Lake Mburo National Park; Encounter the Unforgettable Thrills
Witness the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle across 14,763 km² of open savannah — Without a doubt, this park is Uganda’s crown jewel.
Best time to visit
Jun-Sept
Minimum stay
2-3 days
Top Sightings
Burchell's Giraffe, Impalas &
Distance from Capital
329 Kms2
Location
Kiruhura District
Best for
Family & Friends
Lake Mburo National Park: Encounter the Unforgettable Thrills
In the midst of the stunning landscapes of Uganda lies Lake Mburo National Park, which is a natural sanctuary that captivates you with an unforgettable wildlife experience. This park is located in the Western region of Uganda, spanning an area of about 370 square kilometers and encompassing a diverse array of ecosystems, including lush grasslands, rolling hills, forests, and lakes.
The Park was named after its centerpiece natural wonder known as Lake Mburo. This lake is an expansive freshwater lake that sparkles like a sapphire jewel, with its calm waters reflecting the sky. On the shores of Lake Mburo, you get an opportunity to encounter a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle, the pied kingfisher, and the malachite kingfisher.
Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park; it is also the closest to Kampala and Entebbe, and it is well known for its diverse ecosystems such as the savanna grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. The Park also spans an area within the districts of Kiruhura, Ibanda, and Mbarara.
Wildlife
Lake Mburo National Park is known for its impala population; however, the park is home to a wide range of mammals, including zebras, buffaloes, oryx, Deffas, Eland, Topi, Hippos, Giraffes, Crocodiles, Warthogs, waterbuck, and hyenas.
The Park is a natural haven and a popular destination for birding safaris because it harbors over 350 bird species, including the African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, malachite kingfisher, grey-crowned crane, and Double-toothed barbets.
Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP
Lake Mburo Safari activities
COMBINE 01
Community tourism
Community tourism is one of the most interesting things you can have mostly the batwa culture
COMBINE 01
Bird watching safaris
What do you know about Uganda birding, what birds do you know in Uganda birding
Why Visit Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo national park is a 4-hour drive from Kampala the capital city of Uganda which means the park is easily accessible in a short time. You may be asking yourself a question why in all destinations should I visit Lake Mburo national park?
Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Uganda’s Lake Mburo National Park and these include horseback safaris which are only offered in Lake Mburo national park in the whole of Uganda.
Secondly, the park offers both Day and night game drives which offer thrilling experiences, wildlife sighting on a boat cruise along Lake Mburo, birding safaris with over 350 bird species, forest and nature walks which offer incredible encounters with wildlife up close and also sport fishing is offered in the park introducing you to the unforgettable safari experiences.
Selected Lake Mburo Sightings & Attractions
Igongo Cultural centre
African Cape Buffalo
Eland
Wildebeest
Zebra
Giraffes
Activities to do.
Birding safaris
The Park is a natural haven for birders because it harbors over 350 bird species making it one of the most visited tourist destinations for birding safaris. Birders find the swampy valleys of Warukiri, Miriti to be significant regions for birding activity.
Bird species in the park include the African fish eagle, the pied kingfisher, the malachite kingfisher, the Grey-crowned crane, and the Double-toothed barbets.
Game drives
The Lake Mburo National Park offers both day and night game drives and all activities offer a thrilling experience. During the day game drive, you get to encounter an array of animals including zebras, buffaloes, oribi, deffasa, Eland, Topi, Buffalo, Hippos, Giraffes, Crocodiles, Warthogs, waterbuck, hyenas, and also bird species including African fish eagle, the pied kingfisher, malachite kingfisher, Grey-crowned crane and Double-toothed barbets.
During the night/nocturnal game drive, you get a lifetime opportunity to witness the predators like lions as they creep to prey on antelopes.
Forest and Nature Walks
This thrilling activity involves following guided trails into the Rubanga forest encountering wildlife up close while trekking the lush vegetation and landscapes.
Boat cruise
The boat cruise safari on the lake Mburo offers you an opportunity to witness the flora and fauna of the park. during the activity, you have the opportunity to witness numerous wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and also encounter the rare African fish eagles, and shoe bill stork among others.
Horseback riding safaris
Lake Mburo national park is known as the only park in Uganda where you can do a game drive on horseback. The horseback safaris can take 1 – 2 hours and lately, even overnight horseback riding safaris have been offered with tenting and meals in the wild.
Horse Riding in Lake Mburo NP
Best time to visit the Park.
It is crucial to note that the park can be visited throughout the year though there are best seasons to visit the park mostly during the dry season also known as the peak seasons of June to September and December.
During this season, the trails are less slippery hence encouraging wild activities like hiking, nature walks, birding, horseback safaris, and biking.
