Lake Mburo Safari from Mbarara

Lake Mburo Safari from Mbarara

A safari to Lake Mburo National Park, just a short drive from Mbarara, offers a unique opportunity to experience wildlife up close in one of Uganda’s most diverse parks. Known for its scenic beauty and variety of animals, the park is the smallest savannah national park in Uganda, home to 69 mammal species and 332 bird species. This is the only park in Uganda where you can find impalas and it’s also the only park in western Uganda where you’ll see zebras, giraffes and elands.

Whether you’re interested in game drives, walking safaris, horseback riding or boat cruises, there’s something for every type of traveler at Lake Mburo National Park.

Top Activities on a Lake Mburo Safari from Mbarara

Day Game Drives at Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo National Park offers game drives at various times of the day – morning, mid-morning, afternoon and evening. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to spot wildlife, as many animals are most active during these hours. You can expect to see giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis and a wide variety of bird species.

Night Game Drives

Experience the thrill of a night game drive, where you’ll have the chance to see nocturnal animals like bush babies, pottos and, with some luck, perhaps a leopard. These drives give you a completely different perspective of the park’s wildlife.

Lake Mburo Boat Safari

Embark on a two-hour boat safari on Lake Mburo for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot crocodiles, hippos and a range of waterbirds, making it a must-do activity for nature lovers.

Walking Safari

Get up close and personal with the park’s wildlife on a walking safari. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience with the animals, making it a perfect opportunity for photography and learning about the flora and fauna in the park.

Mountain Biking

For the more adventurous traveler, mountain biking is a fantastic way to explore Lake Mburo National Park. Operated by Rwakobo Rock and Leopard Rest Camp, biking allows you to encounter wildlife while getting a bit of exercise.

Bird Watching

Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by Lake Mburo National Park, which is home to over 332 bird species. The park is especially known for its papyrus and acacia species, including the papyrus gonolek, white-winged warbler and the shoebill stork.

Forest Walks

On the western side of Lake Mburo, a small forest area is home to a variety of forest bird species, adding another dimension to your bird-watching experience.

Horseback Safaris

For a truly unique experience, try a horseback safari operated by Mihingo Lodge. This allows you to get closer to the wildlife in the park and enjoy a more immersive safari experience. Due to high demand, we recommend booking this activity in advance.

Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park

Wildlife Highlights

Lake Mburo National Park is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, with 69 species of mammals. It is the only park in Uganda where you can find impalas and the only park in western Uganda where you can see giraffes, zebras and elands. It’s also known for its high concentration of herbivores, some of which are rare and found only in this park.

Birding Opportunities

Lake Mburo is one of the top birding destinations in Uganda, attracting bird watchers year-round. With 332 bird species recorded, including rare species like the shoebill stork and papyrus yellow warbler, it’s a paradise for bird lovers.

Ankole Cattle and Cultural Encounters

As you explore Lake Mburo National Park, you’ll have the chance to encounter local herdsmen and their iconic Ankole cattle. Known for their impressive long horns, these cattle are a symbol of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage. During your game drive in the park, you’ll not only get a close-up view of these majestic animals but also learn about the traditions and way of life of the local communities who have been herding Ankole cattle for generations.

Scenic Lookouts and Viewpoints

One of the best ways to take in the beauty of Lake Mburo is by visiting Kigarama Hill. This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding plains, making it a perfect spot for sightseeing and photography. The breathtaking landscapes will surely add to the memories of your safari experience.

Getting to Lake Mburo National Park

By Road

Lake Mburo National Park is conveniently located between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara, along the main road connecting Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s just a 3-4 hour drive (228 km) from Kampala, making it easily accessible for a quick getaway. The park has several gates, including Kyanyanshara Gate (leading to Mihingo Lodge), Akagate Gate and Sanga Gate (leading to Rwakobo Rock Lodge). Clear signposts from Uganda Wildlife Authority will guide you along the way.

By Air

If you prefer flying, you can reach Lake Mburo National Park by scheduled or chartered flights from Kajjansi or Entebbe International Airport. Operators like Aero Link Uganda and Fly Uganda offer services on this route, although flights generally require a minimum of four passengers. Be sure to book your flight in advance to secure your seat.

Where to Stay in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or a luxurious retreat, you’ll find something to fit your needs:

• Budget Options: Rwonyo Rest Camp, UWA Bandas and Campsite, Leopard Rest Camp and Mantana Tented Camp, with rates starting from $90-100 per person per night.
• Mid-Range Options: Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Mpongo Lodge, Mburo Safari Lodge and Acadia Lodge, with rates ranging from $100-200 per person per night.
• Luxury Options: Mihingo Safari Lodge and Emburara Lodge, with rates from $200-400 per person per night.

For those flying in, we recommend spending a night in Entebbe or Kampala before your safari to ensure smooth travel and avoid the risk of missing flights or dealing with unexpected delays.

Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park

The best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park is during the dry months of December to February and June to October. These months offer easier access to the park with dry roads and wildlife viewing is fantastic as animals gather around the park’s waterholes. However, the park is open year-round and you can enjoy the activities and attractions throughout the year.

Why Book Your Lake Mburo Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable safaris to Lake Mburo National Park. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway, we have tailored packages to suit all types of travelers. Our team of experienced and passionate tour consultants will assist you every step of the way to ensure your trip is seamless and memorable.

Feel free to read our TripAdvisor reviews to see what previous travelers have to say about their experiences with us. We’re committed to delivering excellent customer service and ensuring your Uganda safari is nothing short of extraordinary.

Ready to plan your safari? Contact us today to book your Lake Mburo National Park safari from Mbarara!