Best Self Drive Guide to Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park and the nearest to both Kampala and Entebbe. For a brief wildlife excursion, Lake Mburo is the optimal choice. Lake Mburo National Park is a potential site for those particularly interested in birding safaris in Uganda. Lake Mburo National Park is situated roughly 240 kilometers from Kampala and merely 30 kilometers from Mbarara, the largest town in Western Uganda.
Lake Mburo National Park is located 290 kilometers from Entebbe and is bordered by four significant districts of Uganda: Mbarara, Lyantonde, Isingiro North, and Kiruhura. Lake Mburo National Park is the closest national park in Uganda to the President’s residence in Kiruhura District.
The National Park is conveniently reachable by road within around a 4 to 5-hour journey from Kampala or Entebbe, respectively. The coordinates are: 00?36’S, 30?57’E (Latitude: -0.6000; Longitude: 30.9500).It encompasses an area of 260 square kilometers, making it the smallest of Uganda’s savanna national parks, characterized by old Precambrian metamorphic rocks.
The Park was initially designated in 1933 as a regulated hunting area and subsequently elevated to a game reserve in 1963. The region was mostly inhabited by the Banyankore pastoralists, referred to as Bahima, who maintained their cattle and other livestock in the reserve until it was designated a National Park in 1983 by the dictatorship of the late Ugandan leader Milton Obote.
Lake Mburo National Park originated from the tale of two brothers, Mburo and Kigarama, who resided in the low-lying savannah plains, hence rendering the region historically known as Kaaro Karungi. One night, Kigarama dreamt of receiving a significant amount of rain that would result in floods and the destruction of their property. Kigarama shared his dream with his brother, but Mburo dismissed it. Given the reverence for dreams in African civilization, Kigarama chose to depart the area and retreated to the nearby hills, leaving his brother behind. Ultimately, the aspiration was realized as the region experienced torrential rains, resulting in flooding that led to Mburo’s drowning along with his possessions; hence, both Mburo and the hills were called in honor of his brother.
Lake Mburo National Park encompasses a diverse ecology characterized by its western area, which features rocky ridges, forested gorges, and narrow bands of verdant riparian woodland, among other elements. Similar to several lakes, this one contributes to the creation of picturesque landscapes, so drawing many travelers to explore the Park’s concealed treasures. Lake Mburo National Park is a unique location that hosts 68 species of mammals, albeit it lacks elephants and lions. The absence of lions allows tourists to approach the animals freely and engage with them closely. The National Park hosts a diverse array of avian species, including the rare shoebill, stork, pelican, heron, and the endemic African finfoot, among others.
The park features acacia trees, valleys, and grasslands with various grass species that sustain the wildlife. It features both seasonal and permanent marshes where papyrus flourishes, providing a pleasant experience for tourists, and is safeguarded by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Lake Mburo National Park offers a variety of activities for tourists, including wildlife drives, nature walks, a conservation education center, bird viewing, and horse riding.
Guided Naturel Walk
A guided nature walk conducted on foot, accompanied by an armed guide who elucidates the diverse flora and fauna, including species such as Orib antelopes, Sitatunga, Eland, Zebras, Waterbucks, and several more creatures.
Boat Cruise
A boat cruise on the eastern shores of Lake Mburo can be experienced from a lakeside campsite near Rwonyo. Tourists can observe crocodiles and hippos during the two-hour excursion, as well as a variety of bird species, including African fish eagles, African fin foot, and shoebill storks, among others.
Safari excursion
A game drive in the hinterland of Lake Mburo, accompanied by an armed guide, allows tourists to observe a variety of savannah fauna, including zebras, buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, and numerous other species, while receiving informative commentary.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is offered near Mihingo Lodge within the Park, while quad biking is facilitated by African all-terrain vehicles, allowing tourists to observe the Park’s topography and wildlife plants.
Conservation Education Center
The Park features educational centers west of Sanga Gate that offer lodging and an educational hall for lectures, school groups, and workshops.
At Lake Mburo National Park, tourists may choose from several accommodations, including Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock, Rwonyo Rest Camp, Mantana Tented Camp, Mburo Eagles Nest, Leopard Hotels, and numerous other options, allowing for budget-dependent bookings.