Lake mburo national park is located in western part of Uganda along masaka -mbarara route in Nyabushozi county ,Kiruhura distric in Uganda. The park is the smallest in Uganda covering an area of 370sqkm but with its rich variety of habitats; dry hillsides, rocky outcrops, bushy thickets, open and wooded savannah, forest, lakes and swamps, it is home to a surprising diversity of plants and animals.
Things to do while in Lake Mburo national park.
Game drive.
Lake Mburo national park has more than 68 mammal species and it’s the only park with impala, eland, and klipspringer however other wildlife species spotted include zebra, hippopotamus, warthog, African buffalo, lion, leopard, hyenas, genets, African civet, jackals and serval. These species are spotted during game drive which takes about 2-3 hours driving through the park. Game drive can be early morning or evening hours to sport early raisers and graciers respectively.
Bird watching.
Lake Mburo national park is a birding paradise for bird lovers. Birding in the park involves footing searching for various bird species in their habitants. Birders are advised to pack comfortable hiking boots, water &snacks, rain coat, cameras, binoculars, long trousers and many more. The park is a home of 350 bird species and these include African wattled lapwing, Bare-faced go-away bird, Black-bellied bustard, Greater painted-snipe, Saddle-billed stork and many more.
Nature walk.
Despite the fact lake Mburo national park is 30km away form Mbarara district, visitor may do nature walk in Mbarara district or to surrounded local communities around the park help of or visitors may also do nature walks in the national park. Nature walk is an activity that involves footing under the leadership of the guides. Visitors of nature walks reach in places where tourist vehicles couldn’t each and thus offering the best spot of wildlife species and various bird species. The activity takes about 2-3 hours.
Boat cruise.
Despite the fact that the park name was derived from Lake to be called Lake Mburo, it makes the park the best destination for boat cruise. Boat cruise takes about 2-3 hours sailing on water spotting various bird species like African fish eagle, shoebill stork, pied kingfisher, and various egrets, herons, Ross’s turaco, Narina trogon, and the elusive African finfoot and aquatic animals like crocodiles, hippopotamus, snakes, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, elephants, buffalos and many more.
Horse riding and biking.
Lake Mburo national park is known for horse riding and biking. Visitors may enjoy horse riding and biking within the park as they explore amazing wildlife species and various bird species. During horse riding and biking in the park covers a long distance better than nature walks however they are both led by guides who knows what is best for visitors.
Best time to visit the Lake Mburo national park.
Although the park can be visited annually throughout the year, there is always the best time to visit. Uganda experiences two seasons that is wet season and dry season. The best time to visit the park is during dry season because the roads in the park are clear and various wildlife and bird species are spotted unlike in wet season where animals hide in bushes and birds are few. Wet season in the park makes the roads slippery. The dryer months of June to August and December to January are the best however wet seasons on March to May and September to November still offer excellent wildlife viewing.
How to access the park?
The park can be accessed by either road and air transport.
By road transport, visitors may use public or private vehicles or buses to reach Lake Mburo national park. From Kampala to the park, it takes about 240km that is about 4-5 hours to reach the park. While on the road trip, visitors will enjoy beautiful sceneries like Equator, enjoy African coffee, spot local communities with their road side roasted meat & chicken, rolex and many more that will make the journey shorter and fun.
By air transport, visitors may fly from Kajjassi airstrip or Entebbe International airstrip to Mbarara airstrip. While in Mbarara airstrip, visitors will be picked by the guide to the lodge which will take about 30minutes drive from the airstrip. Whereas from Entebbe airport to Mbarara, will take about an hour and half.
Where to stay while in the park?
Kigambira safari lodge.
Kigambira safari lodge is located in the southern part of lake Mburo National Park as a luxury eco – lodge. The name Kigambira is derived from lake kigambira which is right next to the property. It is a 36km drive into the park off the main Kampala-Mbarara highway nestled between lake kigambira and the Rubaga forest. Indulge in the lap of luxury amidst the untamed wilderness at their exquisite 12 safari lodge cottages which are self-contained with showers, flushing toilets, chairs, tables, mirrors, mosquito nets and facilitates well stocked bar, kitchen, swimming pool, restaurant as visitors enjoy the adventure meeting opulence, creating unforgettable moments under the African sky.
Hyena Hill safari lodge.
Hyena Hill safari lodge is located close to the gate Sanga offering spectacular view of Lake Mburo national park. The lodge s a hidden jewel that provides bold, new Africa context contemporary design architecture and cruises. The lodge has cottages which are self-contained wuth flushing toilets, showers, detergents, slippers, mirrors, beds, mosquito nets, chairs, tables and facilitates well stocked restaurant where delicious meals are served, well stocked bar with soft and hard drinks, laundry, free parking, free wifi, laundry and many more.
While at the lodge visitors will spot various wildlife species and various bird species and many activities can be done liked biking, horse riding, and nature walks.
