2-3 DAYS LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK (LNP)

Lake Mburo National Park is a beautiful and diverse protected area located in the western part of Uganda, East Africa. Covering an area of approximately 260 square kilometers (150 square miles), it is one of Uganda’s smaller national parks but offers a unique blend of wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural significance.

Lake Mburo National Park was made a national park in 1983 to preserve its distinctive ecosystems and species. The park is an essential component of the greater ecology in the area and helps to conserve Uganda’s species.

Located in western Uganda’s Mbarara District, along the Kampala-Masaka highway, Lake Mburo National Park is about 240 kilometres (150 miles) away from Kampala, the country’s capital.

The park is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills, lush forests, savannah plains, and, as the name suggests, a series of fourteen small, interconnected lakes. Lake Mburo is the largest of these lakes and forms the park’s centerpiece.

Lake Mburo National Park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including several mammal species. Some of the notable species include impalas, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, topis, waterbucks, elands, and giraffes. The park also supports populations of leopards, hyenas, and various smaller carnivores.

The park boasts a remarkable bird population, with over 350 bird species recorded. Birdwatchers can spot species such as the African finfoot, red-faced barbet, African fish eagle, and the elusive shoebill stork in the park’s wetland areas.

Lake Mburo National Park is inhabited by numerous reptile species, including the Nile crocodile, various snake species, and monitor lizards.

The park offers guided game drives, allowing visitors to explore the savannah and observe its wildlife, including the chance to see herds of zebras, impalas, and buffaloes.

Lake Mburo is known for its boat safaris, providing an excellent opportunity to view hippos, crocodiles, and various waterfowl. The birdlife around the lakeshore is particularly impressive.

Guided nature walks are available, allowing visitors to experience the park’s diverse ecosystems up close, spot wildlife, and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

A unique way to explore the park is by embarking on a horseback safari, which provides a quieter and more immersive wildlife viewing experience.

Lake Mburo National Park is situated in an area inhabited by the Banyankole people. Visitors can engage in cultural experiences like traditional dance performances and village visits to learn about local customs and traditions.

Practical Information

The park offers various accommodation options, including lodges and campsites, catering to different budgets and preferences.

The dry season, from June to August and December to February, is considered the best time to visit for optimal wildlife viewing.

Lake Mburo National Park is a hidden gem in Uganda, offering a unique blend of wildlife, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a birder, or someone seeking a tranquil natural escape, this park has something to offer everyone.

You can see species that are more active at night when you go on a nocturnal game drive. The following day, you might experience being in the wild with wildlife by going on a morning nature walk. After lunch, you might travel to the Rubanga forest, which has some really lovely canopies, and, if you’re not frightened of falling off a horse, you might even go horseback riding.

Activities;

• Game drives
• Nature walks
• Birding
• Horseback riding
• Nocturnal tours

Price (per person): $400