Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda`s smallest national parks at an area of 370km2. Lake Mburo National Park is located in western Uganda in Masaka- Mbarara dry corridor in Mbarara district. Lyantonde town is the nearest town to the park. The Park`s altitude ranges from 1,220m – 1,828m above sea level. Lake Mburo National Park is named after the lake which lies in this territory- lake Mburo. Most of the park`s vegetation is covered by open savannah of acacia trees Olea and Boscia. The biggest advantage with this park is that it is the nearest park to Uganda’s capital-Kampala and it takes only 4 hours drive from Kampala
- Best visited in dry season
- Uganda, East Africa
- Wildlife to see
- Can rain any time
- Good fitness level required
Tourist Attractions
Lake Mburo National park is a small park but gifted with a lot of attractions particularly animals and birds. The grasses and trees of Lake Mburo National Park perhaps favor the wildlife because over 70 species of mammals are recorded in this park including animals like lions, buffalos, giraffes, spotted hyenas, waterbucks, bushbucks, hippos, leopards, Topis, Oribis, Zebras, the Uganda Kobs and of course a very large number of Impalas where Uganda`s capital-Kampala got its name.
Wildlife Game Drives
Lake Mburo National Park is gifted with various natural features which attract many people from many corners of the world to come and visit the area. The park is endowed with nutritious grass which favors most of the wild animals-even cows like this grass! (No wonder many cattle keepers surround Lake Mburo National Park).
This means many wild animals are attracted into the area and therefore visitors can undertake game drives to enjoy the sights of these animals using the well demarcated trails. Some of the animals one should highly expect to see include giraffes (which were recently introduced in the area) Impalas, zebras, buffalos among others, on a lucky day, animals like lions and leopards can also be sighted.
Lake Mburo- in which the park`s name was derived is also another natural resource which rewards visitors to the park, the banks of the Lake Mburo act as gatherings for most of the animals like the gigantic hippos, and even crocodile. Also other animals come to quench their thirst from this lake. It is good to use the lake side tracks during the game drives in Lake Mburo National Park.
Nature walks
Nature walks is a unique activity that is done in Lake Mburo National Park. This involves visitors walking through the park in their search for animals. It is obviously the best activity that rewards with greater sights of mammals and birds. You do not have to worry about your security while doing this activity, the armed game rangers escort visitors doing the nature walk. In all Uganda’s national parks where very dangerous animals like lions and leopards are, a nature walk can only be done in Lake Mburo national park and Kidepo valley National park.
Birding
Birding is another mesmerizing activity that one can do in Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Mburo national park features forested areas and the lake itself where these birds can be spotted. Lake Mburo National park is a paradise for birders where various species of birds (up to 315 species) can be sighted. Some of the bird species include the rare Shoebill stork.
Boat safaris
Boat safaris along Lake Mburo is also another rewarding activity which rewards with clear sights of various animals that come to quench their thirst on the lake, some live in the lake while others inhabit the banks of the lake. Also expect to encounter various species of birds that live in the swamps around the lake and so many other water birds.
Others include
- Culture- visiting the Igongo cultural sites
- Horseback safaris
- Sport fishing
- Cycling Safaris
- Community visits
Accommodation in Mburo
Lake Mburo National Park feature variety of accommodation facilities from which visitors to the park can make choice. These facilities range from Luxury, Midrange and Budget and among these include;
Up market; Mihingo lodge & Mantana lodge,
Mid-range; Lake Mburo Safari Lodge and Arcadia cottages
Budget; Rwonyo Tented camp and Eagles Nest lake Mburo (
They are others such as Range land Mburo Lodge, Kijuura lodge, Mpogo Safari Lodge, as well as Igongo Cultural Center and Country Hotel which can also be used.
How to get there
Lake Mburo National park is approximately 228km away from Kampala along Kampala Mbarara highway. The park is located on the main road and it takes about 3-4hours drive from Kampala or Entebbe airport. The Main gate is Nshara gate and this is located 13km away from Lyantonde town. Sanga gate also connects at the junction of Sanga trading center and this is about 27km past Lyantonde town.
All the junctions that lead you to the park are clearly indicated by big signposts and there should be no worries about getting lost. All the two junctions lead you to Rwonyo park headquarters and this is about 20minutes away from either side of the park. The most interesting thing is that the road is good-even a two wheel drive can lead you to the park. However, a 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended.