Lake Mburo National Park spans 260 km² and lies between 1220m and 1828m above sea level. Wetlands cover 20% of the park’s area. Visitors can explore Lake Mburo in various ways, including vehicles, mountain bikes, boats, on foot, and horseback. This compact park offers a perfect overnight stop between Kampala and Uganda’s western protected areas.

The park features a mosaic of habitats such as rock outcrops, savanna, acacia woodland, bush, forest, swamps, and lakes. These habitats support diverse wildlife, including rare species. Birding enthusiasts will find numerous papyrus and acacia species.

Although small at 370 km², Lake Mburo National Park boasts 69 mammal species and 332 bird species. The park is the only place in Uganda with impalas and the only one in western Uganda with Burchell’s zebra and eland. Additionally, topi are found here and in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In 2015, Rothschild’s giraffes were relocated here from Murchison Falls National Park. Leopards, hyenas, and recently reappeared lions also reside in the park. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit the park’s five lakes, while the swamps conceal wetland species like the sitatunga antelope. Bird species include the papyrus gonolek, papyrus yellow warbler, white-winged warbler, and shoebill. The acacia woodland supports diverse birdlife around Rwonyo Rest Camp and the grassland valleys east of Lake Mburo.

Attractions and Activities

Game Viewing

A boat trip along the eastern shores of Lake Mburo offers sightings of crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, herons, and fish eagles. Occasionally, you may spot the rare finfoot and shoebill. Fishermen with their equipment can fish from the campsite by arrangement.

Game drives cover the eastern hinterland of Lake Mburo, providing opportunities to see various savannah animals and birds. Night drives with a ranger guide reveal nocturnal creatures like bush babies, pottos, and possibly leopards. Guided Salt Lick Walks lead to a natural salt lake, where wildlife can be observed from a timber platform.

Horseback Safaris

Horseback safaris explore the grassy ridges in the park’s eastern part. Mihingo Lodge operates these safaris. Mountain biking trips, operated by Rwakobo Rock and Leopard Tail Rest Camp, offer another exciting way to explore the park.

Birding

Prime birding areas include the acacia woodland along the Acacia and Research tracks and the wooded shores of Lake Mburo near the Rwonyo launch. The lake’s northern papyrus wetland is ideal for spotting the African finfoot.

Access

Lake Mburo National Park is located between Masaka and Mbarara, close to the road connecting Kampala to Bwindi, Kabale, and the Rwandan border. The 228km drive from Kampala takes about 3.5 hours. Visitors can also reach the park from Kibale National Park via Ibanda and Rushere or from Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishaka and Mbarara.

Entry Gates

The park has three gates: Kyanyanshara Gate near Mihingo Lodge, 18km south of Akagate trading center; Nshara Gate, accessed via a 9km dirt road from Akagate; and Sanga Gate, accessible via a 13km dirt road from Sanga trading center.

By Air

Visitors can also reach Lake Mburo National Park by air, offering a quicker alternative to road travel. Scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Mbarara Airstrip make the journey convenient and time-saving. The flight takes approximately one hour, after which visitors can transfer to the park by road, which takes about 30 minutes. This option is ideal for those looking to maximize their time in the park and enjoy more of the wildlife experience without the long road trip. Several airlines operate these flights, ensuring flexibility and ease of access.