Lake Mburo National Park – Uganda’s Safari on the Way
Overview
Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest but most scenic parks, located in the western region, just a 4-hour drive from Kampala. It’s a perfect stopover between Kampala and other major destinations like Bwindi or Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park features rolling hills, open savannah, woodlands, and the beautiful Lake Mburo, which is rich in birdlife, hippos, and crocodiles.
Though compact, the park offers diverse wildlife, walking safaris, boat rides, and is the best place in Uganda to see zebras.
Wildlife
Lake Mburo is home to 68 mammal species and over 350 bird species. Key animals include:
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Zebras (seen in large numbers)
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Impalas (only found in this park in Uganda)
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Buffaloes, warthogs, and elands
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Leopards and hyenas (rare but present)
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Hippos and crocodiles in Lake Mburo
Bird species include African fish eagles, herons, kingfishers, and the rare African finfoot.
Activities
Game Drives
Drive through the savannah to view zebras, antelopes, and more, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride while spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds along the shoreline.
Walking Safari
Lake Mburo is one of the few parks in Uganda where guided walking safaris are allowed. Walk with a ranger to observe wildlife on foot.
Horseback Safari
Some lodges offer horseback rides through the bush — a unique and quiet way to get close to animals.
Bird Watching
The park’s wetlands and woodlands make it a great location for birdwatching throughout the year.
Scenery
The park features a mix of open plains, rocky hills, wooded savannah, swamps, and five small lakes. Lake Mburo itself adds a peaceful and scenic element to any safari.
Best Time to Visit
Lake Mburo is great to visit all year, but the dry seasons (June to August and December to February) offer the best wildlife viewing.
Getting There
It is about a 4-hour drive from Kampala via Masaka and Lyantonde, making it a convenient stop on the way to or from western Uganda.
Why Visit Lake Mburo
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The only park in Uganda with both zebras and impalas
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Perfect for short safaris and first-time visitors
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Offers walking and horseback safaris
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Peaceful and less crowded than larger parks
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Beautiful scenery and a variety of activities