How to get there
Lake Mburo national park is located in the western region of Uganda and is accessed by road and air. While using road transport, you drive along the Masaka-Mbarara road from Kampala continuing to the park headquarters which is a 4 – 5 hour drive.
While using air transport, you have to book a flight from either Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to the Mbarara Airstrip and then connect to the park.
Selected Lake Mburo Safari Packages
6 Days
Private
6-Days Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth Safari with Big 5 Sightseeing
from
$ 1350
per person
Where to stay
Lake Mburo National Park offers a wide range of accommodations including luxury, midrange, and budget.
Luxury accommodation
Luxury accommodation comes with first-class facilities such as swimming pools, En-Suite bathrooms, well-appointed rooms, wellness facilities, a spa, and private verandas or balconies. These include Mihingo Safari Lodge, Kigambira Safari Lodge, and Acadia Cottages among others.
Midrange accommodation
These midrange accommodations come with medium or second-class facilities. They include; Acadia Cottages, and Lake Mburo safari lodge among others.
Budget accommodation
The budget accommodations come with relatively low prices and fewer facilities. In Lake Mburo National Park budget accommodations include Rwonyo Rest Camp and Lake Mburo campsite among others.
Arcadia Cottages in Lake Mburo NP
After that in-depth of Lake Mburo national park, it is known that the park is rich in diverse ecosystems ranging from rolling hills, grasslands, numerous lakes, and a variety of mammals and bird species.
Partake in the Park’s activities like horseback safaris, and boat cruises and encounter the unforgettable thrills. Let’s plan an awe-inspiring safari experience in Lake Mburo National Park together, email us at friendlysafaris@gmail.com for more information and inquiries.
Lake Mburo in Summary
Best Attractions
Burchell's Giraffe, Impalas &
Best time to visit
Jun-Sept
Best Attractions
Wildlife, river scenery and game drives
Top activities
Game drives, Horse back riding & Bird watching
How to Get there.
The National park can be accessed in two different ways and
Recommended duration
Bwindi back packers (Budget), Engagi lodge (Standard), Mahogany Springs (Luxury)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Park located?
It sits in western Uganda along the Kampala-Mbarara highway. The drive takes about 3.5 to 5 hours from Kampala. The Main entrance gates include Nshara Gate and Sanga Gate. they are both accessible by road from different areas but mainly after branching off from Kampala- Mbarara high way just a few kilometers from the main road and there fore this makes it nearest and most accessible national Park from Kampala.
What makes it unique?
It is the only national park in Uganda that offers horseback safaris. It is famous for large herds of zebras, impalas, and elands.Elephants and rhinos are absent, making guided walking safaris very safe and popular. Horse back riding is a very important activity here, cyclingf tours are also offered here and nature walks are very common since it one of the safest National parks with the fewest predators.
What animals can I see?
Common ,wildlife can be seen in the National Park for example Zebras, impalas, buffaloes, defassa waterbucks, hippos, and crocodiles.Antelopes like an Eland that is termed as Africa’s largest antelope, and topi. Some Predators can be seen though they are very rare and some of them include Leopards and hyenas seen occasionally on night drives. Some Birds thta are close to over 350 species recorded, including water birds and acacia-dwelling species
What are the main activities?
Some of the main activities in the National Park include Game drives where you can explore savannah tracks for zebras and buffaloes, Boat cruises are also common in the area and you can spot hippos and birds on Lake Mburo. Walking and horseback safaris can’t be left out and helping to get close to wildlife on foot or horseback. Birdwatching is also an important activity helping to discover diverse wetland and woodland species
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Why Choose Friendly Gorillas Safaris.
Transparent Pricing
No surprises. Your quotation explains accommodation, permits, park fees, transport, meals and exclusions before you book.
Responsible Travel
Your journey supports conservation areas, local guides, porters, lodges and communities connected to wildlife tourism.
Expert Local guides
We only work with knowledgeable guides who value wildlife, safety, hospitality and meaningful guest experiences.
With you always
You receive personal support from start to finish. Before arrival and reliable assistance throughout your safari.
Guaranteed Departures
After booking, no surprising changes. Your tours depart when, how and from the same location we mentioned it would.
Your Safari your way
All our safaris are strictly designed around your interests, travel dates, comfort level and budget shape every itinerary.
DON'T WAIT
Book your Lake Mburo adventure safari today
Tell us when you would like to travel, how many people are joining you and what you want to experience. We will help you build a private safari around your destination, accommodation preferences and available time.
Low Season
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, may
Peak Season
Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Dec
Recommended Stay
Buhoma Gorilla Camp,
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