Reasons to visit Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a popular destination for Uganda safaris, especially in the western part of the country. It is located approximately 228 kilometers away from Entebbe Airport, and the journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by car.
If you are interested in a game park excursion in Uganda, Lake Mburo should be at the top of your list. The park offers diverse and captivating scenery, ranging from grassy escarpments along the shoreline to cassia forests. You will also find taller mixed woodlands, aquatic habitats, grasslands, and rocky ridges within the park.
The northern part of Lake Mburo National Park features grassy valley floors that can become waterlogged during the heavy rainy seasons, extending into the wetlands near the lakeshores.
Lake Mburo is home to a rich variety of wildlife, boasting more than 68 mammal species. During early morning or evening game drives, visitors have the chance to encounter animals such as zebras, elephants, impalas, Cape buffaloes, elands, warthogs, statungas, and many others.
Why visit Lake Mburo National Park
Experience the thrill of game drives in Lake Mburo National Park, where a diverse array of wildlife, particularly ungulates, awaits. Embarking on early morning or late afternoon drives increases your chances of encountering captivating animals such as cape buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, statungas, impalas, warthogs, oribi, Defassa waterbucks, and giraffes. Exploring the game tracks in the eastern hinterland may also lead to sightings of savannah animals, including buffaloes. Interestingly, the capital city of Uganda, Kampala, is believed to have derived its name from the impalas that once thrived in the forested areas of the region.
Birding enthusiasts will be delighted by the favorable habitats for various avian species in Lake Mburo National Park. The park’s savannah vegetation is particularly conducive to savannah bird species, offering opportunities to spot remarkable birds such as the Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, African Scops Owl, Papyrus Gonolek, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Red-Faced Barbet, Black Collared Barbet, and more. To enhance your birding experience, it is advisable to enlist the expertise of an experienced and knowledgeable birding guide.
Explore the scenic wonders of Lake Mburo with a boat trip from Rwonyo. As you glide through the waters, marvel at the lush green vegetation surrounding the shores and catch sight of sunning crocodiles and congregations of hippos. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s stunning inhabitants, including pelicans, herons, rare shoebills, and fish eagles. While enjoying the boat trip, you may even witness the skillful casting of nets by sports fishermen, providing an intriguing spectacle.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Lake Mburo National Park by embarking on guided nature walks. Traverse the enchanting Rubanga forest, a small track that offers a glimpse into the wonders of tropical high forests with a closed canopy. Along the way, you may encounter primates such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse array of forest birds that can be identified during this leisurely stroll. Another rewarding option is a guided walk to the salt lick area near Rwanyo, where you can observe a wide range of wildlife, including waterbucks, bushbucks, zebras, statungas, and more, while standing on a timber observation platform.
Indulge in a unique and therapeutic adventure by partaking in privately guided horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park. Witness the park’s wildlife from a different perspective as you ride through its stunning landscapes. This unforgettable experience allows you to spot various wild animals and a plethora of bird species along the way.
Lake Mburo National Park also serves as a convenient stopover for those embarking on a long journey to western Uganda’s safari destinations. If you find yourself with extra days on your African safari itinerary, take a break at Lake Mburo to rejuvenate before continuing your adventure. This is particularly beneficial for those planning to undertake gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as it provides a well-deserved rest from the nine-hour journey.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is accessible throughout the year, as it is only 228 kilometers away from Kampala city. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season when wildlife sightings are optimal and the grass is shorter, improving visibility.
The dry season, which typically spans June, July, August, September, December, and January, attracts a larger number of tourists seeking the best wildlife experiences. It’s worth noting that while the park does not have visitor limitations, accommodations within the park are limited. If you plan to stay overnight, it is advisable to consider accommodations in Mbarara town.
Due to the high demand during the dry season, safari packages may be more expensive. This period coincides with Uganda’s tourism peak season, resulting in increased costs. On the other hand, the low season, which usually occurs from March to May and sometimes in November, offers discounted prices from service providers. This is because fewer people book safaris to Lake Mburo National Park during this time.
If you are on a limited budget, the low season presents an opportunity to visit Lake Mburo National Park at a more affordable rate. You may even have the chance to be upgraded to a higher-priced facility within your budget, depending on your bargaining skills and negotiation power.
How To Get To Lake Mburo National Park?
To reach Lake Mburo National Park, located between Masaka and Mbarara, there are two main gates you can use. The Nshara Gate is approximately 13 kilometers from Lyantonde, and from there, it takes around 20 minutes to reach Rwonyo center. Alternatively, the Sanga Gate is approximately 27 kilometers from Lyantonde, and the drive to Rwonyo center takes about 20 minutes.
If you prefer air travel, daily domestic flights are available from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Lake Mburo National Park. It is advisable to book your seat in advance as these flights tend to fill up quickly. Additionally, charter flights can be arranged from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi, but it is necessary to make prior arrangements for clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority.
