Lake Mburo National Park is situated in the western part of Uganda, in the Kiruhura District, adjacent to the Mbarara District. It sits on an area covering 260 sq km, hence making it the smallest Savannah Park in Uganda. Lake Mburo is the centre of activities in the park, but there are 11 other lakes around the area. There is a local Ankole myth and legend about two brothers, Kigarama and Mburo, who once lived in a big valley around the park.
Kigarama had a revelation in a dream that warned of a danger that would befall them if they continued staying in the valley. He shared his dream with Mburo, who didn’t believe him. Kigarama moved to safety on the hills away from the valley. One day, the valley was flooded with water that eventually drowned Mburo. The lake was named Mburo, and the nearby hills Kigarama.
The park is located about 240 kilometres southwest of Kampala, the capital city, and is accessible by both road and air, making it a convenient destination for tourists looking to explore the rich natural heritage of Uganda.
Climate
Lake Mburo National Park lies in a rain shadow between Lake Victoria and the Rwenzori Mountains, and receives an average of 800 mm of rain a year. Being near the equator, the rainfall pattern is bimodal, with the long rains occurring from March to June, and the short rains from September to December.
The rains are rather erratic and unpredictable, but most rain tends to fall in April and November. The best time to visit the park is actually the beginning of the rainy season in March or September. The average recorded temperature is 26° C with daily variations ranging from 14° C to 32° C. July and August are the hottest months, but December and January can also be very hot.
In the evenings or on a rainy day, it can get quite chilly no matter which time of the year it is and on a sunny day, it will always be hot and feel even hotter in the rainy season because of the increased humidity. Generally, Lake Mburo has nearly the perfect climate with warm, but not over hot days and slightly colder nights.
Wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, making it an excellent destination for safaris and nature walks. While it may not boast the same large mammal populations as Uganda’s more famous parks like Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo has a unique charm and a diverse array of species that make it special in its own right.
Large Mammals
Among the large mammals in the park, the most notable are the zebras. Lake Mburo is one of the few places in Uganda where you can see large herds of zebras. The park is also home to several species of antelope, including impalas, topis, eland, and Oribi. Additionally, you can spot buffalo and giraffes, though the latter is a relatively rare sighting.
One of the standout features of Lake Mburo is the opportunity to see animals in proximity, as the park has fewer visitors than other national parks. This allows for a more intimate and serene experience, where you can explore the park’s wildlife at your own pace.
While Lake Mburo does not have the “big five” (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffalo), it offers a unique chance to spot animals that are harder to see elsewhere, particularly because of its mixture of open savanna, forests, and wetlands.
Birdlife
Lake Mburo National Park is an excellent destination for birdwatching, with more than 350 bird species recorded within its boundaries. The combination of wetlands, savanna, and lake habitats creates an ideal environment for a wide variety of birds.
Some of the notable species you can expect to see include the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, grey crowned crane, and woodland kingfisher. For bird lovers, the park offers a unique opportunity to spot both waterfowl and terrestrial bird species. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for birdwatching, as the birds are most active during these times.
Other Wildlife
In addition to its large mammals and birds, Lake Mburo also offers a rich array of smaller wildlife creatures, including crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and various reptile species. The wetland areas around the lake are particularly rich in aquatic life, making it an ideal place for boating safaris and wildlife observation.
Activities to do in Lake Mburo National Park
Guided Nature Walks: Unlike in the other park in Uganda, nature walks can be taken in any part of the park under the arrangement and guidance of an armed guard from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. While on the nature walk, you will get to see the various antelopes, Zebras, buffalo and giraffes grazing.
Watch out for the butterflies and birds, too. During the morning walks, you might even encounter hyenas going to their dens after the night’s hunt or hippos heading to the water after grazing on land.
The Lakeside Track: Related to the nature walk is the walk through the established Lakeside Track in the southern part of Lake Mburo. This track allows visitors to spot bush duiker and marvel at the dense woodland. The track leads up to the Kigarama summit, which allows for great views of Lake Mburo and the greater national park.
Fishing: The numerous lakes and spots like Mazinga offer opportunities for fishing species like the Tilapia, Haplochromes, mud fish, lung fish and mud fish. Mazinga fishing spot is located in a safe section of Lake Mburo with no crocodiles or hippos.
