Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smaller yet remarkably diverse national parks, located in the western part of the country covering 370 kilometer squared. 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. Lake Mburo National Park is the closest park to both Kampala and Entebbe which is about 3hrs or 3hrs and 30 minutes from Kampala to the park. 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 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 including zebras, elands, buffaloes, leopards, jackals, hyenas, giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, reedbucks, and many more. 315 species of birds shoebills, Finfoot, fish eagle, pelican, heron, long tailed cisticola, pied kingfisher, red-faced barbet, papyrus gonolek, little bee-eater, African wattled lapwing, yellow-breasted apalis, speckled mousebird and many more.
A game walking safari is a type of guided wildlife experience where visitors explore a natural habitat on foot rather than in a vehicle which allows for a more intimate and immersive encounter with the environment and wildlife.
Unlike traditional game drives, walking safaris offer a closer connection to nature, as you move quietly through the landscape with a knowledgeable guide who helps interpret the surroundings.
Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda offers fantastic opportunities for game walking safaris, providing a unique and intimate way to experience wildlife in a more natural setting. Instead of observing animals from a vehicle, you’ll walk through the savannah, forests, and along lakeshores, accompanied by an experienced guide and sometimes an armed ranger for safety.
A tourist can spot a variety of animals including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, elands, warthogs, and more with birds like shoebills, fish eagles, grey crowned cranes, kingfishers, and more through diverse landscapes with areas around the shores of Lake Mburo and surrounding wetlands.
Game walking typically lasts for 2 hours with a park ranger allocated to guide and ensure a smooth experience for the tourists; depending on the terrain, weather, and the group’s stamina. It’s more of a slow, deliberate stroll than a strenuous hike, focusing on observing wildlife rather than covering long distances. Due to the lack of engine noise and slow pace, tourists feel more connected to the environment in its entirety and more details are noticed like animal tracks, dung, and sounds that would be missed by a vehicle.
In addition to walking, Lake Mburo NP is unique in Uganda for offering horseback safaris, which allow you to get even closer to the animals without disturbing them.
The best time to go on walking safaris in Lake Mburo NP is during the dry seasons which are June to August and December to February. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and animals congregate around water sources, making sightings more likely.
It is also good to wear neutral-colored clothing to blend in, comfortable shoes, carry water, and also follow the guide’s instructions closely to ensure safety especially when dealing with larger animals like buffaloes and hippos. This experience provides an adventurous yet peaceful way to connect with nature and witness Uganda’s wildlife up close.
