Lake Mburo National Park | Safaris | Lodges | Distance | Animals

Lake Mburo national park is located within the Western Region of Uganda, in Kiruhura District that borders Mbarara district. The park is found suitably near the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda and it may be accessed by road about 240km from the capital city of Uganda Kampala and 30km east of Mbarara.

The park lies at an altitude of 1,220m - 1,828m above sea level and covers a complete area of 370km².   The park is roofed by ancient metamorphic rocks which are said to be in existence quite 500 million years ago and also is Uganda’s smallest savannah national park. The park is covered with much woodland however it was once covered with open savanna. 20% of the parkland is roofed by wetlands along with 13 other lakes within the area, Lake Mburo forms a part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp which always attracts crocodiles, hippos, water birds similarly the swamps harbor secretive papyrus, sitatungas, antelopes, black and yellow papyrus gan Alex, etc.

Lake Mburo national park lies within a rain shadow between Lake Victoria and also the Rwenzori Mountains interlinking it to other tourism destinations of Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National park.   

Lake Mburo was gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. The region was settled by the pastoral groups of Banyankole, Bahima who traditionally herd Ankole cattle, and still do. These groups of pastoralists continued to graze their cattle within the reserve, which was later called off by the western conservationists, who termed them "invaders" in 1981 and later were expelled from the realm after it had been upgraded to park status in 1983. The government of Uganda led by Milton Obote took into action the choice to upgrade the reserve into a park, as part, to weaken the Banyankole, which supported anti-Obote rebels. because the evicted pastoralists weren't compensated for the lost pastureland and with the process, many remained hostile to the upgrade. In 1985, the regime of Obote II fell and therefore the previous residents of Lake Mburo that is the Bahima and Ankole pastoralists re-occupied the park's land, destroying infrastructure, killing wildlife, and expelling the park staff. But half of the park's original expanse was eventually re-gazetted by the National Resistance Movement government in 1986.

HISTORY OF LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

More so, the most story of how Lake Mburo came into existence is an additionally Ankole myth where two brothers called Kigarama and Mburo accustomed sleep in a giant valley and in some unspecified time in the future Kigarama had a dream and he decides to inform his brother that they'd to maneuver. Mburo just ignored his brother and Kigarama conceive to move up into the hills.
The Valley down flooded with water drowning Kigarama’s brother Mburo forming the current, lake which was named after him, and therefore the nearby hills are called Kigarama after his own brother.

There are still culturally significant locations within the parkland area, like Ruroko where the semi-mythical Bachwezi lived, Rubanga, where sacrifices were once made to the gods, and Kigarama was where the pages (servants) of the king accustomed to staying.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The park could be home to a variety of untamed animals like warthog, civets, zebra, hippopotamus, impala, Taurotragus oryx, African lion, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, genets, jackals, and serval cats, among others and over 300 bird species.

The protected area was considered a 'lion conservation unit' by the IUCN in 2005, though lions now not occurring here as they were eliminated by the indigenous people within the 1980s. The park management in 2015 drifted the thought of reintroducing lions to the park since one was spotted within the parkland. However, the lion roamed the nearby communities and eventually attacked and injured three people, causing an oversized crowd of the furious community to hound the animal with stones and sticks. The Uganda Wildlife Authority made the choice to kill the animal because the community was angry and therefore the situation had become dangerous.

The lake has also got different fish species that include; Tilapia, lungfish, mudfish which supply an ideal activity of fishing by the employment of hooks, allowing visitors to the park to spend an honest time on the banks of the lake.

Lake Mburo National Park is a wildlife haven.

Lake Mburo National Park, located in the middle of Uganda, has a unique combination of savannah, woods, and lakeshores, making it a home for a variety of animal species. Despite being one of Uganda's smallest national parks, Lake Mburo is teeming with fascinating fauna and stunning surroundings, making it a must-see for wildlife fans. Let's have a look at the incredible fauna that lives in Lake Mburo National Park.

Burchell's Zebras

Lake Mburo is one of the few places in Uganda where you can find Burchell's zebras. These striking creatures, adorned with their distinct black and white stripes, wander the savannah in small groups, adding an element of uniqueness to the park's wildlife sightings.

Impalas

Impalas, with their reddish-brown coats and elegant curved horns, are a common sight in Lake Mburo National Park. These graceful antelopes graze the open grasslands and are often seen in sizable herds.

Elands

The park is home to the world's largest antelope, the eland. These impressive creatures, with their distinctive twisted horns and large size, can often be spotted wandering the plains.

Buffalos

Buffalos are a key feature of Lake Mburo's wildlife population. These robust creatures can be found near water sources and in the park's grasslands, and their presence adds a sense of wildness to the landscape.

Topis

Topis, also known as the "Swamp Antelope," are found in abundance around Lake Mburo's wetland areas. Their unique reddish-brown coat and distinctively curved horns make them a captivating sight.

