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Are you an adventurer, a birding enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking that once-in-a-lifetime African safari experience – Lake Mburo has something special for you.
Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest savannah park, with an area of just 260 km2, but it packs a punch with its diversity of natural wonders. From serene lakes to expansive savannahs, and from giraffes to leopards, it offers unique experiences like walking safaris and fishing. The park’s slogan, “Whispers of the Wild,” perfectly captures the peaceful atmosphere created by the rustling winds through trees and grasses, providing a calming retreat for those worn out by city life.
Lake Mburo is often included in Uganda safari itineraries because it offers the sweeping vistas of the typical savannah habitat and its status as the only protected area in the country where you can find impala, elands, and large herds of zebras. Its central location makes it easily accessible, just a few hours from Kampala, or half a day’s drive from Uganda’s southwest gorilla region. Lake Mburo often serves as a relaxing conclusion to a safari in Uganda.
Lake Mburo’s history provides valuable insight into why it remains one of the most well-preserved wilderness areas. Before it became a protected park, the region was home to the Banyankole Bahima people, who lived a pastoral lifestyle, roaming the plains and hills.
They referred to the area as “Karo Kurungi,” meaning “beautiful land.” The Bahima played a vital role in preserving the natural beauty of the landscape, as they believed that the health of their prized Ankole cattle depended on the land being kept in its pristine condition.
Known for their resilience and long horns, Ankole cattle are perfectly adapted to the region’s sparse vegetation and limited water supply, providing both milk and meat.
The Bahima saw themselves as caretakers of these cattle, and their success was linked to keeping the land untouched—unfarmed, unfenced, and free from crops. This belief prevented other groups, like the Bahinda and Bairu farmers, from converting Karo Karungi into farmland.
The Bahima’s nomadic grazing practices, influenced by unpredictable weather, involved moving with their cattle across the savannah, allowing the grasslands to rest and regenerate.
This helped avoid bush encroachment and kept the savannah open, free from thick acacia forests. The Bahima’s way of life thus played a crucial role in maintaining the landscape.
However, the situation changed dramatically in 1983 when the Obote regime established the national park and forcibly evicted the Bahima from their ancestral land.
There was little consultation and no compensation for the loss of grazing areas. This decision was partly politically motivated, as the Banyankole were believed to have supported the anti-Obote rebels, causing a disconnection between the Bahima people and their beloved “Beautiful Land.”
In 1985, when the Obote II regime fell, the former landowners reclaimed their land, leading to chaos. The park’s infrastructure was destroyed, and wildlife was decimated.
Yet, the story didn’t end there. After learning of the Bahima’s deep cultural connection to the land and their Ankole cattle, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government reopened the park and de-gazetted a portion of the territory in 1986.
Today, Lake Mburo National Park remains unfenced, managed to honor the cultural heritage of the Banyankole people while also protecting wildlife.
As a result, visitors to the park can often see Ankole cattle grazing alongside zebras, their distinctive coats blending with the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.
Lake Mburo is now a place where wildlife and culture coexist, one of the few locations left in Africa where traditional, unfenced rangelands remain wild and untamed.
It serves as an oasis amid the surrounding agricultural lands, making it a unique and special destination that reflects the harmony between nature and the people who have long cared for it.
The birds of Lake Mburo are truly the crown jewels of the park. With over 300 species recorded, many tied to the acacia and wetland habitats, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers.
The trees seem to sparkle with birds, each one a tiny splash of color and sound.
Lake Mburo offers birders thrilling sightings, like the elusive African finfoot with its striking red feet or the brown-chested lapwing, which arrives each November to stroll along zebra trails.
The sharp, rasping calls of the near-threatened red-faced barbet will draw you into the woodlands, while the wetlands offer the chance to see the monstrous shoebill standing motionless at the water’s edge.
Other birds with enchanting names include the green-winged pytilia, papyrus yellow warbler, African paradise flycatcher, black-headed gonolek, rufous-bellied heron, and more.
Lake Mburo also boasts the highest concentration of raptors in Uganda, with 35 species, including the African harrier hawk, a migrant from Europe.
The park is also special for its unique wildlife.
It’s the only national park in Uganda to have eland, impala, and klipspringer.
It’s home to the largest zebra population in the country, with about 5,000 individuals, and likely holds the highest concentration of leopards, with around 25 spotted through recent camera trap studies.
Other animals in the park include buffalo, waterbuck, topi, oribi, warthog, reedbuck, hyena, genet, bush pig, and white-tailed mongoose.
The lakes are inhabited by approximately 300 hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles. In the waters, three species of otters—the Congo clawless, Cape clawless, and spotted-neck otter—frolic and play.
Thinking about Lake Mburo for your next African safari? The park has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from affordable campsites to luxurious lodges.
Mihingo Lodge, located just outside the park, sits atop a kopje with stunning views of the savannah below. Its infinity pool, considered one of the best in Africa, offers the perfect spot to spot wildlife. Lake Mburo is easy to reach, just a 3-hour drive from Kampala.
