Lake Mburo National Park

Park Overview

Lake Mburo National Park, located about 240 kilometers from Uganda’s capital, is the smallest of Uganda’s 10 National Parks, one of the only three with Bachelle’s Zebra, and the only one with that hosts impala slender mongoose and giant bush rats. This underrated gem is dominated by five lakes (Lake Mburo is the largest), wetlands, an undulating landscape, open savannah, and acacia woodland exploring before or after your southwestern Uganda safari adventure.

Take a 2-hour boat cruise on Lake Mburo and come close to touching the big and small wild animals that flock the shores. Buffalo, hippo, and a great many species of waterbirds, including the prehistoric shoebill, feed at arm’s length from the engine boat’s vantage point. Then maybe take a guided walking safari and get your adrenaline muscles pumped up.

It’s the best place in Uganda to view savannah wildlife animals on foot. An armed ranger guide guides you through long-established trails and off the beaten path to get to impala, zebra, and eland dispersed herds. They may not scare you as much as the big ones in other parks because Lake Mburo National Park doesn’t have the big players like the lion and elephant. That makes Mabura a great choice to watch the smaller mammals at a rewarding calm pace.

Although the boat cruise safari is one of the activities at Lake Mburo National Park that gets special attention, tourists can enjoy more of the park’s thrills with a walking adventure or slide onto horseback and get closer to the animals than you would expect.

If you’re returning from the exhilarating adventure in the impenetrable forest, gorilla trekking, spend a night or two at Lake Mburo National Park; it’s small and perfect for a private safari getaway for a modern nature explorer.

Wildlife Encounters

Savannah Wildlife

Lake Mburo National Park is home to a variety of savannah wildlife, including impala, zebra, and eland. These animals can often be seen grazing in the open grasslands or near the park's many water sources. The park's unique ecosystem also supports a range of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

67+ Mammalian Species

4km of Explorable Trails

10+ Bird Species

Leopard

Solitary and elusive, leopards are skilled climbers and often rest in trees during the day. They are known for their beautiful spotted coats.

Buffalo

Large and powerful, buffalo are known for their thick horns and strong social structure. They often graze in herds near water sources.

Giraffe

Known for their long necks and legs, giraffes are the tallest land animals. They are often seen browsing on treetops.

African Fish Eagle

Plenty of bird species to observe while riding the boat like the african fish eagle

Park Activities

Boat Cruise

In addition to the charming scenery and simple pleasures of floating in a boat surrounded by wild things, the launch trip reliably provides good sightings of hippo, crocodile, buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, and otter sightings.

Horseback Safari

If driving in the comfort of a 4×4 safari truck does not impress you, hop on horseback after your boat cruise and explore the savannah wild on the back of an animal. Other ungulates are more friendly to a human on a horse and tend to stick around in amazement. So you may get closer to them than expected — a unique way to experience Uganda’s wild wonders.

Guided Walking Safari

Guided walks are a major highlight of visiting Lake Mburo and a great addition to your boat cruise. A walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park allows you to surprisingly get very close to wild animals, like the impala and zebra herds, on foot.

Best Time to Visit

Because most travelers would rather avoid the high chances of drenching in the rain during the wet seasons, the best time for a boat cruise safari on Lake Mburo is during the dryer months of June to August and December to January. These months offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with less rain and more sunshine, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.

However, the wet seasons on March to May and September to November still offer excellent wildlife viewing because the animals will be gathered in large numbers. You can still take the boat cruise any time of the year and still enjoy this small savannah park.

Safari Packages

Amazing Uganda Primates Safari

8 Days - Complete gorilla and Wildlife adventure

View Package

Uganda Safari Highlights

11 Days - Uganda Nature Site

View Package

Best of Uganda Safari

14 Days - Uganda Nature Sites

View Package

Where to Stay

Luxury and Mid Range Options

Mihingo Lodge

Nestled on a 500 million-year-old rocky kopje on the edge of Lake Mburo National Park, Mihingo Lodge is a true wilderness luxury accommodation that offers a magical setting for its guests

Rwakobo Rock

Rwakobo Rock Lodge is a wilderness retreat secluded on a rocky outcrop at the edge of Lake Mburo National Park’s northern border.

Mburo Eagle's Nest

Mburo Eagle’s nest is a basic safari camp on the edge of Lake Mburo National Park providing budget accommodation with stunning views of the park’s expansive plains.

Budget Options

Hyena Hill Lodge

Affordable lodge with basic amenities and a cozy atmosphere

Rwonyo Rest Camp

The Rwonyo Rest Camp offers striking views of lake mburo National Park accompanied with often visits of the wild animals such as impalas,warthogs and many more.