Lake Mburo National Park, located in Kiruhura District in western Uganda, is a small yet vibrant wildlife haven. Spanning approximately 260 square kilometers (100 square miles), it is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks. The park lies about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Mbarara, the largest city in the region, and 240 kilometers (150 miles) west of Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Despite its size, Lake Mburo National Park is rich in both wildlife and natural beauty, offering diverse landscapes and ecosystems that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Named after Lake Mburo, the park features a sculptured landscape of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, seasonal and permanent swamps, and lush grassy valleys. The park’s varied mosaic of habitats, including forest galleries and idyllic lake shores, supports a wealth of wildlife. The bimodal rainfall pattern, typical of equatorial regions, ensures a healthy balance of flora and fauna throughout the year, with long rains from February to June and short rains from September to December.
Vegetation & Landscape
The park’s landscape is primarily open savannah, dominated by acacia trees, olea, and boscia species. The grassy plains and valleys are interspersed with thickets, while the park’s wetlands provide crucial habitats for both animals and birds. These varied ecosystems not only support a wide range of species but also create picturesque scenery for visitors to enjoy.
Wildlife and Birdlife
Despite being Uganda’s smallest savannah park, Lake Mburo National Park boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, offering visitors a unique and diverse safari experience. The park’s landscape of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and wetlands creates the perfect environment for a range of animals, from herbivores and carnivores to aquatic and bird species.
Mammals
Lake Mburo National Park is home to 68 species of mammals, making it a haven for wildlife viewing. Some of the key mammals include:
- Impalas: The park is famous for its large population of impalas, the graceful antelope species after which Uganda’s capital, Kampala, is named.
- Plains Zebras: Lake Mburo has one of the largest populations of plains zebras in Uganda, with these striped herbivores frequently spotted grazing across the open savannah.
- Uganda Kobs: These beautiful antelopes are commonly seen in the park’s grasslands, especially near water sources.
- Buffaloes: Frequently seen around the park’s swamps and lakes, buffaloes often come to drink water during the dry season.
- Topis: Known for their speed and agility, topis are common in the park’s savannah regions.
- Bushbucks and Duikers: These smaller antelopes are also abundant in Lake Mburo, often seen along forest edges and woodland areas.
- Warthogs: These tough and resilient animals are frequently spotted roaming the park’s grasslands and woodland areas.
Predators
While Lake Mburo National Park is primarily known for its herbivores, there are also several predators in the park:
- Leopards: Although elusive and harder to spot, leopards are present in the park, typically hunting at night.
- Spotted Hyenas: These scavengers are often heard more than seen, as their eerie calls can echo across the park at night.
- Crocodiles: Found in the waters of Lake Mburo and other water bodies within the park, crocodiles are permanent residents.
Aquatic Life
Lake Mburo and its surrounding wetlands are vital habitats for aquatic wildlife:
- Hippopotami: Hippos are commonly seen lounging in the waters of Lake Mburo, surfacing occasionally for air and grazing by the lakeshores at night.
- Crocodiles: Crocodiles bask along the banks of the park’s lakes and swamps, waiting for prey to come to the water’s edge.
Birdlife
Lake Mburo National Park is renowned for its bird diversity, with 315 species recorded, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Some of the notable birds include:
- African Fish Eagle: A majestic bird of prey often spotted near water, catching fish with its powerful talons.
- Malachite Kingfisher & Pied Kingfisher: These brightly colored kingfishers are commonly seen near the lake, diving for fish.
- Grey Crowned Crane: Uganda’s national bird, known for its striking plumage and graceful courtship dances, is frequently spotted in the park.
- Shoebill: Occasionally seen in the swampy areas, the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill is a much-sought-after species by birdwatchers.
- Rüppell’s Long-tailed Starling: This striking bird, with its metallic plumage, is another common sight in the acacia woodlands.
- Finfoots, Herons, and Pelicans: The park’s water bodies are also home to several species of water birds, including herons, pelicans, and the elusive finfoot.
- Papyrus Yellow Warbler and Blue-headed Coucal: These birds thrive in the park’s papyrus swamps, adding to the diversity of bird species.
Reptiles and Amphibians
In addition to crocodiles, other reptiles like lizards, geckos, and snakes inhabit the park, as well as numerous species of frogs and toads, particularly around the swampy areas and lakes.
