Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda.

Lake Mburo National Park is located in the western portion of Uganda, in the district of Kirihura, which is adjacent to Mbarara. It has an area of 260 square kilometers, making it Uganda’s smallest Savannah Park. Although Lake Mburo is the focal point of the park’s activities, there are 11 other lakes nearby.

There is a local Ankole myth and tale about two brothers, Kigarama and Mburo, who once resided in a large valley around the park. Kigarama had a dream that foretold of a disaster that would await them if they remained in the valley. He told Mburo about his dream, and she didn’t believe him. Kigarama went to safety in the highlands, away from Kigarama fled to the hills above the valley. One day, the valley flooded, drowning Mburo.

The lake and surrounding hills were named Mburo and Kigarama, respectively. Although the park is modest in comparison to Lake Mburo Park and the others, it boasts a spectacular scenery of flat meadows, rolling hills, woods, bush thickets, rocky outcrops, lakes, and swamps. The removal of elephants in the park has resulted in the establishment of extensive woods. Lake Mburo is home to some wildlife species that are rare in Uganda’s other parks.

Some of the species are Eland, Klipspringer, Impala, Zebra (5,000 in number), and huge bush rats. Because of the high density of leopards per square kilometer, Lake Mburo National Park is the greatest area in Uganda to spot them. Lake Mburo National Park is located in the rain shadow between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Victoria, resulting in an average annual rainfall of 798 mm.

It is conveniently positioned along a highway that connects Uganda’s capital city, Kampala, to other major national parks and tourist destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Bunyonyi in the western part of the country.

This strategic location makes it tempting to travelers who want to make stops on their lengthy travels to see gorillas in Bwindi or chimps in Kibale Forest Park because of its proximity to Kampala, it is the most conveniently accessible game park for anyone looking to experience Ugandan wildlife after attending a seminar or conference in the capital.

Lake Mburo National Park has had a turbulent history, resulting in the near-total extinction of animals due to poaching and invasion by indigenous tribes in the surrounding area. The park began as a regulated hunting area in 1933 and was converted into a game reserve in 1963.

The reserve was renovated into a wildlife park in 1983 with the goal of expelling local Banyankole pastoralists who were accused of aiding government rebels (led by the current president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni) opposed to Milton Obote’s regime. After the Obote administration fell, pastoralists raided the park, and Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda reclaimed it after driving out the park officials. The park never recovered its original size since the new administration was only able to restore half of the park area for fear of upsetting the residents. Things have changed, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority now collaborates closely with the indigenous communities that live near the park to help safeguard the animals. Lake Mburo National Park has now become a model for how human populations can coexist with wildlife in Uganda. The collaboration between the government and communities has resulted in the successful reintroduction of lions, giraffes, elands, baboons, and other animals. The park is a Lion Conservation Unit.

Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park

Besides lions, the park has animals like buffalo, eland, hippos, impala, jackals, leopards, oribi, reedbuck, topi, warthog, waterbucks, zebras and the recently reintroduced giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park. The main activities in Lake Mburo are game drives (night and day), walking safaris/nature walks, sport fishing, horseback riding, boat trips and birding among others. A tour operator from Naleyo tours and travels can help advise you on how best to spend your time

Birdwatching:

 Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s greatest bird-watching destinations. Birding in Lake Mburo is primarily done in the marshes of Warukiri and Miriti. The African grey hornbill, barefaced go-way bird, black-billed barbet, blue-napped mousebird, brown parrot, common quails, crested francolin, emerald spotted wood dove, greenwood hoopoe, Lilac-breasted roller, Nubian woodpecker, Rednecked Spur, trilling cisticola, white-winged warbler, and Shoebill stork are among the species. Birdwatchers at the Rwonyo camp can also see the Rufous African-wattled plover, Black Bellied Bustard, Coqui francolin, Flappet larks, red-necked spur fowl, Rufous chested Swallow, southern Red Bishop, temminck’s courser, and yellow-throated long claw.

Lake Mburo is an excellent area to see the rare white-backed heron and African finfoot.Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s greatest bird-watching destinations. Birding in Lake Mburo is primarily done in the marshes of Warukiri and Miriti.

The African grey hornbill, barefaced go-way bird, black-billed barbet, blue-napped mousebird, brown parrot, common quails, crested francolin, emerald spotted wood dove, greenwood hoopoe, Lilac-breasted roller, Nubian woodpecker, Rednecked Spur, trilling cisticola, white-winged warbler, and Shoebill stork are among the species. Birdwatchers at the Rwonyo camp can also see the Rufous African-wattled plover, Black Bellied Bustard, Coqui francolin, Flappet larks, red-necked spur fowl, Rufous chested Swallow, southern Red Bishop, temminck’s courser, and yellow-throated long claw. Lake Mburo is an excellent area to see the rare white-backed heron and African finfoot.

