Lake Mburo National Park shouldn’t be left out of your trip itinerary if you’re seeking for the closest park to spend your vacation in Kampala. The western Ugandan districts of Mbarara, Kiruhura, and Isingiro all border this park. The distance to the park from the heart of Kampala, the country’s capital, is roughly 4 hours. It was first formed as a restricted hunting area in 1933, and was later upgraded to become a reserve in 1963 and a park in 1983. It is one of Uganda’s tiniest parks with a total size of about 270 square kilometres.

Lake Mburo National Park attractions

Regardless of its vastness, this magnificent park has a lot more to offer you. Hippos, zebras, lions, jackals, leopards, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, buffaloes, elands, and more than 330 bird species, such as red-faced barbets and martial eagles in the acacia-wooded savannah and African fin feet and papyrus yellow warblers in the wetlands, are just a few of the diverse wildlife species you might see

This park also has roughly 13 lakes, including Lake Mburo, as well as gorges covered in forest and savanna grassland, papyrus swamp regions, and thin bands of luxuriant riparian woods that flank several of the lakes.

Activities at Lake Mburo National Park

When it comes to safari activities, this park has a lot more to offer, including, among others:

Game Drives

This is one of the main safari activities available in this park. It gives you an opportunity to see a variety of savanna grassland inhabitants in this park. The Grant’s zebra (boehmi), giraffes, lions, leopards, elands, buffaloes, impalas, and several bird species are among them. Both the morning and the afternoon are used for this exercise.

Boat trips

A boat trip in Lake Mburo is a one-of-a-kind water activity that is exhilarating and thrilling. You may witness various aquatic species, including crocodiles, hippos, and water birds, as well as buffaloes, antelopes, and other animal species that wander along the lake’s beaches, during this adventure, which takes you through the lovely side of the park through Lake Mburo.

Malachite kingfishers, blue-headed weavers, African Fish eagles, Rufous long-tailed starlings, Hammerkop, the pied kingfishers, pelicans, Herons, cormorants, and the uncommon shoebill are among the species you may see when taking a boat excursion in this area.

Bird Watching

One of Uganda’s top birding locations is Lake Mburo National Park, which offers incredible views of a variety of birds, including the Coqui Francolin, Rufous-bellied Heron, Emerald-spotted Wood, Bateleur, Grey Crowned Crane, Bare-faced Go-Away Bird, Brown-chested Lapwing, and Red-faced Barbet, to name a few. The marshy valleys of Miriti and Warukiri, as well as the roadside areas between Rwonyo camp and the jetty, are significant sites for bird observation in this park. The other is the Rubanga Forest, which can be reached by automobile or alternatively, you may walk there and be rewarded with amazing views of red-faced Barbets.

Nature Walks

Additionally, those who like nature are never excluded. This park is perfect for nature treks, particularly at Rwonyo, where a guided tour leads you to the salt lick where you may see a variety of animals that congregates around the salty rocks. Usually beginning in the morning, the hikes along this lake’s western shore last for around two hours. A nature walk in this region gives you the opportunity to see a variety of species, such as hyenas who are making their way back to their burrows and hippos that are emerging from the lake, in addition to stunning views of the picturesque lakes.

Sport Fishing

Sport fishing is the most spectacular experience you must not miss to participate in while on a safari in this area if you need tough water sports. Tilapia, mud fish, lung fish, and haplochromes are just a few of the six fish species found in Lake Mburo. The tourists may spend part of their time using the hooks to capture these fish, and a shade structure is also available at the campground to further promote guest relaxation while they are at the lake.

As an overview, you could take a short stroll to the neighbouring salt pond. The four distinct types of animals may be seen at any moment licking the salty earth from the observation post, which is housed in a wooden hideout. Additionally, it is done inhumanely against animals. The visitors may also choose to stroll to any point of interest.

Horse riding

A horseback ride is a fantastic chance to see a variety of species, including buffaloes and elands, up close. The others include zebras, warthogs, impalas, topis, bushbucks, duikers, and waterbucks. Visitors are given the choice of bush breakfasts or sundowners on the four-hour hacks that take them to high vistas. The Mihingo Lodge has organised this activity.

Lake Mburo National Park accommodations

While on a safari in Uganda, you have a variety of lodging choices, from inexpensive to opulent. They consist of the luxurious Mihingo Safari Lodge, the Mantana Tented Camp, and the Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, which is in the middle of the range. The Eagle’s Nest, which consists of tented cabins with bathrooms, is one of the finest choices for tourists on a tight budget. The Uganda Wildlife Authority runs the Rwonyo Rest Camp, which is best for those on a tight budget.

In conclusion, Lake Mburo National Park is the most easily accessible park in Uganda, making it the ideal choice for travellers who have a limited amount of time and want to do a quick tour.