3 Day Lake Mburo Wildlife Safari in Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park

Few places in Uganda will capture and hold your attention like the tiny Lake Mburo National Park. If you are interested in relishing off-the-beaten-track experiences during your trip to the Pearl of Africa, then a visit to western Uganda will soothe your emotions.

Expanse of Lake Mburo National Park

Wedged in the western side of Uganda between Kiruhura and Mbarara districts, this outstanding protected area is more than just a quick stopover for visitors exploring the western circuit. It is made up of about 143 square miles of savannah grasslands, permanent and seasonal swamps, acacia-dominated valleys, and forests.

The park derived its name from the beautiful Lake Mburo, the largest water body in the area. This lake, alongside 13 others in the region, is part of an extensive 31-mile-long wetland system. Surprisingly, over 20% of the park’s surface is marked by swampy habitats, and the largest part of its land surface is covered by woodland. However, there is no single elephant to tame this vegetation, although Rothschild giraffes were introduced in 2015.

History of Lake Mburo National Park

This park became a controlled hunting area in 1933 and a game reserve in 1963. However, because the nearby community of Bahima pastoralists continued grazing their huge herds of cattle within the protected area, the site was made a national park in 1983.

Unfortunately, the animals’ future remained uncertain because of insecurity caused by pastoralist activities. The Bahima were unfairly evicted from the protected area without compensation, which brought about resentment toward the park authorities and conservation efforts. This resentment led to the poisoning of some wildlife.

Location

As one of the safari destinations in the western circuit, Lake Mburo National Park sits comfortably between Kiruhura and Mbarara districts, close to the Kampala-Mbarara highway connecting to other parts of western and southwestern Uganda. Additionally, it is only 18 miles east of the city of Mbarara and about 149 miles by road west of Kampala city, making it the most accessible national park in Uganda.

What to see

Lake Mburo National Park is a remarkable blend of beautiful ecosystems and habitats that include savannah bushlands, permanent and seasonal wetlands, thickets, grassy valleys, lakes, dry hillsides, open and wooded savannah, rocky outcrops, and forest. These offer shelter to incredible species of animals and birds.

The park is home to over 70 mammal species. You may encounter Defassa waterbucks, warthogs, Cape buffaloes, common elands, impalas, Burchell’s zebras, oribis, sitatunga, spotted hyenas, reedbucks, Rothschild giraffes, topis, olive baboons, klipspringers, vervet monkeys, leopards, bush pigs, genets, duikers, hippos, bushbucks, serval cats, jackals, blue monkeys, and many more.

Over 350 bird species also call this park home. Common sightings include saddle-billed storks, bare-faced go-away birds, Tabora cisticolas, blue-breasted kingfishers, African finfoots, hairy-breasted barbets, African fish eagles, red-faced barbets, Nubian woodpeckers, papyrus yellow warblers, shoebill storks, Carruther’s cisticolas, African wattled lapwings, grey-crowned cranes, Ross’s turacos, African scops owls, yellow-rumped tinkerbirds, and brown-chested lapwings.

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Meals as stated in the itinerary.

Best safari experiences

Guided game drives

Game drives are one of the most exciting ways to get up close to the animals and take in the breathtaking landscapes. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times, as visitors avoid the scorching heat. A Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger is always on board to help identify animals such as olive baboons, zebras, common elands, reedbucks, Defassa waterbucks, Rothschild giraffes, and Cape buffaloes.

Boat rides

Boat rides provide outstanding opportunities to enjoy the calm waters and their shores, along with unique animals such as hippos, Nile crocodiles, and antelopes. You will also spot extraordinary bird species including African finfoots, grey-crowned cranes, pelicans, saddle-billed storks, and white-backed herons.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris immerse you in the unspoilt wilderness and bring you closer to animals, birds, and breathtaking landscapes. Armed guides lead you to incredible spots such as the salt lick, lakeshores, and Rwonyo area.

Birding tours

Birding tours are available for both first-time and seasoned birders. Led by expert guides, they allow you to spot and photograph species such as African fish eagles, papyrus yellow warblers, blue-breasted kingfishers, brown-chested lapwings, grey-crowned cranes, saddle-billed storks, and shoebill storks. The verdant Rubanga forest is a prime birding spot.

Horseback rides

One of the most unique ways to experience wildlife here is on horseback, provided by Mihingo Safari Lodge. These rides, offered twice a day, allow you to encounter Burchell’s zebras, giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, elands, and warthogs up close.

Rubanga forest walks

A network of trails through Rubanga forest introduces you to unique tree species, primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, as well as at least 14 bird species.

Cycling safaris

Cycling tours provide a different way to explore the park while spotting zebras, impalas, Cape buffaloes, warthogs, topis, giraffes, and elands. The landscape of savannah plains, rolling hills, and green valleys makes cycling particularly scenic.

Quad biking

Lake Mburo National Park is the only place in Uganda where you can enjoy quad biking in the wilderness. Trails such as the Ankole trail, Eland trail, and Ruroko trail lead you to animals including Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, reedbucks, impalas, oribis, zebras, olive baboons, Rothschild giraffes, and giant elands.

Best time to visit

The best time to go on safari to Lake Mburo National Park is during the dry seasons — December to February and June to September — when water becomes scarce and animals gather at the few remaining water points, making them easier to spot. However, all activities can still be enjoyed during the wet season.

• 2 nights’ accommodation with meals as indicated in the itinerary above
• Activities shown in the itinerary
• Park fees
• Equator experiment
• Game drive
• Nature walk
• Boat ride on Lake Mburo
• Services of an experienced English-speaking driver guide
• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Government taxes

• International flights
• Visas
• Insurance
• Optional activities
• Tips
• Drinks
• Items of personal nature

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.