Experience the Untamed Beauty of Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda

Nestled in the heart of Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is a stunning gem waiting to be explored. This untamed wilderness is teeming with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From herds of grazing zebras and impalas to majestic antelopes and buffalo, the park is home to a plethora of species that thrive in its lush surroundings.
Visitors to Lake Mburo National Park can immerse themselves in the beauty of its five lakes, rolling hills, and verdant savannas. Whether embarking on a guided safari drive, hiking along the park's extensive trails, or enjoying a boat ride on Lake Mburo itself, there are countless opportunities to experience the park's beauty up close. With its tranquil atmosphere and abundance of wildlife, Lake Mburo National Park offers a truly unforgettable wilderness experience in the heart of Uganda.

Where is Lake Mburo National Park located?

Lake Mburo National Park is located in the western part of Uganda, near the town of Mbarara, approximately 240 kilometers from the capital city, Kampala. The park is situated in the heart of the Ankole region and covers an area of 370 square kilometers. It is the smallest national park in Uganda, but it is known for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes.
Lake Mburo National Park is named after Lake Mburo, the largest of the five lakes found within the park. The lake and surrounding wetlands are a habitat for a variety of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Lake Mburo National Park?

Lake Mburo National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The park is known for its extensive wetlands, rolling hills, and open savannah, providing the perfect habitat for a variety of species.
Visitors to Lake Mburo National Park can spot a variety of wildlife, including zebras, hippos, impalas, elands, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, giraffes, crocodiles, waterbucks, antelopes, oribis, and more. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded within its boundaries.
In addition to the more common animals, lucky visitors may also catch a glimpse of leopards, hyenas, and even the elusive African golden cat. With its unique landscape and abundant wildlife, Lake Mburo National Park offers a truly unforgettable safari experience.

Activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the activities include game drives, boat cruises, bird watching, nature walks, and night game drives.

One of the main attractions is the opportunity to go on game drives and spot a wide range of wildlife including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and more. The park also has several hiking trails for those who enjoy exploring on foot, with the chance to encounter birds and other smaller animals along the way.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a boat trip on Lake Mburo and see hippos and crocodiles up close. Those looking for a bit of adventure can go horseback riding or mountain biking through the park's picturesque landscapes. Additionally, cultural encounters with the local communities can be arranged for a deeper understanding of the area's history and traditions. Overall, Lake Mburo National Park provides a diverse range of activities for visitors of all interests to enjoy.

How can one discover Lake Mburo?

One can discover Lake Mburo through guided safaris and tours that showcase the beauty and wildlife of the national park. 

Overlanding is another in Lake Mburo allows you to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of this beautiful region while camping and traveling in a self-sufficient vehicle. Discover vast savannah plains, rolling hills, and shimmering lakes as you journey through the park. Keep an eye out for resident wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes, as well as a variety of bird species. Camp under the starry skies and wake up to the sounds of the African bush as you embark on a truly immersive adventure in nature. With plenty of off-road tracks and rugged terrain to explore, Overlanding in Lake Mburo offers a unique way to connect with the wilderness and experience the magic of the African bush. 

What makes Lake Mburo National Park unique?

Lake Mburo National Park is a truly unique destination in Uganda, known for being the smallest of Uganda's savannah national parks and its wetland system, its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. What sets this park apart is its location in the heart of the Ankole region, characterized by rolling hills, sprawling savannas, and the stunning Lake Mburo. This park is the only one in Uganda where you can spot zebras roaming freely, along with impalas, buffaloes, and hippos. The park also offers a rare opportunity for visitors to explore on foot, horseback, or mountain bike, making it a truly immersive experience. In addition, Lake Mburo National Park is home to over 350 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. With its unique combination of landscape, wildlife, and activities, Lake Mburo National Park stands out as a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. 

When is the best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park?

The best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda is during the dry months of June to August and December to February. During these periods, the vegetation is not as dense, making it easier to spot wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and various antelope species. The dry season also offers better opportunities for game drives, walking safaris, and boat cruises on Lake Mburo.
However, it is important to note that wildlife viewing may be more challenging during the wet season (March to May and September to November) as animals disperse in search of water and food. Additionally, the wet season brings lush greenery and beautiful landscapes, making it a great time for birdwatching and enjoying the park's natural beauty.
Overall, the best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park depends on your priorities - whether you prefer optimal wildlife viewing conditions or stunning scenery.

Oasis Overland Tours that includes Lake Mburo National Park

NAIROBI TO KIGALI (13 DAYS) GORILLAS & GAMEPARK

This trip takes in some of the smaller, but more rewarding East African National Parks. Their soda and fresh-water lakes are abundant in bird and wildlife and there are rare opportunities for walking safaris. An optional highlight of this trip is trekking through the rainforests of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Virunga Mountains in search of the protected Mountain Gorilla. For a different type of adrenaline experience you can try your hand at quad biking, kayaking or whitewater rafting in Uganda.

NAIROBI TO NAIROBI (19 DAYS) GORILLAS & GAMEPARKS

Enjoy the beauty of some of the best gameparks in three incredible East African countries. You will visit soda and fresh water lakes abundant in bird and wildlife, trek through rainforests of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, or marvel at the Virunga Mountains and search for the protected Mountain Gorilla. Try your hand at quad biking, kayaking and whitewater rafting - making this an action packed and diverse adventure trip that you will never forget!

NAIROBI TO DAR ES SALAAM (33 DAYS) GORILLAS, GAMEPARKS & ZANZIBAR

This is a fantastic overland tour for those of you with a passion for the animal kingdom. The Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are ones for the bucket list. Wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelle, Giraffes, Elephants, Rhino and big cats - the opportunity to spot wildlife on offer is second to none. Finish your East Africa overland tour by relaxing on the sandy beaches and splashing in the blue waters of Zanzibar!