LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

Lake Mburo National Park is located in Kiruhuara District and neighbors other three districts which include; Mbarara, Isingiro and Lyantonde. The park was originally gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area, upgraded to a game reserve in 1963 and in 1983 established as a national park. Within the park there are still culturally significant locations, such as Rubanga, where sacrifices were once made to the gods; Ruroko is where the semi-mythical Bachwezi lived, and Kigarama was where the servants of the king used to stay. Besides, it is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks and a habitant to wildlife species not often seen in other Uganda parks. In addition, the park is blessed with over 300 bird species like the black bellied bustard, bare-faced-go away bird and Ruppell’s starling as well as over 60 mammal species like impalas, zebras, elands, buffalos, etc.

Activities done in Lake Mburo National Park

Game drives

This park has got morning, evening and night game drives and all these can be enjoyed, however, this depends on the time you have for your safari. This activity is done driving through different tracks in the park in search of the unique animals thereby giving you the best opportunity for seeing the impalas and zebras. As a matter of fact, this is the only place in Uganda to see the majestic impala and the only place easily accessible to see the Burchell’s zebra. You will also come across other animals like the buffalos, warthogs, Rothschild’s giraffe as well as the nocturnal animals like the leopard, African civet, hyenas, etc.

Boat cruise

This provides great opportunities to enjoy the flora and fauna aquatic along Lake Mburo and an afternoon boat cruise is one of the most sought-after activities to spot aquatic animals like crocodiles and hippos. Besides, animals, you are also able to spot different bird species like the kingfishers, egrets, cormorants, darters, herons, eagles, not to mention but a few. Other animals spotted at the banks of the lake quenching their thirst during the dry season include; the buffalos and antelopes.

Host back riding

The activity is organized by Mihingo Eco Lodge in guidance for an experienced park guide and it is interesting activity to see wildlife at a closer view. Besides, the activity makes you feel part of nature seeing zebras and elands closely in a more peaceful environment without vehicle sounds. This activity basically takes 1-3 hours as you explore the beauty of the park coupled by the view of the wild game.

Community visits

While here, you have a chance of interacting with the local people that live around the park thereby getting to know more of their life style. Discover their culture, daily activities, engage in their dances, songs and you can as well support them by buying some souvenirs to take back home for memories.

Nature walks

These are done with the help of an armed ranger who leads you through different park trails coming across different attractions in the park. An early morning guide nature walk will take you to a salt lick where you will be able to view different animals as they parade themselves to enjoy the taste of the salty licks. During the nature walk, you will also come across different bird species as well as tree species.

Birding

The park is increasingly becoming one of the best birding spots in Uganda since is hosts over 300 beautiful bird species whereby some of them are spotted during game drives and nature walks. In fact, the park harbors, water, forest as well as savannah birds and all spotted in different areas of the park. Birds to look out include; African finfoot, Go-away-bird, Yellow breasted Apalis, Nubian woodpecker, African fish eagles, Ross’s Turacco, etc.