the park for wildlife safaris and this is from June, July, August to September, or December, January to February. Bird watching is excellent during the months of March, April, May or October to November when most birds are breeding and migratory birds confine in the different parts of the park.
Lake Mburo National Park safari lodges to stay
This park is a complete destination with a long list of lodging facilities-budget, midrange and luxury. The available lodges to book in and around the park include Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, Eagle’s Nest Lodge, Mantana Tented Camp, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Arcadia Cottages, Leopard Rest Lodge, and others.
How you can get to the park
Lake Mburo National Park is the most accessible park away from the city center, taking you about 4 to 5 hours’ drive. The park’s gates that offer access include Sanga gate and Nshara. By road: the tour operators can also arrange to fly in safaris for their guests and set off place is Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Nyakisharara airstrip.
