Guide to Lake Mburo National Park

A hidden gem, Lake Mburo National Park provides a captivating natural retreat. This park is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, varied fauna, and serene waters. It is particularly notable for its distinctive blend of marshes and savannah.

The park is located in Nyabushozi county, Kiruhuru district, about 240 km by road west of Kampala. This park covers approximately 370 square km with rich biodiversity including the rich wildlife, lush vegetations and scenic views.

History of lake Mburu National Park 

The park was originally gazette in 1933 as a controlled hunting area but later up graded in 1963 as a game reserve. In the beginning it was a hunting place for Banyankole and Bahima pastoralists but later they were chased and then the reserve was up graded.

During the second regime of Obote though he failed thus giving chance to the former people to come back and re occupy their land. They came back and destroyed the parks infrastructures and also killed wild life since at first, they were not compensated and up to now the park still holds cultural centers like Rubanga, Ruroko and many others.

BIO DIVERSITY

Lake Mburo national park is an amazing homeland to 350 bird species and a remarkable flora and fauna. The park is a domicile to 68 mammal species with a numerous wild life like zebras, lmpala, buffalo, elephants and hyenas.

This is among the marvelous places for birding because it has got a variety like the African  fin foot, papyrus yellow warbler shoebill stork due to many rivers in this park. It is also notable that lake Mburo national park is one of the few places in Uganda with the scarce birds.

Furthermore, the park is also filled with diverse sections like savanna, woodlands and the land scapes.

GEOGRAPHY

The park is filled with swamps, grasslands, hilly grasslands, valleys and acacia woodlands. It is made up of wetlands and 5 lakes with an altitude of the park is 1,220m to 1,828mabove sea level.

LOCATION

Lake Mburo national park is found in western Uganda,240km from Kampala. It is only a 4-hour drive from Kampala to the park. This is an ideal stop over for people travelling to and from Bwindi and Mgahinga after trekking.

The park is very rich with its diverse eco systems, unique cultural history plus the un matched wilderness experience in Uganda.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

GAME DRIVES.

Game drive watching is the most popular activity in Lake Mburo National Park. It may be done on a variety of vehicles, including safari vehicles, all-terrain safari vehicles, quad bikes, horseback riding, and one of the aforementioned modes of transportation.

Tourists have a fantastic opportunity to see a variety of wildlife species during the wild game drive held at Lake Mburo National Park. Keep in mind that having an expert guide makes game drives more exciting for both safety and a good outdoor experience.

 During a wildlife drive at Lake Mburo National Park, you can anticipate seeing zebras, road antelopes, leopards, lions, hyenas, and lion bush cubs, among other mammals. buffalo and porcupines While on a wildlife drive in Lake Mburo National Park, one can see all of these species.

Sport Fishing

One of the most thrilling activities to do in Lake Mburo include sport fishing.  The park is a home to thirteen Lakes in and around the park thus making sports fishing more unique.

 Booking in advance is more advisable since you must have obtained a fishing permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority and to also carry their fishing equipment if they are to enjoy the sport activity. Lake Mburo has six major fish types such as Tilapia, Lung fish, mud fish and the haplochromes and many more. The activity allows you to catch your own fish and eat it as well as interact with the local communities.

Horse Back Safaris

Horseback safaris are an exciting way to see wildlife in and around Lake Mburo National Park. Horseback safaris are now available in lake Mburo and can be done from Mihingo Lodge. Without any engine sounds and fumes you feel part of nature and often get the chance to see the more timid animals. Without any engine sounds and fumes you feel part of nature and often get the chance to see the more timid animals. Experiencing game from horse back is very special: zebra come towards you to check out the strange relative without strips. Even the normally very shy eland curiously looks at the horses without running away, just keeping their distance.

GUIDED NATURE WALKS

 For those seeking for an exceptional activity that allows out to explore the park on foot as well as adventuring is the guided nature walk.  Nature walks in Lake Mburo ich offers a bird’s-eye view of the park’s wildlife as well as onnect with the environment in a much more personal, up-close way.

The activity is carried out with a knowledgeable guide who offers vast information about the attractions and routes to use while on your expedition.  Here you have the opportunity to see different bird species, animal species and plant species.

BICYCLE TOURS

This is among adventurous experience used to explore the park and its surrounding areas. Please note that such tours are always guided by a tour ranger who is experienced enough and can be able to answer any questions one might have and keep the travellers out of harm’s way. Along the bicycle trails, one should expect to view a wide range of antelopes, buffaloes, zebras and many more.

