Lake Mburo National Park

The Lake Mburo National Park in southern Uganda is a tiny savannah wildlife reserve four hours\’ journey from Kampala, Uganda\’s capital. It is a wonderful location to stop on lengthy journeys to the national parks of the far southwest. The 260 square kilometer park is the only protected area in southern Uganda where zebras are found.

Reasons to Visit Lake Mburo National Park

Wildlife

Mburo is the most accessible national park in Uganda, as it can be accessed in four hours from Kampala. Due to the absence of large savannah game such as elephants and lions, Lake Mburo National Park provides superb walking safari opportunities for observing wild animals on foot and horseback. Even without large animals, this compact park offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife. You are likely to see as many distinct species of large animals in a single day as you would in any Ugandan national park.

In addition, the presence of luxurious safari hotels and the restoration of certain species, such as giraffes, have contributed to the park\’s enhanced reputation.

When traveling from Kampala to the western national parks of the country, safari operators recommend an overnight stay at Lake Mburo National Park. Surprisingly, when high-quality lodges were built within and around the park, the number of visitors who accepted the offer increased dramatically.

Lake Mburo, the largest of the five lakes in the park, is the park\’s most prominent feature. This lake is one of 14 lakes that receive water from the Rwizi River and are connected by numerous permanent and seasonal wetlands. The majority of the park\’s residual areas consist of savannas and acacia forests. The western half of the park\’s steep slopes and forested gorges are interrupted by savannas, which include areas of papyrus wetland and small bands of luxuriant riparian woodland along the margins of the numerous lakes.

Lake Mburo National Park\’s most prevalent mammal is the impala, a charming antelope from which the city of Kampala derives its name. On the plain, it is also possible to observe zebra, topi, bushbuck, common duiker, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, and Bohor reedbuck leisurely feeding. Moreover, sizable populations of bison, warthog, bushpig, and hippopotamus are sustained by the lake and its verdant surroundings. On the park\’s trekking pathways, elands and impala antelopes are frequently spotted.

Massive populations of magnificent eland that occasionally traverse various areas of the park are a spectacular sight. Sitatunga is restricted to the interior of the wetland, whereas Klipspringer occasionally frequents the stony areas.

The spotted hyena\’s ominous rising evening cry can often be heard if you are staying in one of the nearby camps or lodges, and many visitors have reported seeing these animals crossing the roads shortly after sunrise. In Lake Mburo National Park, leopards, side-striped jackals, and other lesser carnivores can also be observed. However, you would be lucky to see them. The most conspicuous small predators are the two species of otters that inhabit the lakes and the white-tailed mongoose, which is visible at dawn and twilight.

Birding

Experts in birdwatching estimate that 315 species of birds can be observed in Lake Mburo National Park. The southern ground hornbill, black-collared and black-throated barbets, and green-capped eremomela are among the primarily southern species of birds that inhabit Lake Mburo. Anyone intrigued in birds should take a meander through Rwonyo Camp. There, you can find mosque swallows, black-bellied bustards, bare-faced go-away birds, and Ruppell\’s long-tailed starlings. Six papyrus endemics, including the distinctive papyrus gonolek, the incredible blue-headed coucal, the incredibly confined white-winged, and the endemic papyrus yellow warblers, can be observed in the marshes.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN LAKE MBURO N.P

Quad Biking

Quad bicycling is one of the finest activities at Lake Mburo National Park, and it is accessible from the Mantana Tented Camp. This activity is managed by the same company that oversees quad bicycling in Jinja, All Terrain Adventures. The consensus among environmentalists is that the activity is sustainable. inside a forest. A 2-hour quad cycle safari to the Eland Track costs UGX 125K (USD 63) and typically departs at 09:00. A four-hour Ruroko circuit excursion that departs at 2:00 pm costs 195K (approximately $98). A group may consist of a maximum of five individuals.

The park lacks large predators and enormous species such as elephants and lions. Using these flaws as a selling point to promote secure quad cycle and horseback excursions seems reasonable. Everyone who has attempted it has found it to be a great deal of joy.

Horseback Riding excursions

Mihingo Lodge, which is located east of the park, offers equestrian excursions, another first for a protected area in Uganda. The elimination of motor noise made my equestrian experience more enjoyable, even though the fundamental concept of running from a vehicle remains unchanged. In addition, the service provider will customize the event to your preferences and specifications.

Families can enjoy a horseback safari in Mburo, which allows children to travel on docile horses. Competent riders can assist two ex-racehorses in simultaneously burning calories. A 30-minute equestrian safari in Lake Mburo National Park costs between USD 25 and USD 130 and includes a three-hour trek to high vistas and a choice of bush brunches or sundowners. On the 15-minute journey from the resort through the valley\’s verdant floor, it is not uncommon to spot wild animals.

Boat Cruise

A boat excursion on Lake Mburo\’s tranquil waters almost always guarantees sightings of hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, waterbuck, and bushbuck, in addition to the breathtaking scenery and uncomplicated pleasures of being on the water. Keep an eye out for the three otter species that live there. The African fish eagle, marabou stork, pied kingfisher, and a large number of egrets and herons are some of the most notable waterbirds that may be observed during the boat tour. In addition to Ross\’s turaco and Narina trogon, lakefront dense vegetation is also home to Ross\’s turaco and Narina trogon. Lake Mburo is most likely the best location in Uganda to observe the rare African finfoot, SIMBA, which is typically observed in still water among overhanging trees.

