Things to Do in Lake Mburo National Park : Western Uganda is host to the inconspicuous Lake Mburo National Park. Less populated than other Ugandan parks, Lake Mburo gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy their game viewing without so much company.
Moving around the park we have exciting games drives for the wildebeests, antelopes, zebras, lions and other animals, boat trips and guided nature walks. Here, discover the best things to do, the throw light on the cultural sites and experiences and follow the travel advice to maximize your trip.
Why Lake Mburo Should not miss on your safari List
The only surprise when it comes to Lake Mburo National Park is that it is one of Uganda’s smallest parks but this is not an indication of lack of beauty. Composed of large and open plains, five stunning lakes and diverse avian species, the park provides an exotic value-added touch to the traditional savannah plains encounter.
It’s easy to access, a fact that makes Lake Mburo National Park one of the best Uganda wildlife tours destinations for short tours or during transit across the country, on your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for instance.
This article will focus on the following attractive sites in Lake Mburo National Park. The following are the attractions of the park;
Game Drives in Lake Mburo National Park
You can always find a classic game drive around the open country side of the Lake Mburo. Head deeper into the African bush to view the Acacia woodlands and open Savannah for sights of zebras, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, elands the largest of the antelopes. If you are lucky you will be able to see a leopard taking its nap on one of the trees.
Kigambira Loop is perhaps one of the most scenic roads in the country especially for game viewing when these are most likely to be seen too in the morning or late in the evening.
Self-safari in a car is also possible, although the presence of a knowledgeable ranger, who can guide you to interesting animals and tell what they are, will make it much better.
Boat Safaris on Lake Mburo
There is officially recognized boat safari that one can use while exploring the park and this is done on the balanced Lake Mburo. Here you are sure to witness hippos sleeping in water and crocodiles resting on the borders and other birds such as African fish eagle, king fisher and possibly the rare shoe bill stork. This is a unique experience as most of the animals you see during the boat safari will not be reachable by land.
Walking Safaris in Lake Mburo National Park
There are few Uganda national parks where visitors are allowed to take a walk around and Lake Mburo National Park is one of them.
Experience Nature up Close. You will be visiting the park on a foot Tour though under the guide of the park ranger you will be able to watch zebras, giraffes and antelopes at close range. They are as near to a silent and wild experience of nature that one could get closer to from a vehicle.
Perfect for Birdwatchers: The savannah terrain offers good prospects to take pictures or watch the birds such as the black bellied bustard and the Ross’s turaco when undertaking a walk.
Horseback Safaris in Lake Mburo National Park
If you would want to have an extra-ordinary experience out there, it is suggested that you tour the park on horseback. Horseback safaris give you a more personal view of the animals without the noise of a vehicle approaching. And it’s is a rather peculiar and environmentally friendly way to get pleasure from the appearance of the park. Some of the easily recognizable animals found during these safaris include giraffes, zebras and impalas.
Exploring the Qualities of the Ankole Culture
Surrounding communities of the Lake Mburo National Park are endowed with cultures and cultural practices. The Ankole people mainly pride themselves in their long horned cattle which they consider as their property.
Spend some time with the locals in a homestead learning how they keep their cattle, milking and their lifestyle. The Ankole people are hospitable to the core and will be willing to tell their stories and traditions to anyone willing to listen.
Craft Shopping; Copper, baskets, beaded jewelry, carved wood and other similar items should be bought at the community markets close to the park in order to financially support the locals.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park
Dry Seasons (June to September and December to February): These are the best months for game drives and walking safaris because the animals concentrate around water sources and the roads are also good.
Rainy Seasons (March to May and October to November): The vegetation is thick most of the time, though, some activities such as walking safaris may be slightly difficult to organize.
Getting to Lake Mburo National Park
The park is about a 4 and a half hours’ drive from Kampala thus one can easily tour the park by car. It is easy to get Company offering tour and travel services because many tour companies in Uganda have the package to Lake Mburo including transfers and guiding services.
Conclusion
Indeed, Lake Mburo National Park is an indication of the beauty of Uganda Safaris. From a game drive where you watch zebras feeding to a boat safari ride, passing by hippos or a walking safari carrying with giraffes. Quite apart from the wonderful animals, the cultural interaction with the Ankole people gives a thorough vacation experience.
