Lake Mburo National Park is considered Uganda’s smallest savannah park and also one of the nearest parks to Uganda’s capital city. It was originally gazetted in 1933 as a hunting ground and later as a game park in 1963 with the aim of protecting wildlife and the unique ecosystem. Most of the people living around the national park are pastoralists with herds of cattle grazing in the reserve. Lake Mburo National Park is home to a range of wildlife, ranging from hippopotamuses, zebras, African buffalo, African civets, servals, hyenas, impalas, zebras, giraffes, and leopards, among others.
It is rich in biodiversity, unique landscape lakes and grassland, and home to over 350 bird species. 20% of Lake Mburo consists of wetlands with lakes. The park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) with the main focus on tourism, community conservation, and wildlife protection. The park’s history is complex, with both positive and negative impacts on local communities. Efforts are ongoing to balance conservation and community needs. Rolling hills and a unique landscape create beautiful sceneries of the surroundings, and its strategic location makes it so much easier for most tourists coming from different destinations around Uganda to connect so easily.
Things to do at Lake Mburo National Park
Tourists can do different activities as indicated below.
Bird Watching
With over 350 bird species in Lake Mburo National Park, most especially those interested in birds find it as the best place where they can see different species, for example, the rare shoebill stork, saddle-billed stork, marabou stork, African fish eagle, and white-winged black tit, among others. The park includes swamps, grassland, and wetlands, making it a great spot for bird watching.
Game drives
While on a game drive adventure in Lake Mburo National Park you spot zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and other wildlife
Boat cruise
This is conducted on Lake Mburo, and on this memorable cruise you are able to spot different water animals.
Hiking
This is done on the small hills surrounding the park, and this activity in most cases is done for fitness.
Biking
This activity is carried out in the park and the surrounding villages as the tourists explore beyond the park, getting to see locals carry out their day-to-day activities.
Horseback riding
This is usually conducted by Mihingo Lodge, and with the help of a guide, tourists get to explore different parts of the park, an adventure of a lifetime on its own.
Culture
Visit local communities to learn about their traditions and way of life.
Learn about the history and culture of the Bahima people.
Accessibility to Lake Mburo National Park
The park can be accessed by all tourists using both road and air transport and can be visited at any time of the year.
– (with a guide)
Relaxation
- Picnic areas with stunning views
- Relax at your lodge or campsite and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Photography
Capture the beauty of the park’s landscapes and wildlife
Birdwatching
Spot over 300 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork
These are just a few things to do at Lake Mburo National Park. The park offers a range of activities for different interests and ages.
What activity would you like to try first?