Warthogs

Warthogs, with their distinctive facial warts and characteristic way of moving on their knees, are a common sight in the park. They can often be seen foraging for food on the grasslands.

Hippos

The lakeshores of Lake Mburo are inhabited by a population of hippos. These massive herbivores are often seen resting in the water during the day and emerging onto the land at night to graze.

Crocodiles

In addition to hippos, the lake is home to Nile crocodiles. These ancient reptiles can be spotted basking in the sun on the lakeshore or lurking beneath the water's surface.

Birdlife

Lake Mburo National Park boasts an impressive array of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. From the African fish eagle to the African finfoot, the park's diverse habitats attract a wide variety of avian residents.

Safari Activities at Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park: Extraordinary Adventures

Lake Mburo National Park, a hidden jewel in Uganda's centre, provides a variety of safari activities that allow you to engage with the park's unique species and magnificent surroundings. Lake Mburo delivers an astonishing selection of safari experiences, from wildlife drives that expose the park's distinct residents to boat safaris that provide a fresh viewpoint on its beauty. Let's go on a safari adventure to explore the fascinating safari activities that await you in this wonderful park.

Game Drives

Venture into the heart of Lake Mburo's savannah and woodlands on guided game drives. Led by experienced rangers, these excursions offer the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, from zebras and impalas to buffalos and antelopes. The tranquil landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for these captivating wildlife sightings.

Boat Safaris on Lake Mburo

Embark on a boat safari on the tranquil waters of Lake Mburo, which forms the heart of the park. As you glide across the lake, you'll have the opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. The serene atmosphere and stunning reflections on the water make this experience truly magical.

Guided Nature Walks

Explore the park on foot during guided nature walks. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you'll have the chance to discover the park's smaller inhabitants, learn about its flora and fauna, and gain insights into its delicate ecosystems. This intimate experience provides a deeper connection with Lake Mburo's natural beauty.

Birdwatching Excursions

Lake Mburo National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 350 bird species recorded within its boundaries. Birdwatching excursions offer the chance to spot various species, including the African fish eagle, kingfishers, herons, and the elusive African finfoot.

Night Game Drives

Experience the thrill of Lake Mburo after dark with night game drives. Equipped with spotlights, you'll venture into the park's nocturnal world, where creatures like bushbabies, porcupines, and owls come to life. This unique experience unveils a different side of the wilderness.

Horseback Safaris

For a truly unique perspective, consider embarking on a horseback safari. Guided by experienced riders, you'll explore the park's landscapes from a different vantage point, getting up close to wildlife while enjoying a sense of freedom and adventure.

Cultural Encounters

Interact with the local Banyankole community and learn about their traditional way of life. Engaging in cultural encounters provides a deeper understanding of the human-wildlife connection and the importance of conservation.

Best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park

Selecting the Best Season for Your Safari Adventure

Timing is critical when visiting Lake Mburo National Park to have an ideal safari experience. The shifting seasons have an impact on the park's rich animals, gorgeous vistas, and diversity of activities. Understanding these seasons can assist you in making the most of your trip. Let's look at the ideal dates to visit Lake Mburo National Park, each with its own set of benefits for your safari journey.

Dry Season

(June to August and December to February): The dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, are widely regarded as the best times to visit Lake Mburo National Park. During these months, the weather is generally dry, and the skies are clear, creating excellent conditions for wildlife sightings, photography, and outdoor activities.

Wildlife Viewing: The dry seasons are when animals are most active and easily spotted. As water sources become scarcer, wildlife congregates around Lake Mburo and other remaining waterholes, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe various species, from zebras and impalas to buffalos and hippos.

Comfortable Temperatures: The dry seasons are characterized by comfortable temperatures during the day, making game drives, boat safaris, and nature walks enjoyable and pleasant.

Birdwatching Bonanza: The dry seasons also coincide with prime birdwatching conditions. Migratory birds from Europe and Northern Africa arrive in the park, joining the resident avian species to create a vibrant and diverse birdlife.

Shoulder Seasons

(March to May and September to November): The shoulder seasons, from March to May and September to November, are characterized by occasional rain showers and cloud cover. While the trails may be wetter, the park's lush vegetation offers a beautiful backdrop for photography and a unique perspective of Lake Mburo's landscapes.

Fewer Crowds: During the shoulder seasons, the park tends to be less crowded, allowing for a more intimate safari experience and the opportunity to enjoy its natural beauty in a quieter setting.

Wildlife Births: The wetter months often lead to an increase in wildlife births, as animals take advantage of the abundance of food and water. This can result in heartwarming sightings of young animals.

Mihingo Lodge

Rwakobo Rock

Eagles Nest

Arcadia Cottages

Emburara Farm Lodge