Tucked away in the western side of Uganda is the phenomenal Wildlife Paradise that is Lake Mburo National Park. Combining various natural habitats and ecosystems, this wildlife-rich area is undeniably worth including in any Uganda safari, be it as an independent destination or part of a longer safari. Whether you are planning a Lake Mburo day trip from Kampala, a multi-day visit with other destinations, our ultimate guide provides everything you need to know (where it is located, how to get there, the best time to visit, where to stay, and what to see while there).

Size and Location of Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is tucked away in the western side of Uganda, in the Nyabushozi County of Kiruhura District, and enjoys a strategic location along the way to many western and southwestern destinations.

Covering an area of 37000 hectares, this Protected Area lies at an altitude of 1220 to 1828 meters above sea level. Its landscape is marked by savannah grasslands, woodlands, forests, rock outcrops, scenic Lakes, and wetlands.

Gazetted as a National Park in 1983, this Protected Area first started as a Controlled Hunting Area from 1933, and then a Game Reserve in 1963. Like all the other 9 National Parks and 12 Wildlife Reserves in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Lake Mburo National Park Attractions

An abundance of Wildlife

Lake Mburo National Park boasts a phenomenal abundance and diversity of wildlife, including no fewer than 68 mammal species and several reptile species. Expect to come face to face with Rothschild giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, Olive baboons, Topis, Burchell’s zebras, common elands, spotted hyenas, Cape buffaloes, hippos, Bohor reedbucks, bush pigs, crocodiles, Klipspringer warthogs, leopards, bushbucks, Sitatunga, Oribis, vervet monkeys, and many others.

A plethora of Birdlife

Lake Mburo National Park is arguably one of the best birding destinations in Uganda, with over 350 bird species. Keep an eye out for specials like the shoebill storks, African sacred ibis, African darters, African fin-foot, Africa-wattled lapwing, African open bill, African emerald cuckoos, African fish eagles, red-faced barbets, black-breasted snake eagle, spur-winged lapwings, malachite kingfishers, black-collared barbets, Senegal lapwings, saddle-billed storks, white-headed vultures, bateleur, Red-chested sunbird, pink-backed pelicans, grey-crowned cranes, black-bellied bustards, blue-headed coucals, yellow-billed oxpeckers, Narina trogon, white-bellied go-away, speckled mouse bird, the white-winged warblers, papyrus gonoleks, shoebill storks, whited-headed barbets, brown-chested plovers, pied kingfishers, tropical boubou, eastern plantain eaters, pin-tailed whydah, great cormorants, Southern ground hornbills, mosque swallows, long-toed lapwing, red-necked francolins, lizard buzzard, and banded snake eagles, among others.

Things to do during your Lake Mburo safari

Alongside encounters with wildlife species in their natural habitats, Lake Mburo National Park offers visitors several ways to experience the nature and culture of the land. Find out more about what there is to do in the Protected Area and the different ways you can discover wildlife on a safari.

Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

One of the best ways to experience the wildlife that roam the open savannah plains of Lake Mburo National Park is on a game drive. These adventures can happen throughout the day, and visitors have the option of doing more than one per day during the safari. Some animals are more active early morning or throughout the day, while others are nocturnal. While exploring some of the wildlife-rich game tracks such as the Lakeside track, the Zebra Track, Kazuma, and the Kigambira Loop, expect to see leopards, cape buffaloes, Giant elands, Defassa waterbucks, Rothschild giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, bushbucks, and many others.

Boat cruise in Lake Mburo National Park

Many visitors venturing into Lake Mburo National Park are yearning to come face to face with the large Buffalo herds it is known for. One way to come across buffaloes, Hippos, and Nile crocodiles in the wild is on a boat safari. Visitors can choose between a standard boat safari that caters to large groups of up to 20 people or the smaller boat to enjoy a more intimate experience. You will experience incredible birding sightings (such as African fish eagles, Egrets, Kingfishers, and herons), lots of game viewing, and sunsets along Lake Mburo.

Bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park

Over 350 bird species have been recorded in activities in Lake Mburo National Park, hence making it a wonderful safari destination to go birding. Boat cruises are a wonderful way to see a variety of waders and other aquatic and wetland-related bird species. The African fish eagles, white-winged warblers, or African fin foot, whose distinctive calls stick with you forever, are also a highlight of the boat trips.

Sport fishing in Lake Mburo National Park

No safari to Lake Mburo National Park would be accomplished without a sport fishing trip. Attempt to capture any of the 6 other fish species around the Mazinga area. Anglers are required to have permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority before undertaking these adventures in Uganda’s smallest savannah National Park.

Guided nature walks in Lake Mburo National Park

Guided nature walks are an excellent safari experience for closely observing the wilderness in Lake Mburo National Park, and reach places that are otherwise not reachable during game drives. There are several places in this Park to undertake guided nature walks, and these include Rubanga Forest.

Horseback rides in Lake Mburo National Park

If you are looking for a unique Uganda wildlife safari experience that brings you closer to the wilderness, a horseback safari could be the perfect adventure for you. Explore the stunningly diverse landscapes and see incredible wildlife in an eco-conscious way. This adventure provides visitors with the phenomenal experience of riding alongside Cape buffaloes, Burchell’s zebras, Rothschild’s giraffes, giant elands, and many others.

Cycling safaris in Lake Mburo National Park

Cycling safaris during Lake Mburo National Park tours present an incredible and intimate way to explore the wilderness. Unlike game drives, cycling makes it possible to be part of the natural environment, experience the bush with all your senses, feel the African sun, and breathe in the earthy scents of the savannah.

Village Tours around Lake Mburo National Park

Learn about the fascinating culture and heritage of the area by meeting its residents. A village tour through the Bahima and Banyankole communities allows you to experience their rich traditions and discover some of the local customs and rituals of the local area.

When to go to Lake Mburo National Park

For the best wildlife viewing experiences, visit Lake Mburo National Park during the June to September dry season. The dry season is when animals are forced to converge at watering points, hence making them easier to spot.

The weather is also cooler, drier, and less humid at this time of the year, with lots of sunshine during the day. For the rainy season (March to May, and October to November), the vegetation becomes denser, and animals freely graze in the spectacular grasslands. However, this season is the best time for birding and offers cheaper rates.

Where to stay

Accommodation options in and around Lake Mburo National Park range from public camp sites to Private Safari Lodges and Tented Camps. Top options include Mihingo Safari Lodge, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Mburo Eagles Nest, Hyena Hill Lodge, Kigambira Wilderness Lodge, Leopard Rest Camp, Rwakobo Rock, Mburo Safari Lodge, Arcadia Lodge Mburo, and many others.

How to get there

The closest Town with an Airstrip is Mbarara, just one hour’s drive away from the Sanga Gate, one of the Park’s main entry points. Mbarara airstrip connects to Entebbe International Airport and other airstrips in the country, hence making a side-trip easy from anywhere in the country. This is so far the easiest way to get to the Park, then be picked up from the Airstrip for a transfer to your Lodge or Camp by road.

It is also possible to access the National Park by road. There are three gates: Kyanyanshara Gate for those planning to stay at Mihingo Safari Lodge, which is 18 kilometers south of Akagate Trading Center; Nshara Gate (which is 14 kilometers west of Lyantonde), and Sanga Gate (13 kilometers from Sanga Trading Center). The main route is the Kampala-Masaka road, and most routes involve a stopover at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photography.