Lake Mburo National Park is positioned about 240 kilometers from Kampala – Uganda’s capital and 30 kilometers from Mbarara, the biggest town in the western region.
This area was first gazzeted in 1933 as a hunting area but later upgraded into a game reserve in 1963. The inhabitants to part of this area (Banyankore pastoralists commonly known as Bahima) continued herding their cattle from here until 1983 when it was declared a National Park during the Obote regime.
Historically, the upgrading decision of this reserve into a National Park was to punish the Banyankole who used to support the ant-Obote rebels. The evicted pastoralists became more frustrated and protested to refusal of compensation for their lost grazing land and help during resettlement.
The collapse of Obote 11 regime in 1985 paved way for evicted occupants to re-claim their land, destroyed park infrastructures, killed animals and expelled the Park’s staff. This was a complete setback to Uganda’s tourism industry.
The raise of the NRM government powered the restoration of this Park, less than half of the original area was re-gazzeted and this leaves a question “why the smallest park” well answered. Lake Mburo National Park now ranks among the best parks with favorable habitats. It consists of tropical rain forests, grasslands, rich acacia tree valleys and swamps.
Though small in size, it’s a unique place to get lost in Wildlife. Visitors are usually overpowered by variety of species, and amazing sights of the Wilderness. Wildlife is the major attraction to this Park. Over 68 species of mammals roam in the available 158 square miles of acacia-dotted savannah, vast areas of wetlands inhabit different aquatic species.
Moreover, these habitats accommodate a total of 315 bird species including the rare shoebill stork, African fin foot and more. Lake Mburo, the only lake in the Park is ideal for magical sights of Hippos wallowing, large crocodiles lurking on the shores and water bird species like fish eagle, pelican and more while on boat cruise.
How to get there
Being the closest Park to Kampala along Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway, this is a key stopover for travelers heading to other Parks like Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
From Kampala or Entebbe, it usually takes about 3-4 hours for the drive but usually depending on speed used and stopovers included.
Interestingly rewarding stopovers along this route include Mpambire drum makers and at the equator for some brief explanation about it, cup of coffee, photos and purchase of handcrafts as souvenirs.
Driving from Kampala or Mbarara, you can access the Park by two gates including Sanga gate at Sanga trading center and Nshara gate. From these two gates, its two kilometers up to Rwonyo where park headquarters are located.
By Air – If not road, there is an alternative by plane. Currently no available scheduled domestic flights to the Park but on request private charters are arranged daily up to Mbarara airstrip. From there you are transferred by driver guide of your local operator used up to the Park suburbs.
Top Activities in the Park
Guided Nature Walks
This stands one of the most outstanding activities done in Uganda’s Parks, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the best locations to catch the thrill during a nature walk. The park offers guided nature walks through different trails.
Tourists are assigned armed park ranger guide and get close to nature on foot wandering through open and wooded savannah, rocky outcrops, thickets, bushes and more. This pursuit costs $30 USD per person.
Game Drives
Several options to explore wildlife in Lake Mburo abound but game driving seems exceptional and more rewarding. Most travelers particularly wildlife enthusiasts choose for this Park because of its thrilling display of large numbers of Impala and Burch ell’s Zebras.
Game driving follow different paths and sights of animals sometimes depend on season like during dry season, animals congregate around swamps and the lake in need of a water. Using pop up Safari jeep awards a lot from sights of animals feeding to sweeping views of Wilderness, sunset or sunrise.
Boat cruise
A boat cruise either afternoon or morning on Lake Mburo is one of the main highlights for a Safari to this Wildlife filled Park.
It’s beyond sumptuous sights of hippos and crocodiles to noticing of a diverse range of Water bird species along with admiring the picturesque views of towering landscapes.
This blend of countless Wildlife encounters, stunning scenery as well as stunning views leaves no one un contented but rather a lasting memory about a truly rewarding African experience.
Horse Back Riding
Horseback riding as an activity is available in Lake Mburo National Park offered by Mihingo lodge. Besides game driving and nature walks, this is another exciting option to see the widely packed Wildlife in the Park. Without engine sounds, it’s very possible to see even the timid animals.