As mentioned, it’s often a great stopover on the long journey between Kampala and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, famous for its gorilla trekking.
The park experiences an average annual rainfall of 800 mm and temperatures around 28°C. The best times to visit are during the two dry seasons: from December to February and June to August.
Lake Mburo National Park offers a range of exciting guided activities that will satisfy the cravings of any adventurer. Whether you’re walking, cycling, horseback riding, or going on a game drive, these experiences allow you to get up close to giraffes and zebras in their natural habitat. Here’s a quick look at the options available:
Lace up your walking shoes, grab your backpack, and don’t forget to bring plenty of water!
On this walking safari, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure with a professional ranger, tracking wild animals through the national park.
Get ready for up-close encounters with zebras, buffalo, giraffes, hyenas, and stunning antelope species. This one-of-a-kind experience is available at only a few places in Uganda.
Price:
• US$ 25 for International Visitors
• UGX 20,000 for East African Citizens
For a different perspective of Lake Mburo, visitors can hop on a two-hour boat cruise, offering the chance to spot crocodiles and hippos, listen to the distinctive call of the African fish eagle, and search for fascinating wetland birds. Private cruises are also available upon request.
Price:
• US$ 30 for International Visitors
• UGX 30,000 for East African Citizens
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the horseback safari in Lake Mburo National Park offers an exciting adventure. There’s no better way to get up close to wildlife than by being on horseback, allowing you to really immerse yourself in nature.
Please note that the maximum weight limit for this activity is 90 kg per person. The safari can only be booked in person through your guide.
Price:
• US$ 40 to US$ 420
Cycling past the wild animals and enjoying the consistently beautiful view.
Ideal for the sporty traveller! Perfect for adventurous travellers, the mountain bike safari offers a thrilling challenge thanks to the park’s varying altitudes.
If you’re unsure about your fitness level for this ride, Greenway Nature Tours travel specialists are happy to chat with you and provide more details.
Price:
• US$ 30 for International Visitors
• UGX 30,000 for East African Citizens
Lake Mburo offers a range of scenic drives to explore, whether you’re navigating on your own with a map or with a driver-guide.
One of the highlights is the Research Track, where you can encounter buffalo cooling off in the mud, along with zebra, impala, topi, bushbuck, reedbuck, oribi, and warthog.
For breathtaking views, stop at the base of Kazuma Lookout and take a short walk to the summit. From here, you’ll be treated to a panoramic vista of five lakes, including Lake Mburo.
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, especially during the rainy season, the Eland Track offers a thrilling 4×4 driving experience.
Price:
• US$ 20 for International Visitors
• UGX 20,000 for East African Citizens
The night safari kicks off as the sun begins to set, just before dinner.
Accompanied by a professional ranger, who calls Lake Mburo National Park home, you’ll venture out with a large lamp to track down nocturnal creatures.
Your help in spotting wildlife is always welcome.
This safari is a unique experience, offering the chance to see animals that are rarely active during the day, like bush babies, hyenas, and leopards.
Price:
• US$ 30 for International Visitors
• UGX 50,000 for East African Citizens
Mihingo offers several stunning locations ideal for yoga.
The bush baby platform is especially refreshing in the morning, while the top of the water catchment provides an amazing spot for a sunset meditation session.
Throughout the year, Mihingo will be hosting yoga events, so stay tuned for announcements or reach out to us if you’d like more details on how to join.
Mihingo Lodge also offers a fantastic bush experience designed to get children engaged with the environment and excited about the wildlife.
Whether it’s a short excursion or a bush meal, there is an opportunity for them to explore and learn about the bush and its animals. They have half-day and full-day experiences.
If you’d like to give your children this adventure (or simply enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet!), feel free to contact us to arrange a bush experience.
Take a stroll or hop on a bike to visit a traditional Bahima homestead and immerse yourself in their rich cultural traditions.
You’ll have the chance to learn about the famous Ankole long-horned cows, try your hand at milking, discover how ghee is made, sample fresh milk, and more.
This unique experience includes a nature walk or bike ride through grazing lands, where wildlife and livestock coexist, leading you to the homestead and back. Alternatively, you can ride a mountain bike to a nearby fishing village to explore the local way of life.
Price:
• From US$ 20
We’re here to answer all your questions about the must-see highlights, accommodation options, and travel routes! If you have the chance to explore this “Beautiful Land” with its vibrant birdlife, spotted cattle, leaping impala, and graceful giraffes, don’t hesitate—Africa’s magic is ready and waiting for you.
Since 2016, Greenway Nature Tours Africa has been offering 4×4 vehicle rentals, safari packages with accommodations, and guided tours for both individual and group travelers throughout East Africa, covering countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The ideal time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. These months provide the best weather for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, with less rainfall, making travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
Since 2016 Greenway Nature Tours Africa have been offering 4×4 car hire, safari itineraries with accommodation and guided tours for group and the independent traveler in East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
+256 703740870
+256 704 324 972
info@greenwaynaturetours.com
