Lake Mburo National Park is situated in Kiruhura District in the Western Region of Uganda, approximately 30 km (19 mi) east of Mbarara and about 240 km (150 mi) by road west of Kampala. Originally designated as a controlled hunting area in 1933, Lake Mburo was elevated to a game reserve status in 1963. The area was settled by Banyankole Bahima pastoralists who traditionally rear Ankole cattle, and they continue this practice today.

Accessibility: Lake Mburo National Park is readily accessible by road. If driving from Kampala/Entebbe, visitors can enter the park through Nshara gate, while those coming from Mbarara can use Sanga gate. The journey takes about 3 and ½ hours, covering roughly 240 km.

Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park

• Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of animals including buffalo, eland, hippos, impala, jackals, leopards, oribi, reedbuck, topi, warthog, waterbucks, zebras, and recently reintroduced giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park.
• Bird Species: With over 350 bird species, including the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, and numerous waterfowl, the park is a haven for birdwatchers.
• Lake Mburo: The park’s namesake lake provides a scenic backdrop for boat safaris, where visitors can observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.
• Guided Walks and Safaris: Opportunities for guided nature walks and game drives allow for close encounters with wildlife and insights into the park’s ecosystem.
• Horseback Riding: Unique to this park, horseback safaris provide an exhilarating way to explore the landscape and observe animals in their natural habitat.
• Cultural Experiences: Engage with the local Banyankole community to learn about their traditions, music, and dance through village visits.
• Scenic Views: The park features stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and wetlands, perfect for photography and nature appreciation.

Activities in Lake Mburo National Park:

• Boat Safaris: Take a scenic boat trip on Lake Mburo, allowing you to observe hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species along the shores.
• Guided Nature Walks: Experience the park’s flora and fauna up close with guided walking safaris, which provide insights into the ecosystem and wildlife behavior.
• Horseback Riding: Enjoy a unique safari experience on horseback, offering a different perspective as you ride through the park and get close to wildlife.
• Bird Watching: With over 350 bird species, including the African fish eagle and shoebill stork, the park is an excellent destination for birdwatchers.
• Cultural Tours: Engage with the local Banyankole community, learning about their culture, traditions, and way of life through village visits and performances.
• Camping: Experience the park’s natural beauty by camping under the stars, offering a chance to connect with nature.
• Photography: The diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife provide fantastic opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• The Lakeside Track: This walks through the established Lakeside Track in the southern part of Lake Mburo offers views of bush duiker and dense woodland. It leads to the Kigarama summit, providing excellent views of Lake Mburo and the Greater National Park.
• Fishing: The lakes and spots like Mazinga provide opportunities to fish for Tilapia, Haplochromes, mud fish, lung fish, and more. Mazinga is a safe fishing location with no crocodiles or hippos, and visitors can arrange to have their catch cooked at their lodge. There are shaded areas near the fishing points for relaxation between sessions.
• Day and Night Game Drives: Game drives offer the chance to see many of the park’s animals and birds. Led by an armed ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), these drives may include sightings at “leopard rock,” popular for leopard spotting during night safaris or early mornings. Though hyenas are present, they are less numerous than in other major game parks. Night game drives last 2 hours and are ideal for spotting genet, leopards, bush pigs, mongooses, and white-tailed mongooses.
• The Salt Lick: Guided walks to the Salt Lick, where animals come to lick salty soil, are conducted by an armed ranger. Observation points identified by the Uganda Wildlife Authority allow visitors to view various species, such as zebras and antelopes. This activity usually starts in the morning and lasts up to two hours.
• Visiting the Igongo Cultural Center: Located 4 kilometers from the Sanga gate, the Igongo Cultural Center showcases the cultural heritage and traditions of the Banyakitara tribes, including the Bakiga, Banyoro, Batooro, and Banyankole. The center features a small museum with local art crafts and items related to ancient cultural traditions. Visitors can learn about the tribes’ history and lifestyle, explore traditional huts, taste local food, and purchase souvenirs.
• Quad Biking to Spot Game: Quad biking is an excellent way to spot game in Lake Mburo National Park, especially given the scarcity of big cats. Quad bike rides take visitors through grazing areas of zebras and around local Banyankole cattle. Biking safaris offer close encounters with nature. It is advisable to carry water and snacks during the ride.

Conservation efforts

Conservation efforts in Lake Mburo National Park focus on preserving its ecosystems and wildlife through various initiatives. Anti-poaching measures and enhanced patrols combat illegal hunting, while community engagement promotes sustainable practices to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Eco-tourism is encouraged to generate revenue for conservation and support local economies. Habitat management efforts aim to restore biodiversity, and ongoing research informs conservation strategies. Together, these initiatives work to maintain the park’s ecological integrity and ensure the survival of its diverse wildlife.