How Much Does It Cost to Visit Lake Mburo National Park?

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Lake Mburo National Park?

Are you planning a safari at Lake Mburo National Park and wondering about the costs involved? From transportation and accommodation to activities and entrance fees, Excursia Adventures is here to ensure you have an amazing experience without any hidden costs. We’ll provide you with a detailed itinerary tailored to your interests and budget.

Discover Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is a hidden gem located in western Uganda. As the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks, it boasts unique features that make it worth a visit. It is the only park in Uganda that is home to elands, impalas, and klipspringers. Additionally, it hosts the largest zebra population in the country, estimated at around 5,000, and is known for having one of the highest concentrations of leopards, though they are quite elusive. Other wildlife includes buffalo, waterbucks, topis, warthogs, and various nocturnal species like hyenas and bush pigs, which you can spot on night game drives. With over 350 bird species, Lake Mburo is also a fantastic destination for birdwatching and is often a popular stopover for visitors traveling to or from western Uganda.

Activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Guided Day Game Drives

One of the most thrilling activities in Lake Mburo is wildlife viewing on guided day game drives. Explore the park in the morning or afternoon for the best chances of spotting giraffes, buffaloes, elands, waterbucks, zebras, and more. The cost for a day game drive is USD 20 per vehicle, including a park guide.

Night Game Drives

Experience the thrill of a night game drive, where you might encounter nocturnal animals such as bush babies, pottos, and, with a bit of luck, leopards. This one-hour adventure starts at 7 PM and costs USD 30 per vehicle. You can arrange this in advance or on-site.

Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo

Enjoy a relaxing two-hour boat cruise on Lake Mburo for USD 30. This trip offers a chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species, including African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers. Private boat cruises can also be arranged for a more intimate experience.

Walking Safaris

For a unique experience, try a guided walking safari for USD 30. Accompanied by park guides and armed rangers, you’ll get up close to the park’s wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and warthogs. This is a fantastic opportunity for photography and learning about the local fauna.

Guided Forest Walks

Explore the small forest on the western side of Lake Mburo on a guided forest walk, costing USD 30. You’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna, including monkeys, reptiles, and various bird species while walking through this biodiverse area.

Horseback Safaris

For a memorable and adventurous way to see the park, consider a horseback safari with Mihingo Lodge, which offers an up-close encounter with wildlife. Be sure to book this popular activity in advance, as it tends to fill up quickly. Prices start at USD 40 and depend on the duration of your ride.

Cultural and Community Encounters

Lake Mburo National Park is not just a haven for wildlife; it’s also surrounded by vibrant communities that offer a glimpse into the traditional African way of life. Here, you’ll find locals primarily engaged in raising cattle and goats, along with other domestic animals that children will love to see. Planning a visit to these communities provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about their traditions, grazing practices, milking techniques, and more. Additionally, you can explore the Igongo Cultural Museum to immerse yourself in the rich culture of western Uganda.

Entrance Fees for Lake Mburo National Park

When planning your visit to Lake Mburo National Park, it’s essential to consider the entrance fees, which contribute to the overall cost of your trip. The entrance fees are as follows:

• Non-foreign residents: USD 40 per person
• Foreign residents: USD 40 per person
• East African citizens: UGX 25,000

These fees are charged per 24-hour period spent in the park and are payable at the park headquarters or the head office in Kampala. Your entrance fee grants you access to the park for an incredible safari experience.

Accommodation Options at Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. You can choose from budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges, both inside and outside the park.

• Luxury Lodges:
  • Montana Luxury Tented Camp
  • Arcadia Lodge
  • Mihingo Safari Lodge
  • Rates range from USD 200 to 400 per person per night.
• Budget and Mid-Range Lodges:
  • Rwakobo Rock Lodge
  • Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
  • Emburara Lodge
  • Rates range from USD 70 to 100 per person per night.

Depending on your budget and preferences, we can help you book the best accommodation for your stay at Lake Mburo National Park. Keep in mind that the cost of accommodation will significantly influence your overall safari expenses.

Transportation Costs to Lake Mburo National Park

Accessing Lake Mburo National Park is straightforward, with approximately a 3-4 hour drive from either Kampala or Entebbe. The park is accessible through several main gates, including Kyanyanshara Gate (leading to Mihingo Lodge), Akagate Gate, and Sanga Gate (leading to Rwakobo Rock Lodge).

We use 4×4 safari vehicles for your journey, ensuring comfort and a great viewing experience. Our vehicles are well-maintained, offering ample legroom and open roofs for optimal wildlife viewing. The vehicle hire ranges from USD 100 to 150 per day. This cost includes the vehicle hire, guide’s allowance, and fuel for the entire trip, which can be shared among those traveling with you.

For a quicker option, consider a flying safari to Lake Mburo National Park via charter or scheduled flights from Kajjansi and Entebbe International Airport. Operators such as Aero Link Uganda and Fly Uganda provide these services, but booking in advance is essential as flight availability is determined by traveler numbers, weather, and routes. The flight to the Mbarara airstrip takes about 45 minutes, followed by a short drive to the park, with flight costs starting at USD 300 per adult one way.

Why Book Your Lake Mburo Trip with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures organizes unforgettable trips to Lake Mburo National Park, offering a wide range of activities and customized safari packages tailored to your preferences. Our team comprises young, energetic staff led by experienced managers who are passionate about providing authentic experiences in Uganda.

We take pride in our high ratings and positive reviews on TripAdvisor, showcasing the experiences of fellow travelers who have journeyed with us. If you’re curious about how much it costs to visit Lake Mburo National Park, don’t hesitate to contact us!