Lake Mburo National Park – Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park – Uganda Wildlife Safari Experience

Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda. It is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks and is underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years. It is home to 350 bird species including the marabou stock and the crowned crane as well as zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, oribi, defessa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, topi, crocodile, and reedbuck.

Together with 13 other lakes in the area, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. Five of these lakes lie within the park’s borders. Once covered by open savanna, Lake Mburo National Park now contains much woodland as there are no elephants to tame the vegetation. In the western part of the park, the savanna is interspersed with rocky ridges and forested gorges while patches of papyrus swamp and narrow bands of lush riparian woodland line many lakes.

Lake Mburo National Park
Wildlife Tour in Lake Mburo

 

Things to do in Lake Mburo National Park

1. Wildlife Game drives

The park’s varied habitats support 68 mammal species. Rarities include impala, which in Uganda only lives in Lake Mburo national park, and Burchell’s zebra and eland which are found only here and in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Other species include warthog, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, and reedbuck. Leopard and hyena are also present while crocodiles and over 300 hippos are found in the lake. Previously extinct in the park, lions have recently been sighted again.

2. Birding

Around 350 bird species have been recorded to date. These include the Red-faced Barbet, only seen in Lake Mburo national park, the endemic African Finfoot, and the rare Shoebill.

Other key species are the Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Saddle-billed Stork, Brown-chested Lapwing, African-wattled Lapwing, Carruther’s Cisticola, Tabora (Long-tailed) Cisticola, African Scops Owl, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and White-winged Warbler.

Acacia woodland bird species are especially well represented, while forest species may be found in Rubanga forest. These include Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Hairy-breasted Barbet, and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, among others.

Lake Mburo National Park
saddle billed stork

3. Hiking and Nature Walks

Unusually, the whole park is open to walkers as long as they are accompanied by a ranger guide. At Rwonyo, a guided walk leads to a salt lick where many animals are attracted to the salty rocks.

Walks on the western side of the lake begin at 7 am and take two hours. At this time of day, you may encounter hyenas returning to their dens and hippos retreating to the lake.

Hikes through the woodland provide an opportunity to sight forest birds and mammals, while the walk to the top of the hill rewards visitors with a spectacular view of 9 of the region’s 14 lakes.

Of particular interest to walkers and birders is Rubanga Forest, which may be visited by prior arrangement and in the company of a ranger.

4. Horseback safaris

Horseback safaris are an exciting way to view wildlife, including eland and buffalo. Also commonly sighted are warthog, topi, impala, duiker, bushbuck, waterbuck, and zebra.

The four-hour hacks take visitors up to hilltop viewpoints with the option of bush breakfasts or sundowners. This activity is arranged at Mihingo Lodge.

5. Launch Trips

The wildlife-rich eastern banks of Lake Mburo can be explored during a tranquil two-hour boat voyage. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, buffaloes, and hippos as well as colorful Kingfishers, magnificent Fish Eagles, Hammerkops and their enormous nests, and even the prehistoric-looking Shoebill.

Voyages depart from Rwonyo jetty every two hours (subject to demand) starting at 8 am.

6. Sport Fishing

Lake Mburo contains around six species of fish, with tilapia being the most common. The designated fishing spot is at Mazinga; visitors planning to fish here should carry their own equipment and obtain a permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Getting to Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is located around 230 kilometers west of Kampala, Uganda’s biggest and capital city. To drive from Kampala to Lake Mburo NP would take around 4 hours on the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara highway.

Unlike other national parks, Lake Mburo NP lies along a very popular highway and is by far the easiest to visit while using Uganda’s privately run public transport means.

Lake Mburo’s location along the Kampala Kabale highway makes it an ideal stopover for guests going to or coming from the nearby national parks such as Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Queen Elizabeth.

Areas of Interest in Lake Mburo National Park

1. Rwonyo Rest Camp

Rwonyo is the center for tourism activities in the park. It is the starting point for nature hikes, quad biking, game drives, and forest walks. There is also a small shop selling handicrafts and books.

2. Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo is a natural haven for fauna and flora. The bank teems with animals and birds. Crocodiles and hippopotami are permanent residents, and buffaloes come to drink during the dry season.

The wide variety of resident birds includes Malachite Kingfishers, Pied Kingfishers, African Fish Eagles, Rufous Long-tailed Starlings, Blue-headed Weavers, Green-necked Doves, Hammerkops, Pelicans, Herons, Cormorants, and even rare Shoebills.

3. Rubanga Forest

Though small, this tract of forest on the western side of Lake Mburo national park provides a taste of tropical high forest with a closed canopy and a viewing platform for visitors.

It is home to a variety of forest birds; commoner species include the Harrier Hawk, Green Pigeon, Narina Trogon, and Double-toothed Barbet. Runanga can be explored with a ranger guide.

Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo’s popularity with tourists, both local and international is continually growing. This has led to the development of a wide variety of accommodation infrastructure to suit various preferences and budget options.

Whether you want a budget option or some safari luxury, you will have enough lodges and hotels to choose from.

Relevant safari Packages for Lake Mburo NP

Here are some of our safari packages that include a visit to Lake Mburo National Park for wildlife viewing, walking safaris, birding, launch cruises, and more.