Activities in Lake Mburo National Park: Guests find Lake Mburo National Park, close to Kampala and the highlands in the southwest, provides a desirable alternative to some of Uganda’s famous safari destinations. Lake Mburo might be the smallest National Savannah Park, but it is still very charming because of all its diversity and friendly atmosphere. In this region, you can go on a quiet horseback ride instead of driving. You can also relax on a boat as you move quietly through the water. Experienced travelers or those on their first trip will find Lake Mburo offers a special experience that highlights any Uganda safari.
Best Places and Things to Do in Lake Mburo National Park
Game Drives in Lake Mburo National Park
Book a game drive at either the start of the day or late in the afternoon. Use the park’s well-kept paths to see zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, warthogs and giraffes. If you want something new, book a night game to see leopards, bush babies and hyenas with a professional guide.
Boat Cruises in Lake Mburo National Park
Discover the park in a new way by touring it from a boat on Lake Mburo. The animals you might find on these trips include hippos, crocodiles, many different bird species and even the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and pied kingfishers. We offer a morning session and an afternoon session, each lasting 2 to 3 hours.
Guided Nature Walks
Most parks in Uganda are inaccessible to visitors on foot, but that’s not the case at Lake Mburo. With the help of a guide and a ranger beside you, these walks show you the park’s natural life up close. Several visitors go to the salt lick, Rubanga Forest and Kazuma Hill because they provide interesting scenery and chances to see wildlife.
Horseback Safaris
If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy the bush, go on a horseback safari. Thanks to Mihingo Lodge, you are able to observe wildlife more closely with no vehicle noises. If you want to take great pictures, keep an eye out for the way zebras naturally approach horses and strike up a friendship. Most biking tours last 1 to 3 hours and are suitable whether you’re just starting or an experienced cyclist.
Bird Watching
Because of its wide range of birds, birdwatchers find Lake Mburo truly amazing. Visit Rubanga Forest, look along the shore of the lake and search in the swampy valleys to see the African finfoot, papyrus gonolek and white-winged warbler. Uganda guided tours are offered for those who would like to learn more while they bird.
Cycling and Mountain Biking sports
You can see the park’s savannas and nearby communities by renting a mountain bike. Visitors at Rwakobo Rock Lodge can choose from a number of guided rides to explore the park and see what wildlife it holds. Uganda tours on bicycles can match your level of fitness and the things you enjoy.
Sport Fishing
Anyone who wants to try sport fishing can do so at designated sites in Lake Mburo, like Mazinga. Six types of fish, like tilapia, catfish and lungfish, live in the lake. People who want to fish must have their equipment and buy a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Ankole Local Culture
Lake Mburo is known both for its diversity of animals and for its cultural traditions. There are communities of Banyankole throughout the area, famous for their Ankole cattle with their unusual horn shapes. Get to know the culture by touring nearby villages, letting you see people carry out milk production, butter making and traditional dancing. The Ankole Cultural Centre near Sanga gives information on the customs and history of the kingdom.
When to Visit Lake Mburo National Park
Any time of year, Lake Mburo National Park is accessible, but the best time for wildlife is from June to September and during December and February. At this time of year, it is easy to notice animals as they gather around places with water.
Getting There
Kampala is about 240 kilometers from the park, so the drive takes between 3.5 and 4 hours. People can enter from the Nshara and Sanga gates. Chartered flights can be arranged to Mbarara airstrip, from which it’s only a short drive to enter the park.
Accommodation Options
Lake Mburo has rooms that fit different travel budgets.
Mihingo Lodge and Kigambira Safari Lodge are examples of luxury.
Midrange: Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Arcadia Cottages
Budget accommodation: Eagle’s Nest or Rwonyo Rest Camp
You will enjoy comfortable rooms and can book guided activities and cultural events.
Budgeting Tips
Foreign nonresidents visiting the park are charged about $40 and East African citizens pay 20,000 Ugandan shillings.
Some activities, such as horseback safaris, can cost as little as $40 and as much as $240, according to their length.
Some actions, such as sport fishing, also require that you obtain a permit.
It’s wise to use reputable travel and tour companies offering Uganda tours to enjoy package discounts.
Conclusion
Due to its unique mix of animals, outdoor activities, and cultural traditions, Lake Mburo National Park should be a highlight on every Ugandan traveler’s list. If adventure, tranquil views, or an appreciation for culture are on your mind, Lake Mburo has an activity you enjoy.