The distance between the public UWA boat pier and Rwonyo Camp is only one kilometer. A rudimentary canoe launch costs Ugandans 20,000 Ugandan shillings and visitors $30, and can accommodate up to eight individuals. A larger one is available for $30 or 30K per individual, with a minimum of four passengers required for departure.

Game drives

If you can look past the operators of quad motorcycles and horses, you can still explore Lake Mburo National Park in an unfashionable safari vehicle. The most popular Impala and Zebra routes connecting Sanga and Nshara Gates to Rwonyo Rest Camp are still available for exploration.

Large populations of impala, zebra, waterbuck, topi, and buffalo can be spotted along these paths during the rainy season, although the quality of wildlife viewing fluctuates. Travel approximately two kilometers through the savanna from Rwonyo to the intersection of the Impala and Warukiri paths. In the past, when it was dry, creatures would congregate near lakes and marshes. The two most productive roads were Lakeside Track and Kigambira Loop. Due to the thicket cover, it is difficult to observe wildlife in this area, unless you are explicitly seeking bush-dwelling birds or expecting to glimpse a leopard.

Kigambira Hill\’s formerly verdant summit has been completely colonized by vegetation. The Kazuma and Ruroko trails traverse a relatively wide savanna to the east of the Lakeside trail. On the craggy ridges that dot it, there are pairs of klipspringers. It is possible to ascend Kazuma Hill for a panoramic view of four of the park\’s lakes, and parking is available.

Beginning at Sanga Gate, the Rwizi Track travels west of Rwonyo through a mild acacia savanna. There are impala, eland, and Burchell\’s zebra in this region. Occasionally, the western portion of Lake Mburo can be seen. After twelve kilometers, the footpath reaches the Rwizi River and the surrounding wetlands. The route then turns west and follows the woodland stream for 33 kilometers before reaching Bisheshe Gate. This area is ideal for birdwatchers, and you can drive through the gate to reach the main Mbarara road. Even with a 4×4 vehicle, the path is terrifying and challenging.

Guided nature Walks

The ability to investigate any portion of Lake Mburo National Park with an armed ranger guide is one of the park\’s most alluring characteristics. Even though the path to the jetty is close to the camp, it is still an excellent location to walk because it is heavily forested and frequented by hippos. Even better is the observation platform, which is approximately two kilometers from the camp and offers a breathtaking view of a salt lick and various fauna.

Rubanga Forest, located off the Rwizi Track, is a refuge for both hikers and fauna. Visitors are only permitted with the permission of the warden, which is granted by an armed ranger.

Park Entrance Fees

Non-citizens must pay a daily entrance fee of $40 US to access Lake Mburo National Park. East African residents must present identification and UGX 20,000. After that, an entry-only permit is valid for 24 hours. The entrance fee to the park is USD 30 for vehicles with international license plates, and UGX 10,000 for visitors from outside of East Africa.

ACCOMMODATIONS 

Mid-range

The Mburo Eagle Nest

The Mburo Eagle\’s Nest is located on a mountaintop with expansive vistas of Lake Mburo National Park at the park\’s southern boundary. The tented accommodations feature an outdoor seating area with an African motif and a bush-like atmosphere. Only nine well-maintained tent campsites are available at Kimbla Mantana Camp.

Due to its small size and dearth of attractions, Lake Mburo National Park offers few lodging options. There are a few options for accommodation, varying from high-end luxury to camping on a budget.

Luxury

Mihingo Lodge

Mihingo Lodge is technically situated on a massive granite promontory in a 240-acre private wilderness just outside the park\’s eastern boundary. It is one of the finest safari hotels in Uganda and provides opulent, private safari tents with veranda views and expansive restrooms.

Rwakobo Rock

Rwakobo Rock is situated on a large granite promontory with a view of the expansive grasslands. Private thatched cabins at the safari lodge are eco-friendly and complement the surrounding landscape. Villas proliferate around the slope, utilizing rocky outcrops and tranquil areas. Given that you can approach the park from the main road, the most accessible location is Mburo.

Acadia Cottages

The primary entrance to Rwonyo Park is two kilometers from Acadia Cottages. In one of the eight self-contained cottages that are arranged around a central lodge structure, guests can relax on an elevated balcony and take in the breathtaking view.

4 kilometers from the main lake are secluded accommodations hidden away in an open forest near a hill\’s summit. The enormous \”Larsen-style\” tents are constructed on timber platforms with verandas that overlook the park. The tents are basic yet comfortable, with private restrooms and twin mattresses.

Unwind in one of Lake Mburo Safari Lodge\’s wooden bungalows, which are situated on timber platforms and have grass-thatched roofs. The rooms are elegantly and ingeniously designed to be comfortable and functional in the woodlands. The lodge is located on the eastern border of the park, close to Mihingo.

Hyena Hill Lodge:

The lodge is located on the western border of the park, near to the Sanga gate. Tom and Anne, two Dutch guests, skillfully combine Ugandan and Dutch elements to create a tranquil wilderness ambiance for an African safari vacation. The lodge offers affordable single and shared cottage accommodations.

Budget

The Rwonyo Rest Camp

This UWA rest camp is approximately one kilometer from the shore and features a handful of basic bandas and double-standing tents with shared private showers in the forest above the main camp. Given its proximity to the breathtaking Lake Mdurobo Dam and the breathtaking Rwonyo mountaintop, it is a rather uninteresting option.

Lake Mburo Campground, located approximately 1 kilometer from Rwonyo, is a picturesque location to set up tent. Hippos spend their days relaxing in the lake and their nights maintaining the campsite.