Visitors can take part in sport fishing and arrange for someone to help fry the fish back in their lodge. There are shades near the fishing points that ensure relaxation in-between fishing session. Mission Africa Safaris can help arrange gear (hooks and bait) and acquire fishing licenses for travellers before they arrive for their safari.
Cycling Safaris
For those looking for a more active way to experience the park, cycling safaris are another unique option. Guided cycling tours allow visitors to explore the park at a slower pace, giving them a chance to interact with the environment and its wildlife in a different way. It’s an exciting way to see the park while getting some exercise in the great outdoors.
Cultural Experiences
Lake Mburo National Park is not only about wildlife but also offers a chance to explore the local culture. The park is surrounded by several communities, particularly the Banyankole people, who have a rich history and culture that tourists can learn about.
Visitors can take part in cultural tours that include visits to local villages, traditional dances, and insight into the lives of the communities around the park.
Boat Cruise: A boat cruise along Lake Mburo will help unlock all that is beautiful about the Park. This is more so during the dry season when most of the animals come for a drink. During the boat cruise, visitors can spot zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, otters and buffaloes.
The commonest birds during the boat cruise include African Fish Eagles, Blue-headed Weavers, Cormorants, Green-necked Doves, Hammerkops, Herons, Malachite Kingfishers, Pelicans, Pied Kingfishers, Rufous Long-tailed Starlings and Shoebill Storks. The duration of the boat cruise is not fixed and is open to negotiation.
Rubanga Forest Walk: The forest walk is usually arranged by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in advance and starts from the Western shores of Lake Mburo. Rubanga forest is a great place for birding, and over 42 species can be spotted during the forest walk.
Some of the tree species to look out for while in Rubanga forest are Acacia, Fig Trees, Markhamia, Palm and Platycaluz, among others. The bird species include the double-toothed barbet, green pigeon, Grey-backed cameroptera, harrier hawk, narina trogon and the much sought-after Shoebill Stork.
The Salt Lick: An armed ranger can lead you for a guided walk to the Salt Lick, where animals lick the salty soil found in the area. Observation points have been identified by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to allow visitors to view all the different species of animals that come to lick the salt, like zebras and antelopes. The activity usually starts in the morning and takes at most two hours.
Horseback Riding: Lake Mburo is one of the two parks in Uganda where visitors can go out to watch game from the back of a horse. Kabwoya wildlife reserve along Lake Albert is the other place where horse riding safaris can be done in Uganda.
Horseback safaris allow visitors to get very close to the animals. The horses appear familiar to the Zebras and even the shy Eland. Though they still keep their distance, they do not run away like they do in the presence of safari cars.
Quad Biking to spot Game: Because there are few big cats, biking is one of the best ways to spot game in Lake Mburo National Park. The Quad bike rides take you in the middle of grazing zebra and surrounding areas to spot the local Banyankole tribe grazing their long-horned Ankole cattle. Quad Biking safaris are special because they take you closer to nature. Visitors need to pack water and snacks while on their quad-biking safari in case of hunger and exhaustion.
When to go to Lake Mburo National Park
Although tourism activities are carried out throughout the year, the best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park is during the dry season. The roads in the park become muddy and difficult to pass through during the rainy season.
Accommodation
There are various accommodation options around Lake Mburo National Park, ranging from budget-friendly campsites to luxurious lodges. Mihingo Lodge, Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, and Rwakobo Rock are some of the more popular and well-regarded options, offering guests comfort, great views, and easy access to park activities.
How to get to Lake Mburo National Park
Since Lake Mburo National Park is located between Mbarara and Kampala, it can be accessed from both places. From Kampala City, it takes about 4 hours of driving to reach the park headquarters. At about 211 km from Kampala on the Kampala-Mbarara highway, there is a signpost on the left pointing to the Nshara gate of the park.
If one is coming from the side of Mbarara, it takes only 47km of driving to reach the park headquarters. The park signpost indicating a right turn can be seen when you reach Sanga. From Sanga, the distance is 12 kilometres to the Rweshsbeshebe Gate of the park. The road from Sanga to the park gate is not built with tarmac and can prove difficult to pass during the rainy season without a good Four Wheel Drive car.
Conclusion
Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s hidden gems, offering visitors a unique combination of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake, embark on a thrilling game drive, or explore the park on foot or by bike, Lake Mburo is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Uganda in a more intimate and serene setting.