Things to Do in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park, despite being the smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks, offers a range of exciting activities that allow visitors to experience its rich wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. Here are some of the top things to do in the park.
Game Drives
- Day Game Drives: Explore the park’s savannah and acacia woodlands on a game drive to spot animals like zebras, impalas, buffaloes, warthogs, and topis. With over 68 mammal species in the park, a game drive offers an excellent opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Night Game Drives: Lake Mburo is one of the few parks in Uganda that offers night game drives, giving visitors a chance to spot nocturnal animals like leopards, bush babies, and hyenas. It’s a thrilling experience to witness the park’s wildlife after dark.
Boat Safaris on Lake Mburo
A boat trip on Lake Mburo is one of the highlights of visiting the park. The boat cruise provides close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and other animals coming to drink at the water’s edge. The lake is also a haven for water birds such as the African fish eagle, pied kingfishers, herons, pelicans, and the rare African finfoot.
Bird Watching
With over 315 bird species, Lake Mburo National Park is a paradise for bird lovers. The park offers both savannah and wetland habitats for birds, and some of the key species to look out for include the shoebill, grey crowned crane, papyrus gonolek, and red-faced barbet, a species endemic to this region of Uganda. The birdlife can be enjoyed on nature walks, boat safaris, and game drives.
Guided Nature Walks
Lake Mburo is one of the few parks in Uganda that allows visitors to explore on foot. Guided nature walks offer a unique way to experience the park’s wildlife and landscapes up close. You can follow trails that lead through the savannah, acacia woodlands, and wetlands, spotting animals like zebras, impalas, and buffaloes. The Rwamiranda trail offers stunning panoramic views of the park and its lakes.
Horseback Safaris
One of the most unique activities in Lake Mburo National Park is the horseback safari, offered by Mihingo Lodge. This is a fantastic way to get close to the wildlife without the noise of a vehicle. On horseback, you can ride through the park’s savannah and grasslands, observing zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and other animals at a leisurely pace. It’s a peaceful and unforgettable experience.
Bicycle Safaris
Another exciting way to explore the park is on a bicycle safari. Ride through the park’s plains and woodlands while spotting wildlife like impalas, warthogs, and zebras. The biking experience offers a refreshing and eco-friendly way to explore Lake Mburo’s wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Cultural Experiences
Visitors to Lake Mburo can also take part in cultural tours with the local Banyankole communities living near the park. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about the traditional way of life, including cattle herding, local dances, and crafts. A visit to a traditional homestead or “boma” offers insight into the culture of the Ankole people, famous for their long-horned cattle.
Fishing on Lake Mburo
For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Mburo offers opportunities to catch fish like tilapia. You can fish from designated spots on the lake, either during a boat trip or along the shore. Fishing is a relaxing and rewarding activity, with the chance to catch some fresh fish while enjoying the beauty of the park.
Picnics and Scenic Views
The park offers scenic spots where visitors can stop for a picnic while enjoying breathtaking views of the savannah and the lakes. The Kazuma Lookout is one such location, offering panoramic views of the park’s rolling hills and water bodies. It’s a great way to relax and soak in the beauty of the park’s landscape.
Photography
With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Lake Mburo National Park is a photographer’s dream. Whether capturing images of animals in the golden light of dawn or the striking sunsets over the savannah, there are plenty of opportunities to take beautiful wildlife and landscape photos.
Where To Stay in Lake Mburo National Park
Luxury Accommodation
Mid-Range Accommodation
Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Eagle’s Nest Lodge
Budget Accommodation
Hyena Hill Lodge
Leopard Rest Camp
How to Get There
Lake Mburo National Park is located in Kiruhura District, western Uganda, about 240 kilometers (150 miles) west of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. It is conveniently positioned along the Kampala-Mbarara highway, making it easily accessible by road. Here are the main ways to get there:
- By Road
- The most common way to reach Lake Mburo National Park is by road, and the drive from Kampala takes about 4 to 5 hours.
- The route follows the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara highway:
- From Kampala, head west on the Masaka Road to Masaka Town (about 2.5 hours).
- After Masaka, continue on the highway toward Lyantonde, then proceed further west until you reach the park entrance at Nshara Gate, which is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the town of Mbarara.
- The park is approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the main road, with well-maintained access roads leading to the park entrance.