Lake Mburo National Park
This is one of the small National Parks in Uganda covering 260 sq km but still special in its own way. It got the name from the lake that has got an interesting story behind it. This originated from two brothers, Kigarama and Mburo who lived in the low-lying Savannah plains. There are five lakes lying within the park borders among which include the famous lake Mburo which forms the part of the wetland system. Lake Mburo was previously settled by the Banyankole-Bahima Pastoralists before being gazetted to a game reserve in 1963. While the residents were resettled, you can still find cultural landmarks within the park.
The Park is made up of a variety of habitats like the euphorbia/acacia trees being part of the savannah formation, it’s got a forest within, swamps and water bodies among others.
Lake Mburo National Park is home to 320 bird species and 68 mammal species. The parks special birds include African Finfoot, Brown-cheasted Plover, Red-faced Barbet and Long- tailed Cisticola among others.
Here there are mammals like the Eland, Mac Donald's franchise Impala, Zebra, Topi, Oribi, and Bohor Reedbuck among others.
There’re two tented camps, Mihingo being the number one, then Mantana Tented Camp. There is Arcadia cottages and the rustic Rwonyo Camp and Kigambira Lodge, Rwakobo Lodge for accommodation.
Lake Mburo National Park is the nearest National Park to the country's capital Kampala which takes 3-4hr drive from Kampala on the Kampala-Mbarara Road. Access the first
gate by turning left 13 km after Lyantonde Township and it is 9 km after the turn off to the Nshara gate.
WHAT TO DO IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK?
Bird Watching
Lake Mburo is one of the best places for birding in Uganda. Birding in Lake Mburo is mainly done along the swamps of Warukiri and Miriti. Some of the species include the African grey hornbill, barefaced go-way bird, black-billed barbet, blue-napped mousebird, brown parrot, common quails, crested francolin, emerald spotted wood Dove, greenwood hoopoe, Lilac-breasted Roller, Nubian woodpecker, Rednecked Spur, trilling cisticola, white-winged warbler and the Shoebill stork.
Boat Cruise
This is more so during the dry season when most of the animals come for a drink. During the boat cruise visitors can spot zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, otters and buffaloes. The commonest birds during the boat cruise include African Fish Eagles, Blue-headed Weavers, Cormorants, Green-necked Doves, Hammerkops, Herons, Malachite Kingfishers, Pelicans, Pied Kingfishers, Rufous Long-tailed Starlings and Shoebill Storks.
Guided Nature Walks
Nature walks can be taken in any part of the park under the arrangement and guidance of an armed guard from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. While on the nature walk you will get to see the various antelopes, Zebras, buffaloes and giraffes grazing. Watch out for the butterflies and birds too
Community Visit
Lake Mburo National Park is not just a sanctuary for wildlife; it’s also a place where you can delve into the rich local traditions and cultures of the Bahima people. A particular lodge near the park is deeply committed to conserving these customs and has forged a partnership with a local family residing close by. This family has opened its doors to provide guests staying at the lodge or in its vicinity with a glimpse into the Bahima way of life.
HOW TO GET TO LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK?
Lake Mburo National Park is the nearest National Park to the country's capital Kampala which takes 3-4hr drive from Kampala on the Kampala-Mbarara Road. Access the first gate by turning left 13 km after Lyantonde Township and it is 9 km after the turn off to the Nshara gate.