Lake Mburo National Park is located in Kiruhura district in the western region of Uganda at 260 kilometers squared with the smallest portion of Uganda’s savanna. It was originally gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and later upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. Later during the reign of President Milton Obote, it was officially named a national park in 1983. The region was settled by Banyankole Bahima pastoralists who have Ankole cattle to date.
It is neighbored by four districts which include Mbarara, Lyantonde, Isingiro, and Kiruhura, and is also the nearest park to the President of Uganda’s home in Nyabushozi.
Lake Mburo National Park lies with the rain shadows between Lake Victoria and the mountains of Rwenzori. Together with the 13 lakes, it forms part of the 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp and five of these lakes are within the park’s borders. The wetlands inhabit 20% of the park’s surface and the lakes in the park contain 6 different fish species tilapia, lungfish, mudfish, catfish, and tiger fish ideal for sport fishing activities and tournaments.
Lake Mburo National Park has a vast ecosystem with rocky ridges, forestall gorgers, narrow bands of lush, woodland, and much more. The many lakes add to the beautiful scenery hence many tourists come and see the hidden treasures of the park.
It is home to over 69 mammals giraffes, zebras, warthogs, reedbuck, side-striped jackal, bushbuck, sitatunga, bush pigs, leopards, buffaloes, and many more; 315 bird species like the saddle-billed stork, yellow-breasted apalis, papyrus gonolek, red-faced barbet, little bee-eater, malachite kingfisher, black-headed gonolek, brown-chested lapwing, long-crested eagle, cisticola, coucal, speckled mousebird and acacia associated birds.
A boat cruise is a leisurely trip on a boat that allows passengers to explore waterways such as rivers, lakes, or seas, often for sightseeing, relaxation, or wildlife viewing.
It is typically guided and provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, wildlife, and scenery. Unlike fast-paced boat rides, boat cruises are usually slow and tranquil, making them ideal for enjoying nature, photography, and experiencing the water in a calm, relaxed manner.
Boat cruising in Lake Mburo National Park is a popular and serene way to explore the park’s aquatic life and scenic beauty. The experience offers visitors an opportunity to view wildlife, especially water-dwelling species, from a unique perspective while gliding along the waters of Lake Mburo, the largest lake in the park making it the best place to view savannah wildlife in Uganda.
The park is home to a large population of hippos and Nile crocodiles that often bask on the banks of the lake or swim beneath the surface which makes for safe yet thrilling encounters. On top of that one can expect other animals like buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and more as they normally find their way to the shores to drink some water.
The lake is a birder’s paradise with a variety of waterfowl and other bird species with birds like African fish eagles, pied and malachite kingfishers, shoebill, pelicans, herons, cormorants as some of the commonly seen birds, and many more. The cruise offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape with rolling hills, acacia woodland and
savannaframing the lake as the stillness of the water and the sounds of nature create a tranquil and picturesque setting.
The boat cruise normally takes 1-2 hours which provides ample time to explore the lake and its wildlife while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere with the morning or late afternoon more ideal as the temperatures are cooler, and animals are more active and near the water; the soft morning or evening light makes for a unique experience and photographic opportunities.
The boat trips are launched every 2 hours starting at 8:00 am with the last one at 5:30 pm which enables the sunset view however the duration is open to negotiations. During the trips, you will be accompanied by an experienced park guide who will have all and any information in regards to any questions that may arrive from the guests on the boat and safety precautions to be followed while on the boat to ensure a smooth experience.
The starting point for boat cruises is usually the Rwonyo jetty landing site on Lake Mburo. This area is easily accessible from the park’s main entrance and various accommodations within the park.
For a successful boat cruise, one should carry binoculars, and wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera to ensure all wildlife is seen as desired and captured for the sake of memories.
Tourists should also stay quiet and attentive to enjoy what nature has to offer regarding sounds and spotting wildlife. This boat cruise can be coupled with other activities like game drives, birding, guided nature walks, horseback riding, sport fishing, and cycling for a full experience.
A boat cruise on Lake Mburo is a peaceful and rewarding experience, offering the chance to view Uganda’s wildlife from a different perspective. Whether you’re keen on seeing hippos up close or are a bird enthusiast, this is one of the best ways to experience the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Mburo National Park.
You can combine Lake Mburo national park safaris with boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth national park on Kazinga channel or Uganda gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park or take a chill on Lake Bunyonyi
