Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a small park in western Uganda, close to the capital, Kampala. Although it's the smallest park in the country, it is good for wildlife safaris on horseback or on foot. Forget the vast plains - Mburo offers a captivating mosaic of landscapes teeming with wildlife and rich cultural encounters. This definitive guide will unveil the park's magic and turn your Ugandan adventure into an unforgettable escapade.
Overview
Break your Uganda safari with a tranquil escape – a place teeming with wildlife, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences that leave you breathless in Lake Mburo National Park. Nestled conveniently between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famed for its gorilla treks, and Entebbe, Uganda's gateway city, Lake Mburo offers a perfect stopover to break up the long drive. As Uganda's smallest national park (260 sq km), Mburo punches far above its weight. Here, the wide-open plains are replaced by a captivating mosaic of rolling hills dotted with acacia woodlands, permanent and seasonal swamps teeming with life, and idyllic safari camps perfect for unwinding.
Forget the dust of traditional jeep safaris. Explore the park on horseback, offering a thrilling perspective of the sprawling landscapes. Canoe along the lake shores at sunrise, watching hippos emerge from the mist and encountering an abundance of birdlife. Unlike its larger neighbors, Lake Mburo allows you to ditch the vehicle and truly connect with nature.
Take a guided nature walk, learning about the park's rich flora and fauna from a knowledgeable guide. Here, you can get surprisingly close to big game like giraffes and buffalos, making your safari experience truly unforgettable.
Spot the park's famed zebras, the largest population in Uganda. Be captivated by graceful impalas, majestic elands, and the watchful eyes of the park's resident leopards. With over 350 bird species, Mburo is a haven for birdwatchers. Look out for elusive shoebills, vibrant carmine bee-eaters, and the endangered African finfoot.
After the adrenaline rush of gorilla trekking or chimpanzee habituation in western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park offers a serene escape. Spend a few nights unwinding in comfortable lodges or campsites, all catering to various budgets and offering stunning views and unparalleled access to the park.
Wildlife Adventures in Lake Mburo Nationa Park
Immerse yourself in Africa's wilderness like never before. Explore on horseback and nature walks, bringing you up close and personal with majestic zebras, graceful giraffes, and watchful buffalo. Embark on thrilling game drives through wildlife-rich regions, and take to the waters with boat safaris. Navigate through pods of hippos, and discover why Mburo boasts some of Uganda's top birding spots. Lake Mburo National Park truly delivers a wildlife adventure tailored for every explorer.
Uganda Tour Packages
Be inspired by a selection of our favorite Uganda safari packages. From primate trekking adventures to family-friendly holidays – all completely flexible to feature Lake Mburo National Park experiences.
Uganda Gorilla & Lake Bunyonyi Safari
AvailableALL YEAR
Duration5 DAYS
From$2,013
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$855
Uganda Primates Safari Adventure
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration8 DAYS
- From$2,748
Best of Uganda's Top Attractions
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration10 DAYS
- From$3,350
Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$915
Safari Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National
- AvailableALL YEAR
- Duration4 DAYS
- From$937
Best Time To Visit
While Lake Mburo National Park welcomes visitors year-round, the dry seasons (December to February and June to August) offer prime wildlife viewing. During these drier months, animals concentrate around permanent water sources like the lake and swamps, making them easier to spot on game drives. However, the park's beauty truly shines during the wet seasons (March to May and September to November). Lush green landscapes flourish, and birdwatching enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of migratory birds. The choice ultimately depends on your priorities.
The park's convenient location between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famous for gorilla trekking, and Kibale National Park, a haven for chimpanzee habituation, makes it an ideal stopover to create a well-rounded Ugandan itinerary. Break up the journey between these iconic destinations with a few days in Lake Mburo, experiencing a diverse range of wildlife and landscapes that complement your gorilla and chimpanzee encounters perfectly.
Safari Lodges & Camps in Lake Mburo National Park
If you're planning a safari to Lake Mburo National Park and wondering where to stay, these are the best accommodations in the park, ranging from luxurious lodges to budget-friendly campsites where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the wonders of the Ugandan wilderness.
Mihingo Lodge
This luxurious, family-owned safari lodge is in a magical setting adjacent. It is perched high on a rocky kopje and offers spectacular views over a vast savannah landscape.
Kigambira Safari Lodge
It is perched on the slopes of Lake Kigambira and has a dramatic setting in a private concession. The lodge offers a breathtaking view of Lake Mburo and it is among the most opulent lodges in Lake Mburo National Park.
Acadia Lodge
Located close to the water's edge, just 2km from the park headquarters at Rwonyo, Arcadia Cottage Lodge is a luxury lodge in Mburo that is perfect for guided nature walks and game drives.
Kigarama Wilderness Lodge
The lodge sits just between Rubanga Forest and the stunning Lake Kigambira, offering its guests jaw-dropping views. This reasonably priced accommodation is a perfect getaway for budget-conscious travelers with a taste of luxury.
Rwakobo Rock Lodge
This eco-friendly, family-run safari lodge is just outside Lake Mburo National Park. The main dining area overlooks an expanse of rock that adjoins the park. The lodge is set in the pristine Ankole ranchlands surrounding the park, offering a peaceful and secluded retreat.
Mpogo Safari Lodge
Mpogo Safari Lodge is a peaceful and exclusive facility conveniently located on top of a hill in the park's outcasts. It is a mid-range eco-friendly safari lodge perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Mantana Tented Camp
This is a simple luxury canvas tented camp with a great location to explore the Lake Mburo National Park. It's a budget-friendly option with fairly good amenities and great views of the park.
Rwonyo Rest Camp
This accommodation facility is a low-budget safari camp near the Nshara entry gate to the park. It is family-friendly and managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Rangeland Mburo Lodge
A peaceful and comfortable safari lodge where you can experience the true essence of Lake Mburo wildlife. The facility also offers self-camping grounds for independent travelers.
Mburo Eagles Nest
Eagle's Nest is one of the best low-budget, clean, and safe accommodations in Lake Mburo National Park. The lodge is perched on a high hill bordering the park, with excellent views.
Leopard Rest Campsite
This budget campsite is on the park's border, about a 2-minute drive from the Nshara gate and approximately 8 km from the main road.
Mburo Safari Lodge
A mid-range eco-friendly property hidden within the park. It offers one of the best wildlife encounters, with frequent wild visitors like zebras, buffaloes, impalas, and even a leopard on occasion.
