Lake Mburo National Park is located in Western Uganda and the name “Mburo” originates from two brothers who lived in the area one called Kigarama and another called Mburo. Kigarama dreamt of the flood and told the brother Mburo to relocate to another place but Mburo stayed and drowned, hence the lake being named after him and the surrounding hills named Kigarama. Lake Mburo National Park was originally known for grazing cattle by the Banyankole- Bahima pastoralists and was later elevated into a game reserve in 1963. Today Lake Mburo National Park is strategically located near the capital and is celebrated for its uniqueness and serves as a model for community-wildlife coexistence.
Lake Mburo is unique in Uganda because it’s the only park where you can do game drives and walking safaris, boat rides and horseback safaris.
Types of Game Drive
Day game drive
These occur early in the mornings or in the afternoon when animals are more active by the Uganda wildlife Authority ranger who will help you navigate the park.
Night Game Drives
This starts late in the evenings and these drives are strictly led by an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger using powerful spotlights. You will encounter nocturnal animals like leopards, bush babies, white tailed mongooses.
THE ATTRACTIONS IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Zebras
Lake Mburo is a home to the majestic zebras that are easily seen roaming the open
savanna
in large numbers.
Impalas
These graceful antelopes are unique in their own way that you will view when you go for game drives.
Elands
This is another species of animals that is found in Lake Mburo National Park known for being elusive.
Giraffes
You will find these towering species and will be browse in the
savanna
.
African buffaloes
Large herds are usually seen when they are grazing and also gathered at water sources.
Leopards and hyenas
While the park has no lions or elephants, it boasts a thriving population of leopards and spotted hyenas. These are usually seen during night game drives.
Aquatic animals
During the game drive you will spot a school of hippos and crocodiles sunbathing at the shore and take photos.
Birds
Lake Mburo National Park is a birding destination with over 300 species and this is ideal for the birders. Expect to see the shoe bills, African Finfoot on the water and other several forest species in the Rubanga forest.
The salt licks
This is located in the Rwonyo area and it is a good spot for watching various animals gather to lick the mineral rich soil.
THE ACTIVITIES TO ENGAGE IN AT LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Birding
Since over 300 species are recorded in Lake Mburo National Park makes it a birding paradise therefore birders should dedicate time to explore the Rubanga Forest or the papyrus swamps.
Guided walking safaris
Unlike other parks, you can freely walk and track wildlife on foot with an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger. There are well known trails that lead to the Kigarama summit and the salt licks where animals congregate to lick the mineral rich soil.
Horseback safaris
In Lake Mburo national park you will discover the park from a good point on a horseback safari which is rare and motor free to view directly the wildlife.
Game Drives
You will explore the acacia woodlands and grassy hills by vehicle. Day and night game drives allow you to spot zebras, impalas, giraffes, leopards, bush-babies and many more.
Boat cruise in Lake Mburo National Park
You will take a two-hour launch trip on the lake and you will view aquatic animals like hippos and crocodiles and many water birds.
Spot fishing
Here you obtain a license to fish for species like tilapia and lungfish at designated safe spots like the Mazinga area.
Cultural visits
Immerse yourself in the local Bahima Culture by touring a traditional homestead to milk Ankole long horned cattle or visit the nearby Igongo Cultural Centre to learn about the history and traditions of western Uganda.
Cycling and mountain biking. You will cycle through the park’s uneven, rocky terrain for a highly interactive and challenging wildlife viewing experience.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Lake Mburo remains open all year round, so the best time to visit depends on the experience you want to get.
During the dry seasons from June to august and December to February are best for wildlife viewing when animals congregate around the lake and permanent waterholes. Activities like horseback riding, walking safari are favorable as the trails are completely dry and accessible.
During the wet season from march to May and September to November it is best for bird watching, low season so the accommodation is affordable. You can combine game drive in Lake Mburo national park with gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park or chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest national park.