Exploring the many sceneries and wildlife of Lake Mburo National Park on a bicycle trip is an exciting and environmentally responsible way to do it. Traveling by bicycle across the park’s expansive savannahs, wooded regions, and along the picturesque beaches of Lake Mburo gives tourists a new perspective on the area while allowing for up-close interactions with the natural world.

A bicycle tour in Lake Mburo is an unforgettable adventure, ideal for those looking for a more active and intimate safari experience.

BIRDING

Lake Mburo National Park is an exceptional birding destination with in the pearl of Africa with over 350 both migratory and endemics.  Birding in lake Mburo can be done from the saltlick and the forest trails.

Some of the birds to see include double toothed barbet, crested crane, saddle bill storks, harrier hawk, rare shoebill, African Grey Hornbil woodpeckers, Rare white winged warbler, crested francolin and many more.

BOAT CRUISES.

The park is a home to over five lakes that are located within the park and boat cruise can be carried out in some of the five lakes. A boat cruise offers visitors an opportunity to see the park from a different perspective as you enjoy the  calm waters, spot a wide variety of wildlife and different kinds birds. The lake is home to over 350 species of birds, including the famous African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, and various heron species. The cruise also offers views of crocodiles and hippos sunbathing along the shores.  The activity offers unforgettable memories to tourist.

FOREST WALKS

 Forest walks are arguably one of the most thrilling activities that can be done with in Lake Mburo national park. the activity is mainly organized by the park authorities through Rubanga forest. Such walks are more ideal for birders and nature lovers. Rubanga forest is home to more than 40 bird species and numerous tree species, including fig trees, palm, platy caluz, acacia, and Markhamia, among others. The ancient shoebill stock, green pigeon, grey-backed camaroptera, and many others call the Rubanga forest home. Before hiking in this forest, visitors must obtain special authorization from the warden.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Although Lake Mburo National Park is famously known as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts it also offers rich cultural experiences to tourists. The area around the park is home to the Banyankole people, who have a deep connection with the land and the environment. Engaging in cultural encounters in Lake Mburo National Park gives visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of the local communities. Some of the communities to engage with include   Ankole cultural community group, Rwenjeru campsite the Igongo cultural institute Rwabarata drama group they all entertain through local dance, drama and entertainment.

 Rwamuhuka is known for craft materials who sell their products to tourists, the Shara community tourism group Masha community wildlife forum as well as Rubale fishing community that offers sport fishing adventures among many. Cultural interactions in Lake Mburo National Park are a great way to interact with the local people and learn more about their customs, way of life, and ties to the land.

ENTRANCE GATES TO THE PARK

Lake Mburo national park has a variety of entrance gates to the park thus making travelling very easy and enjoyable.

Nsahara gate

This gate is located at the western edge and the main access point for travellers from Mbarara. It is only 13km to the park from this gate. It provides easy access to Rwonya park headquarters thus making travelling very easy because accommodation places are very close to the park.

Sanga gate

Sanga gate is found in the eastern sides of the park 13km from Lyantonde. This is suitable place for people from Kampala and Masaka.

The gates are open from 6 am to 7 pm and the park is a home to many lodges thus making visiting very simple.

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

Lake Mburo national park is an all-year-round destination implying that it can be visited at anytime of the year, however the best time of visiting the park is generally the dry season. During the dry season wildlife viewing is more fun since many animals will be seen around the riverbanks. The roads are less slippery thus easy movements of the vehicles and tourists.

However, tourists can still visit during the wet season and still enjoy a number of experiences. The goodness of visiting in the wet season is that the park is less crowded, some lodgings also reduce on the prices of their rooms. Rusizi national park is an all-year-round destination.

HOW TO ACCESS LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK.

BY ROAD

The park is 240km from Kampala about 4 hours. There are various routes one can use to reach the park.

Via Masaka

When you reach Lyantonde you continue driving about 13km to the park. Here you access the Sanga gate found in the eastern edge of the park and this is the quickest route to the park.

Second route

This is from Mbarara and abut 13km drive to nsahara park in the western sides. This is abit longer but still you access the park

By air

You can also use air to reach the park and this is by organizing chartered flights from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi air fields which may take around one hour to the park. The park has an air strip at Nyakisharara in Mbarara 66km from the park.

There is also another airstrip in Sanga which can be used for people to access the park.