Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park, located in western Uganda, is a compact yet diverse protected area covering approximately 370 square kilometers. Its defining feature is Lake Mburo, after which the park is named, which forms the centerpiece of the landscape and provides a vital water source for the diverse array of wildlife that inhabits the area. The park’s varied habitats include savannas, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and rocky outcrops, creating a mosaic of ecosystems that support a rich and biodiverse ecosystem.

#Highlights Of Lake Mburo National Park

Location: Situated in western Uganda, near the town of Mbarara.

Overview: Known for its scenic landscapes, including savanna, woodland, and wetlands, as well as its population of zebras and impalas.

Getting There by Driving: From Kampala, take the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara route. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Getting There by Flight: The nearest airstrip is in Mbarara, served by domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport.

Facts About Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is a Uganda National Park, with a small size of 270 km2. The Savannah park is located in the Western region of Uganda. Lake Mburo National Park is in Nyabushozi Hills at the center of Kiruhura District, just 4 hours drive from Kampala for a total distance of 240km.

Until Now,  the park still  consists of a few outstanding cultural  testaments, that tourists can easily engage in, such as Rubanga-where  sacrifices were made in the past; Ruroko- home of the Bachwezi then; and Kigarama which housed the King’s servants.

Lake  Mburo, which is the largest of the 14 lakes within Lake Mburo National Park, stands out to be the key attraction. All the 14 Lakes are fed by one major Rwizi River, and linked by several permanent & seasonal marshes. The remaining sections of the park encompasses open savannah & acacia woodland. The half section of the Park to the West, comprising of the rocky slopes and the wooded gorges is covered with Savannah, papyrus swamp & small bands of pristine riparian woodland along the ends of different lakes.

Attractions(What To See) In Lake Mburo

The park is renowned for its population of plains zebras, which roam freely across the open savannas alongside other herbivores such as impalas, topis, and buffaloes.

Lake Mburo is also home to several predators, including leopards and hyenas, as well as an abundance of bird life, with over 350 species recorded within the park’s boundaries. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, and the iconic African finfoot, which is found along the shores of Lake Mburo.

Getting To Lake Mburo National Park

Accessing Lake Mburo National Park is relatively straightforward, with the park located approximately 240 kilometers southwest of Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

Travelers can reach the park by road via a scenic drive that takes approximately 3-4 hours, passing through rural countryside and small towns along the way. Once within the park, visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and budget-friendly campsites, providing something for every budget and preference amidst the tranquil beauty of Lake Mburo National Park.

When To Visit Lake Mburo

The Park can be visited at anytime, because it remains Open all year round. While June, July August, December, January & February are the dry months/season considered best time of the year to Visit Lake Mburo National Park, for an ultimate wildlife viewing as most animals wander to quench around water bodies.

Yet wet months/season of March, April, May, September, October & November  when the park is breathtaking with pristine vegetation, is also suitable time to visit for bird watching and discounted lodge rates.

Things To Do In Lake Mburo

Visitors to Lake Mburo National Park can enjoy a range of activities designed to explore its natural beauty and wildlife. Game drives provide opportunities to observe the park’s resident wildlife up close, with the chance to spot zebras grazing on the savanna, hippos wallowing in the lake, and crocodiles basking in the sun along the water’s edge.

Guided walking safaris offer a more intimate experience, allowing visitors to explore the park on foot with experienced guides and encounter wildlife from a different perspective.