Guided Nature Walks:

Unlike in Uganda’s other parks, nature walks can be taken anywhere in the park with the permission and supervision of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority guard. During the nature walk, you will encounter numerous antelopes, zebras, buffaloes, and giraffes grazing. Look out for butterflies and birds. During your morning walks, you might even see hyenas returning to their burrows after a night’s kill or hippos traveling to the river after feeding on land.

The Lakeside Track:

The nature walk is linked to the stroll along the existing Lakeside Track in Lake Mburo’s southern region. This trail allows visitors to see bush duiker and marvel at the lush woods. The trail leads to the Kigarama top, which offers stunning views of Lake Mburo and the surrounding national park.

Fishing:

 Numerous lakes and locations, including Mazinga, provide chances for fishing species such as Tilapia, Haplochromes, mud fish, lung fish, and mud fish. Mazinga’s fishing site is in a safe portion of Lake Mburo, free of crocodiles and hippos. Visitors can go sport fishing and arrange for someone to help fry the fish back at their resort. There are shades at the fishing pots to provide leisure in between fishing sessions. Naleyo tours and safaris can assist guests in arranging gear (hooks and bait) and obtaining fishing licenses prior to their safari.

Day and Night Game Drives:

Game drives in Lake Mburo National Park allow you to see the majority of the park’s animal and bird population. An armed ranger from the Uganda Wild Life Authority (UWA) leads the game drives, assisting in the identification of various animal and bird species.

The “leopard rock” is a famous area to see leopards on a night safari or early in the morning. Hyenas abound in the park, albeit in less numbers than in Uganda’s other major wildlife parks. The night game drives last two hours and are ideal for spotting genets, leopards, bush pigs, mongooses, and white-tailed mongooses.

Boat Cruise:

A boat tour along Lake Mburo will allow you discover all of the park’s beauty. This is especially true during the dry season, when the majority of the animals gather for a drink. During the boat ride, visitors may see zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, otters, and buffaloes.

The most common birds seen on the boat ride include African Fish Eagles, Blue-headed Weavers, Cormorants, Green-necked Doves, Hammerkops, Herons, Malachite Kingfishers, Pelicans, Pied Kingfishers, Rufous Long-tailed Starlings, and Shoebill Storks. The duration of the boat tour is not predetermined and can be negotiated.

Rubanga Forest Walk:

The Uganda Wildlife Authority normally arranges the woodland trek in advance, which begins on the western banks of Lake Mburo. Rubanga forest is an excellent birding location, with over 42 species spotted during the forest tour. Acacia, Fig Trees, Markhamia, Palm, and Platycaluz are some of the tree species to search for while exploring Rubanga Forest. The double-toothed barbet, green pigeon, grey-backed cameroptera, harrier hawk, narina trogn, and highly sought-after Shoebill Stork are among the avian species.

The Salt Lick:

An armed ranger can take you on a guided trip to the Salt Lick, where animals lick the salty earth in the area. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has selected observation locations where tourists can see all of the many species of animals that come to lick the salt, including zebras and antelopes. The action normally begins in the morning and lasts at most two hours.

Horseback Riding:

 Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s two parks where visitors can ride horses and view game.

Horse riding safaris can also be done in Uganda’s Kabwoya wildlife reserve, which is located along Lake Albert. Horseback safaris allow people to get up close to the animals.The horses seem familiar to the Zebras and even the shy Eland. Though they maintain their distance, they do not flee like they do in the face of safari vehicles.

Visiting the Igongo Cultural Center:

The Igongo Cultural Center is about four kilometers from the Sanga Gate. The Banyakitara use the Center to promote their cultural history and traditions. The Banyakitara tribes are the Bakiga, Banyoro, Batooro, and Banyankole.

There is a modest museum where local art crafts and objects relating to their historical cultural customs are shown.Guided tours allow visitors to learn about the tribes’ history and way of lifeTraditional grass houses and native delicacies are on display, among many other items. Visitors can purchase souvenirs such as locally crafted crafts and art items.

Walking Safaris:

 Visitors who arrive by public transportation can take a walking safari around areas like Kazuma Hill.A walking safari will expand your Ugandan experience while also providing something distinct and unusual.

The Kazuma Hill is an ideal location to view the park’s 14 lakes, rolling hills, and neighboring landscapes. Walking alone in the park is prohibited, especially since the park has buffaloes and lions. Hyenas and hippos, which feed outside the Lakes at night, are also potential threats.

Quad bicycling to Spot Game:

 Because Lake Mburo National Park has few big cats, bicycling is one of the finest ways to spot them. The quad bike excursions take you into grazing zebra and neighboring areas, where you can see the native Banyankole tribe grazing their long-horned Ankole cattle. Quad biking safaris are special because they bring you closer to nature. Visitors should take water and snacks for their Quad bike safari in case they become hungry or exhausted.

Note:

Although tourism activities take place all year, the best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park is during the dry season. The park’s roadways become muddy and difficult to navigate during the rainy season.

