Lake Mburo National Park

Home » Destinations » Uganda » Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the closest savannah park to Kampala, and it is a great first or last stop on a Uganda safari. It lies in western Uganda, about 240 km from the capital, which is a drive of three to four hours. Covering around 370 square kilometres, it is also the smallest savannah park in the country.

Small does not mean dull, however. Lake Mburo is the best place in Uganda to see zebras and impalas. In addition, it is one of the few parks where you can explore on foot, by bike or even on horseback. Because of its location on the road to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth, it is perfect for breaking up a long drive.

Below, you will find the park’s wildlife, things to do, the best time to visit and how to get there. Finally, we show you how Lake Mburo fits into a longer trip.

Landscape and wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park

The park is a mix of rolling acacia savannah, rocky ridges, forested gorges, papyrus swamps and lakes. Lake Mburo itself is one of 13 lakes in the wider area. Together, they form part of a 50 km-long wetland system linked by swamps, and five of these lakes lie inside the park.

Around 68 mammal species live here. Look out for zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, topi, warthogs, bushbucks and waterbucks. Hippos and crocodiles live in the lake, while leopards and jackals hunt at night. Since there are no elephants, the park has more woodland than many other savannah parks.

Birders will love it too. Over 315 bird species have been recorded, including the African finfoot and the rare shoebill. Other species include the red-faced barbet, rufous-bellied heron, grey crowned crane, bateleur and bare-faced go-away-bird.

Things to do in Lake Mburo

Game drives

Morning and evening game drives take you past rock outcrops, acacia woodland, wetlands and grassy hills. You will see zebras, impalas, buffaloes and many antelopes. Night drives are also possible, which give you a chance to spot leopards and other nocturnal animals.

Boat trips on the lake

A two-hour boat trip on Lake Mburo is calm and relaxing. Along the eastern shore, you can see hippos, crocodiles and buffaloes. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for hamerkops, kingfishers and fish eagles with their huge nests.

Walking safaris

Lake Mburo is one of the best parks in Uganda for walking. With a ranger guide, you can explore the lake shore, the salt lick at Rwonyo, Rubanga Forest or a hilltop with great lake views. Walking lets you get close to zebras and antelopes in a way that a vehicle cannot.

Horseback and cycling safaris

Horseback safaris are a special way to see wildlife. Animals such as eland, buffalo, warthog, topi, impala and zebra often let horses come close. In addition, guided cycling trips are available outside the main game areas.

Birding and sport fishing

Good birding spots include swampy valleys, viewing platforms near salt licks and the forest. For more ideas, see our page on birding in Uganda. You can also fish at the designated spot at Mazinga, where tilapia is the most common catch.

A short history of the park

Lake Mburo was first set aside as a controlled hunting area in 1933. Later, in 1963, it became a game reserve. Banyankole-Bahima herders continued to graze their cattle there until the area became a national park in 1983.

The herders received no compensation, so many remained unhappy with the change. In 1985, after the government changed, former residents moved back into the park. Finally, in 1986, the new government re-gazetted less than half of the original area. Today, the park works with local communities to share the benefits of tourism.

Best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park

The park is open all year round. However, the dry seasons from June to August and from December to February are the best times for wildlife viewing. During these months, animals gather around the lake and other water sources.

The wet seasons, from March to May and September to November, can still be rewarding. The park is green and beautiful, and there are fewer visitors. On the other hand, some park roads can be slippery, and heavy rain may cut a game drive short.

How to get to Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo lies between Masaka and Mbarara, about 240 km from Kampala. The drive takes around four hours. From Bwindi, it is about 250 to 300 km, depending on the sector, which takes six to seven hours.

There are two gates off the Kampala-Mbarara road. The turning to Nshara Gate is 13 km past Lyantonde. Meanwhile, the junction for Sanga Gate is at Sanga trading centre, 27 km past Lyantonde. Both are clearly signposted. From either gate, it is about a 20-minute drive to Rwonyo, the park headquarters.

Where Lake Mburo fits in your safari

Most travellers spend one or two nights here. For a short break, our 2 day Lake Mburo safari is ideal. Alternatively, you can add the park to a longer trip, such as the 7 day Uganda gorillas and wildlife safari or the 12 day best of Uganda safari. It is also a popular stop on family safaris in Uganda, thanks to its short drive and walking options.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages the park and sets activity fees, which change from time to time. So, Roots will confirm current rates when you enquire. Tell us your dates, and we will plan your visit to Lake Mburo National Park with a free itinerary.