Lake Mburo National park

Lake Mburo national park is located in western Uganda, precisely Kiruhura district. The park is relatively argued to be Uganda’s smallest savanna park. However, the park still remains of great importance and the nearest to the capital of Kampala. 20% of the park is wetland and the other, acacia woodland, savanna and forest.

The park’s endemic is the Impala from which Uganda’s capital derives its name. Though less visited the park is a recommended stop over especially for tourists to the far west national parks especially Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth. Lake Mburo is the only national park in Uganda where game can be viewed on horseback, quad bike and on foot.

The handsome Impala from which Kampala derives its’ name is an endemic in this park. Other resident animal species include: Burchell’s zebra, topi, bush buck, common duiker, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, buffalo, warthog, hippo, bush pig, roan antelope, eland and klipspringer. Two diurnal primates olive baboon and vervet monkey occur in this park. Less frequently seen are the spotted hyena, leopard, lion, side stripped jackal, white tailed mongoose. A total of 315 bird species have been recorded in the park including acacia associates, forest and swamp dwellers. Papyrus gonolek, blue headed coucal, southern ground hornbill, mosque swallow, are some of the existent birds in the park.

Activities

Quad biking
This is one of the most exciting activities to be allowed in a Ugandan national park. This activity is exclusive to Lake Mburo national park with 2-4 hour packages. Maximum number of people allowed in a group is five.

Horseback safaris
This is another exclusive to the park. It differs from quad biking due to the absence of engine oil. Good natured ponies are available for the kids and ex-race horses for the adults.

Boat rides
A motor boat trip on the lake Mburo will grant you sightings of wildlife like waterbuck, bushbuck, hippo, 3 species of otter, and crocodile. Water birds like African fish eagle, marabou stork, egrets, herons, Ross’s Turaco may also be seen.

Game drives
This is an excellent opportunity for viewing game. Drives are done on specially designed tracks with good results in both dry and wet seasons depending on track taken.

Guided walks
A major attraction in the park; which is done in the company of an armed ranger. View the salt lick from a platform in the park. Enjoy a birding walk in Rubanga forest.