How to reach Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park, which is located between Mbarara and Kampala, is accessible from both locations. The park headquarters are around 4 hours’ drive from Kampala City. About 211 kilometers from Kampala on the Kampala-Mbarara highway, there is a signage on the left leading to the park’s Nshara gate. Coming from Mbarara, the park headquarters is only 47 kilometers away. When you reach Sanga, you will find a park signage recommending a right turn. From Sanga, the park’s Rweshsbeshebe Gate is 12 kilometers away.

The road from Sanga to the park gate is not paved and might be difficult to navigate during the wet season without a competent four-wheel drive vehicle. Regardless of the direction, travelers intend to travel, public transportation only stops at the main roadway. It will take some time to bring a vehicle from the main road to the main gate.

Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo’s accommodation options (lodges, hotels, and campsites) are separated into three categories: budget, mid-range, and luxury. Accommodation is provided both inside the game park and in adjacent towns such as Mbarara and Lyantonde. There are three public campsites at the Rwonyo park headquarters, as well as luxury hotels such as the Manatana Luxury Tented Camp and the Mihingo Lodge, which we will go over in detail in the following paragraphs.

Mantana Tented Camp:

This luxury camp has been in the park for many years, providing constant and dependable services that keep visitors returning. There are nine tents erected on wooden platforms that offer beautiful views over the game park. The camp runs on solar power and has showers in each room. While dining or lounging on the hotel verandahs, you may observe the lakes and wildlife that roam the park. When it comes to dining, the options include both local and international cuisine. There is a sitting space, a bar, and a restaurant where you may get cold drinks in the evening.

The Arcadia Cottages:

This mid-range lodge, part of the Arcadia complex, is located on Lake Mburo’s shoreline.

The lodge provides a tranquil and peaceful environment ideal for relaxation. Because it is close to Rwonyo (the park’s tourism hub), it is an excellent alternative for people planning game drives, boat excursions, and nature hikes. The services and facilities include a restaurant, a bar, and open fireplaces. The motel offers both self-contained rooms and cottages with double beds, WiFi, and TV.

Rwonyo Rest Camp:

The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages Rwonyo Rest Camp, a budget lodge located within the park. The lodge is grass thatched and was built with made with wood and other locally sourced materials. While staying at the lodge, visitors can observe some of the wild animals that frequent the area. The resort comprises bandas and tented rooms built on high wooden platforms. The bandanas are cheaper and have shared showers, whilst the tented rooms have individual showers. Visitors who bring their own tents are given room in which to set them up.

Lake Mburo Safari Lodge:

This is yet another excellent budget lodge that provides amazing value and solitude while allowing people to enjoy the African nature. This lodge is a favorite among many travelers due to its reasonable lodging rates. The lodge provides family and honeymoon grass thatched cottages. The rooms are self-contained.

The rooms are self-contained and outfitted with locally created furnishings, wardrobes, king-size mattresses, mosquito nets, baths, and bathtubs. The honeymoon cottage includes a kitchen, refrigerator, and coffee maker. The terrace is a fantastic place to unwind in between park activities. Meals and drinks are available at the main bar and restaurant, which also caters to vegetarians.

Eagle’s Nest resort:

This low-cost resort is constructed on a hill near Lake Mburo Park. The hill provides a wonderful view of the majority of the park. During dinner, you can hear bush sounds, roaring lions, crickets, and other nocturnal animals. The lodge contains 12 tents with thatched roofs and stone floors. The tents are outfitted with private bathrooms, Eco-toilets, and a verandah where you can watch the animals in the morning and late afternoon. There is a bar and a restaurant, but meals can be delivered to the rooms.

Park Mihingo Lodge:

Does a group of Germans construct a luxury lodge in 2007? The ten-tented rooms are made using indigenous materials.

Eagle’s Nest resort:

 This inexpensive resort is built on a hill near Lake Manitoba. The ten-tented rooms are constructed from locally sourced materials and stand on wooden platforms covered in manicured grass. The rooms come with individual bathrooms, hot showers, and a verandah.

There is also a swimming pool and tennis courts. Babysitting and children’s meals can be arranged for visitors with infants. Outside the national park, the lodge offers horseback trips in the valleys surrounding Lake Kacheera. There are four ponies and seven horses ready to use. To avoid overcrowding, each session is limited to six participants.

The Rwakobo Rock

Is a mid-range family hotel located near the park’s edge? The hotel is environmentally friendly, with nine cottages suited for individual getaways and spectacular views of the mountains and wildlife (bushbucks, warthogs, impalas, and zebras) gathering at the water hole.

 The cottages feature solar-heated showers, solar lighting, WiFi, and charging stations. The restaurant serves both local and international cuisine, as well as unique vegetarian options. The bar offers both soft and alcoholic beverages (wine, local beer, and spirits). Teetotalers can choose coffee, tea, or water. There are charging stations and WiFi in the main hotel area.