Lake Mburo National Park is located in western Uganda and is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The park covers approximately 370 square kilometers. Lake Mburo National Park is characterized by savannah plains, acacia woodlands, rocky hills, and the centerpiece—Lake Mburo, which serves as a habitat for various aquatic species.
The park can be accessed by road from Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara highway. It is about 3.5-4 hours’ drive from Kampala, the capital city. There are well-maintained roads leading to the park’s various entrances.
Activities at Lake Mburo National Park
Game Drives
Game drives in Lake Mburo National Park let you ride in a car with a guide. You explore the park to see lots of animals like zebras, buffaloes, and hippos. The guide helps find these animals in their locations and tells you about them. Most probably, during morning game drives you will see different animals from the ones during night game drives. This is because some nocturnal animals like the hyenas and foxes which usually hunt in the night and sleep during day.
You stay safe inside the car and can take pictures of the wildlife. It’s exciting to see these animals up close in their natural home. Remember, follow the park rules and stay quiet to not scare the animals away.
Boat safaris
Boat safaris in Lake Mburo National Park are like a slow ride on a big boat in the lake. You can see hippos, crocodiles, and many birds while floating on the water. The boat has seats, and a guide tells you about the animals and birds you spot. It’s peaceful and fun to watch hippos swimming or sunbathing on the shore. You might also see birds like fish eagles and kingfishers catching their food.
The boat moves gently on Lake Mburo, giving you time to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. Remember, don’t stand up or make loud noises on the boat to not disturb the animals. It’s a great way to see wildlife from a different perspective.https://ugandawildlife.org/national-parks/lake-mburo/
Nature walks
Nature walks in Lake Mburo National Park are usually strolls in the wild with a guide. You walk on paths and trails, quietly exploring the park on foot. The guide shows you animals like zebras, antelopes, and sometimes giraffes. You learn about trees, plants, and small creatures too. It’s exciting to see animals up close, but remember to stay calm and quiet to not scare them away. The guide tells interesting stories about the park and its inhabitants. You might spot tracks or nests and also learn how animals live in the wild. It’s a chance to enjoy nature’s beauty and learn new things about the park and its wildlife.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park is conducted by taking a ride on a friendly horse with a guide following. You sit on the horse and explore the park, looking at animals like zebras and antelopes. The guide helps and makes sure you’re safe while riding. It’s different from a car because you’re closer to nature and can see animals from a new angle.
Riding quietly lets you get closer to wildlife without scaring them. The horses are calm, and the guides know the paths well. It’s a slow and enjoyable way to see the park, feeling the breeze and listening to nature’s sounds. Remember to follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and exciting ride.
Bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park
With binoculars and a guide, you look for birds in trees, bushes, and around the lake. There are many colorful birds like fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers to spot. The guide helps you find and identify the birds, telling interesting facts about them. You might see big birds and small ones, each with unique colors and sounds. Patience is key, as some birds hide or fly quickly. It’s peaceful and exciting to watch them fly and sing. Bring a camera to capture these beautiful moments. Remember to stay quiet and still to not disturb the birds while enjoying their beauty.
Accommodation options at Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park provides a variety of accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, mid-range and budget/low cost accommodations. One’s choice always depends on their tastes and capability to pay for a given lodge. Let us look at some of them in detail:
Mihingo Lodge
This is a luxury lodge offering cozy tents on wooden platforms, giving amazing views of the park. The tents have comfy beds, and some even have outdoor showers. There’s a swimming pool and a restaurant serving tasty meals. You can relax in the lodge’s peaceful surroundings and take guided safaris to explore the park. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature and wildlife in comfort.
Mburo Safari Lodge
This lodge offers comfy cottages and tents with great views. Situated on a hill, it provides panoramic scenes of the park. The lodge has a restaurant serving delicious meals and a cozy lounge area. It’s a perfect place to relax after exploring the park, offering guided safaris and a chance to see wildlife up close. It’s a cozy spot to enjoy nature’s beauty.
Eagle’s Nest Lodge
This is a budget-friendly lodge that offers affordable stays in tents and cottages. These accommodations are comfy and have their own bathrooms. The place gives a nice view of the park and has a restaurant serving tasty meals. It’s a good spot to rest after exploring the park and spotting animals. Eagle’s Nest is a friendly place to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.
Rwakobo Rock Lodge
This is a mid-range lodge that offers cozy cottages and tents surrounded by nature. The accommodations are comfy with private bathrooms. There’s a restaurant offering delicious food, and you can relax by the pool. It’s a friendly place where you can join guided safaris to see animals in the park. Rwakobo Rock is a peaceful spot to enjoy nature’s beauty.
Please note:
Before planning your visit, it’s advisable to check for any updates regarding park fees, accommodations, and activities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.