04 Oct Explore forests, lakes and papyrus swamps – Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park might be the smallest of the savannah national parks in Uganda, but it’s by no means any less interesting or offers any less to see. As the closest national park to Kampala (around a five-hour drive), it is a much-loved destination for visitors and it’s not difficult to see why.
In fact, because of its close proximity to the highway that connects Kampala to the world-famous sights of Western Uganda, it is becoming an increasingly popular stop-off for travellers eager for their first taste of adventure.
The 370sq-km park contains areas of forests, acacia woodlands, grasslands and papyrus-lined lakes and swamps – making it a haven for an array of wildlife including zebra, impala, hippos and leopards. It is also home to more than 300 different species of birds.
Meanwhile, because there are no elephants and few large predators, woodland at the park continues to flourish and hiking, biking and horse-riding opportunities abound. A local guide will help you explore and identify all the flora and fauna as well as telling you about the culture of the local community.
Activities at Lake Mburo National Park
If you’re a keen birdwatcher, Uganda is one of the best places in the world to enjoy birding. Lake Mburo National Park offers many viewing and photography opportunities.
Species that can be spotted here include the Crested Barbet, Red-faced Barbet and Martial Eagle while visitors can take a boat ride to look for African Finfoots, Fish Eagle, Black Crake and other water birds on the wetlands. It is also possible to see hippo, buffalo or a crocodile or two.
A guided walk to the salt lick, a shallow water hole in the middle of the park, is a chance to see animals including zebra, antelope and eland enjoying the salty soils.
Game drives and mountain bike safaris are another great way to see the abundance of wildlife and birdlife, as well as take in the park’s stunning scenery, while night drives allow visitors to see nocturnal animals.
Lake Mburo National Park is also home to:
- Topi
- Eland
- Impala
- Zebra
- Warthog
- Oribi
- Waterbuck
- Jackal
- Hyena
- Rothschild’s giraffe
See Ankole long-horned cattle
The Enyemebwa Culture, Conservation and Education Centre, set on the fringes of the park, is a joint project between the Ankole Cow Conservation Association and the Ugandan Wildlife Authority. Set up to protect the Ankole cow, the centre is also a chance to learn more about traditional farming practices and even have a go at milking. You will also learn about the whole culture of the Bahima cattle keeping tribe.
To discover more about any of our safari itineraries, including a visit to Lake Mburo National Park, simply complete our enquiry form or email us at enquiries@ventureuganda.org