Lake Mburo National Park is the nearest Park when accessing it from Kampala. It is located in the western part of Uganda near Mbarara town.

It is a prime stop over for those who are visiting other Parks in western Uganda like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This protected area is the smallest among Uganda’s savannah parks.

Lake Mburo with other 13 lakes in the area form part of the 50km long wetland system, five of these parks are located within the borders of the Park

If you are after a great taste of the African Wild, Lake Mburo National Park is a no destination to ignore.

Besides vegetation, 20% of Lake Mburo National Park’s area is covered by lakes and fertile wetlands that are part of the greater wetland system that stretches beyond the Park.

On top of swamps and wetlands, the park consists of an area occupied by savannah grasslands and dotted by acacia trees, forested ravines and rocky ridges.

Wildlife in this Park is increasing at a high rate despite the fact that some parts of the Park were encroached by locals and turned them into farmlands.

Over 69 species of mammals breathe life in Lake Mburo National Park’s lush habitats embodying Elands, Rothschild Giraffes, Burchell Zebras, Impala and other Antelope species.

More to see are Buffalos, Defassa waterbucks, Reedbucks, Leopards, Warthogs, Lions, Hyenas, Hippos and Crocodiles.

Lake Mburo National Park is home not only to the wild animals but numerous bird species are typical residents. A total of about 350 bird species are recorded in the Park including forest and water birds.

To list some of the common species, the red-faced barbets, African finfoot, papyrus yellow warbler, brown-chested lapwing, African-wattled lapwing, saddle-billed stork, African scpos owl, Abyssinian ground hornbill and white-winged warbler can’t miss the list.

Getting there

This is the nearest Park to access from Kampala. It is about 230 km and takes 3-4 hours for the drive from Kampala to this Park before reaching Mbarara town.

Setting off from Kampala, you will drive via Kampala –Masaka – Mbarara highway. It includes a layover at the equator. Reaching Akageti town, you branch off and follow a dirt road up to the gate of the Park.

Alternatively, you can access this Park by connecting from other Parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provided that you started with a visit to Kibale forest National Park or Murchison Falls National park.

Activities in the Park.

Game Drives

Game driving usually involves driving around the Park suburbs in a safari vehicle with pop up roof. This is the ideal option of soaking Lake Mburo National Park’s rich biodiversity. This Park features a network of game tracks that traverse the eastern part of the Park.

While in the Park, you can do the game driving via these tracks that wind through picturesque landscapes (including wetlands, rocky outcrops, grassy hillsides and acacia woodlands)

Boat trip along Lake Mburo, Nature walk & Sport fishing

If not game driving, you can also immerse the Park’s rich wildlife from waters while on a boat ride along the waters of Lake Mburo.

The boat ride offers bird’s eye views of rolling hills, stretching vegetation, and some animals like elephants, buffalos along the banks, towering volcanoes and plenty of water bird species.

Besides boat you can be part of the daily arranged guided nature walks for a closer touch with nature and Wildlife.

You can do the walk up to salt licks at Rwonyo, visit Rubanga forest or the hilltop with pleasing lake views.

Tourists are also granted chances to hone their fishing skills while in Lake Mburo National park, the lake is home to six species of fish and the most common is tilapia. Fishing sessions are arranged at Mazinga fishing spot.

Adventure activities like horseback riding.

If you are a seeker of more adventures than relaxed pursuits in Lake Mburo, you can try the horseback riding.

This is rewarding and brings you close to wild animals like topi, duikers, bush buck, Zebras, water-bucks and more

Stop over at the Equator

This is en route, as you drive from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park via Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway; you will stop over at Kayabwe for some information about the equator, pose for photos or have a cup of coffee. The area is dotted with numerous craft shops; you can visit to buy some handmade pieces as souvenirs.

Bicycling Safaris- Lake Mburo

An optional fun filled way to soak up Lake Mburo’s natural wonders. These excursions are guided and last for about one hour or more.

All routes available are perfect both for expert and novice mountain bikers. Memories last when you hit the trails of Lake Mburo National Park and encompassing areas on two wheels.