The smallest savannah national park in Uganda, Lake Mburo, is situated in the Kiruhura district of western Uganda. It is the closest national park to Kampala, the country’s capital, and can be reached in about four hours by car. The 370 square kilometre Lake Mburo National Park is home to 350 species of birds and 68 mammal species that coexist in its diverse habitats, which include open and wooded savannah, dry hills, rocky outcrops, bushy thickets, and seasonal and permanent swamps. There are fourteen lakes in the Lake Mburo National Park, the largest of which is Lake Mburo.
Wildlife and birdlife in Lake Mburo National Park
Wildlife
About 68 different mammal species can be found in Lake Mburo National Park, which is the only location in Uganda where impalas can be found. Topi, Elands, Zebras, Defassa waterbucks, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, lions, crocodiles, hippos, and monitor lizards are among the park’s mammals. On game drives, it’s easy to spot these animals.
Birdlife
A birder’s paradise, Lake Mburo National Park is home to approximately 315 different bird species that are supported in a variety of habitats. These species include the African-grey Hornbill, Black-billed Barbet, Barefaced Go-away bird, Red-necked Spur, Common Quails, Blue-napped Mousebird, Lilac-breasted Roller, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Bee-eaters, and the cheeky bronze-tailed starling and majestic crowned crane, among others. Lake Mburo national park is also inhabits rare bird species such as African Finfoot, shoebill, African fish eagle, Malachite and pied kingfishers.
SAFARI AND ACTIVITIES IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Game drives
The best way to see the variety of wildlife that calls Lake Mburo National Park home is to go on a game drive in a 4X4 safari vehicle driven by a guide. You may spot animals like zebras, hyenas, topis, antelopes, jackals, lions, and leopards as you drive through the park’s savannah plains and along the shores of lakes where they drink water.
Nature walks
In Lake Mburo National Park, nature walks are an unforgettable experience that bring visitors up close to the natural world. For safety and educational reasons, visitors taking part in this activity are accompanied by a ranger guide. Nature walks take you through the woodlands and you will be able to see several wild games such as zebras, warthogs, leopards, jackals, bush babies, waterbucks licking on the salty residues, several bird species, several lakes and the rolling hills dominating the landscape of the park.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is an exciting activity that can be done on Lake Mburo National Park’s designated areas as well as other lakes. However, in order to engage in this activity, visitors must obtain a fishing permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and provide their own fishing equipment. Among the fish species you might catch while fishing are haplochromes, mud fish, lung fish, and tilapia, among others.
Bicycle tours
Another exciting safari activity in Lake Mburo National Park is bicycle tours, which are conducted along the park’s many bike routes and rank among the best ways to see the area. on bicycle tours you will be able to see zebras, antelopes, buffaloes among others and enjoy incredible views of the park’s scenery.
Bird watching
One of the best places in Uganda to go birding is Lake Mburo National Park, which is home to about 350 different species of birds, including the rare shoe bill, which is one of the most sought-after birds in Uganda. Birding activities provide excellent opportunities for birdwatchers to see birds like the rare white-winged warbler, crested crane, saddle shoe bill, crested francolin, cisticola, Nubian woodpecker, and double-toothed barbet, among many others.
Boat cruise
Out of the 14 chain of lakes in the park, five of them, including Lake Mburo, offer boat cruises. During the boat ride, visitors can take in the flora and fauna that can be found along the lakeshores. Along the banks of the lakes, lookout for animals like hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, antelopes and buffaloes which congregate at the shores to drink water and cool off. Visitors of the park will also enjoy various species of birds inhabiting in the swamps around the lakes such as white-backed night-heron, the rare shoe bill, and African fin foot among others.
Horseback riding
One of the main attractions of visiting Lake Mburo National Park is horseback riding; the Mihingo Lodge, which is integrated with the park, organises this environmentally friendly activity. A close-up view of many park inhabitants, including zebras, waterbucks, and cape buffaloes, is provided by horseback riding. You will also be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the park, which is primarily made up of rolling hills and a chain of lakes.
Cultural experience
The Cultural Experience is a fantastic opportunity to interact with local communities and gain knowledge of their traditions. It is organised by approximately thirteen local community groups that the park’s authorities have identified and trained in eco-tourism.
