Lake Mburo National Park

About Lake Mburo National Park

Located in western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park spans 370 km², making it the smallest savannah national park in the country. Despite its size, it offers an impressive diversity of wildlife and landscape, rolling hills, open grasslands, and five freshwater lakes. Known as the only park in Uganda where you can see impalas in the wild, Lake Mburo is also a top spot for zebras, elands, and boat safaris teeming with hippos and crocodiles.

Its location just 4 hours from Kampala makes it a perfect stopover between the capital and the western safari circuit.

The golden savannah stretches before you, dotted with acacia trees where zebras graze under the morning sun. A pair of elands, Africa’s largest antelope strolls lazily toward the lake’s shimmering edge, while a fish eagle calls from high above. Compact yet bursting with life, Lake Mburo National Park is proof that big adventures can come in small packages.

National Park Facts

  • Location: Kiruhura District, western Uganda
  • Size: 370 km²
  • Established: 1983
  • Altitude: 1,220–1,828 meters above sea level
  • Key Attractions: Wildlife viewing, boat cruises, birding, horseback safaris

Activities in Lake Mburo National Park

  • Game Drives: Morning or evening drives to see zebras, elands, giraffes, impalas, buffaloes, and more.
  • Boat Cruises on Lake Mburo: View hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds, including African fish eagles and kingfishers.
  • Walking Safaris: Explore the park on foot with an armed ranger, a unique experience in Uganda’s savannah parks.
  • Horseback Safaris: Ride through the plains among zebras and antelopes, offered by nearby lodges.
  • Birdwatching: Over 350 bird species, including papyrus gonoleks, African finfoots, and blue-headed coucals.
  • Fishing: Sport fishing is allowed on Lake Mburo with a permit.

Animals to Expect

Mammals: Zebras, impalas, elands, topis, buffaloes, giraffes, bushbucks, waterbucks, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, leopards (occasionally seen), hyenas
Birds: Over 350 species including African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, papyrus gonolek, pied kingfisher
Other Wildlife: Monitor lizards, various reptiles, butterflies

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (June–August, December–February): Ideal for game viewing as animals gather near water sources.
  • Wet Season (March–May, September–November): Lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching, though some tracks may be slippery.

Getting There

  • By Road: About 4 hours from Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara highway.
  • By Air: Charter flights available to Mbarara Airstrip, followed by a short drive to the park.

Why Visit Lake Mburo National Park?

Lake Mburo offers a more intimate safari experience, without the large crowds found in bigger parks. Its mix of savannah and wetland habitats means you can see a surprising variety of wildlife in just a day or two, perfect for travelers short on time or looking for a relaxing stop between longer safaris.

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