LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
If you are within Kampala and you are looking for that nearest park to spend your holiday then Lake Mburo National Park shouldn’t miss out in your travel plan. This park is situated in western Uganda and shared by districts of Mbarara, Kiruhura and Isingiro. It is the most accessible park in Uganda about 4 hours’ drive from Kampala capital city center. It was established in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and then after upgraded into a reserve in 1963 and into a park in 1983. It covers an area of about 270 square kilometers making it one of the smallest parks in Uganda.
What to see in Lake Mburo National Park
Regardless of its size, there is a lot more for you to see in this spectacular park. The varied wildlife species for you to catch a glimpse while on safari in this park include lions, leopard, zebras, hippos, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, elands, buffaloes, jackals and more than 330 bird species including the martial eagles and red-faced barbets in the acacia-wooded savannah, and papyrus yellow warblers and African fin foots in the wetlands. Besides, there about 13 lakes for you to explore in this park including Lake Mburo and also comes with scattered savanna grassland and forested gorges while patches of papyrus swamp and narrow bands of lush riparian woodland line many lakes.
Amazing things to do in Lake Mburo National Park
This park has a lot more to offer when it comes to safari activities and among others include;
Wildlife viewing
This is one major safari activity that is offered in this park. It offers you a chance to catch a glimpse at varied savanna grassland dwellers in this park. They include among others Burchell’s Zebras, giraffes, leopards, lions, buffaloes, elands, impalas as well as bird species. This activity is done in the morning and in afternoon.
Boat ride
For exciting and thrilling water sport, a boat ride in Lake Mburo is one of a kind. This activity takes you through the beautiful side of the park via Lake Mburo for you to see many water species including hippos, crocodiles, water bird as well as antelopes, buffaloes and other wildlife species that come roaming around shores of the lake. The birds for you sight at while on boat ride in this park include malachite kingfishers, African Fish eagles, blue headed weavers, Rufous long tailed starlings, the pied kingfishers, Hammerkop, Herons, pelicans, the rare shoebill and cormorants.
Bird watching
For birders, Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s most significant birding spot that rewards birders with incredible sights at varied birds such as Coqui Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Brown-chested Lapwing, Grey Crowned Crane, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-faced Barbet a mention but a few. The notable habitats for you to do bird watching in this park include the swampy valleys of Miriti and the Warukiri as well as the roadsides between Rwonyo camp and jetty. The other is Rubanga forest that is accessible using car or alternatively, you take a walk and be rewarded with incredible sight at the red faced Barbet.
Nature walks
Besides, nature lovers are never left out. This park is also ideal for nature walks especially at Rwonyo where a guided walk takes you to the salt lick for you to enjoy views of many wildlife that confine around the salty rocks. The walks on the western side of this lake normally start in the morning and take you about 2 hours. A nature walk around this area offers you a chance to meet many animals including the hyenas that are returning to their dens as well as the hippos coming from the lake as well as breathtaking views over the scenic lakes.
Sport fishing
For those of you who may need challenging water sports, sports fishing is that one most amazing experience you need not to miss to take part while on safari in this park. Lake Mburo features 6 fish species and they include; Tilapia, lung fish, mud fish as well as the Haplochromes. By using the hooks, the visitors can also spend some of their time as they catch this fish, a shade is also provided at the campsite in order to ensure the maximum relaxation for the visitors as they are at the lake. You might walk to the salt nearby as a summary of it all. There is also an observation point which is located in a wooden hide out that offers a good chance to view the 4 different species of animals at any time as they lick the salty soil. This is also done without animal conscience. The tourists might also walk to any area of your interest.
Horseback riding
A horseback ride is an incredible way for you to view variety of wildlife uniquely for instance elands and buffaloes. The others include warthog, topis, impala, duiker, bushbuck, waterbuck and zebras. The four-hour hacks take visitors up to hilltop viewpoints with the option of bush breakfasts or sundowners. This activity is arranged at Mihingo Lodge.
Accommodation
The accommodation options for you to spend a night while on Uganda safari range from budget to luxury. They include Mihingo safari lodge-luxury facility, Mantana tented camp while the mid-range options include Lake Mburo safari Lodge. For budget travelers, the best options include the Eagle’s nest which is tented cottages with bath rooms. Rwonyo rest camp is ideal for low budget and this is operated by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
In conclusion, Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s most accessible park and for visitors with limited time and they wish to have a short tour then this is the best alternative.
