Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is a very special place; every part of it is alive with variety, interest and colour. It contains an extensive area of wetland and also harbours several species of mammals and birds found nowhere else in Uganda. Further its sculptured landscape, with rolling hills and idyllic lake shores has a varied mosaic of habitats; forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps, rich acacia-woodland and grassy valleys which all support a wealth of wildlife.

At 370 square km, Lake Mburo National Park is small in comparison with many other East African parks, but with its rich variety of habitats; dry hillsides, rocky outcrops, bushy thickets, open and wooded savannah, forest, lakes and swamps, it is home to a surprising diversity of plants and animals.

Lake Mburo is the only park in Uganda with eland, impala and klipspringer.
It is also home to the largest population of zebra in Uganda estimated at about 5,000 and probably contains the highest concentration of leopard found anywhere in Uganda. Buffalo, waterbuck, topi and warthog are also very common. Reedbuck and oribi can also be spotted in the open valleys. Hyena, genet, bush pigs and white tailed mongoose are often seen on night game drives.

Climate at Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park lies in a rain shadow between Lake Victoria and the Rwenzori Mountains, and receives an average of 800 mm of rain a year. Being near the equator, the rainfall pattern is bimodal, with the long rains occurring from March to June, and the short rains from September to December.

The rains are rather erratic and unpredictable, but most rain tends to fall in April and November. The best time to visit the park is actually the beginning of the rainy season in March or September. The average recorded temperature is 26° C with daily variations ranging from 14° C to 32° C. July and August are the hottest months, but December and January can also be very hot.

Best time to visit Lake Mburo NP

Although tourism activities are carried out throughout the year, the best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park is during the dry season. The roads in the park become muddy and difficult to pass through during the rainy season.

Activities at Lake Mburo National Park

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.

Boat Cruise

A boat cruise along the Lake Mburo will help unlock all that is beautiful about the Park. 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.

Igongo Cultural Center

Visitors have an opportunity to learn about the history and way of life of the tribes with the help of guides. The traditional huts made of grass and local food are all on show among many other items. Visitors can buy souvenirs like locally made crafts and other art pieces.

Quad Biking to spot Game

Because there are few big cats,biking is one of the best ways to spot game in Lake Mburo National Park. The Quad bike rides take you in the middle of grazing zebra and surrounding areas to spot the local Banyankole tribe graze their long horned cattle. Quad Biking safaris are special because they take you nearer to nature. Visitors need to pack water and snack while on their Quad biking safari in case of hunger and exhaustion.