Lake Mburo National Park – Whisper of the wild

Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savanna Park (370 sq km) and lies en route from Kampala to Bwindi. A mosaic of habitats, including open water, wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and forest patches, supports a diverse population of herbivores, including impala, zebra, eland, and topi, which are rare or absent elsewhere.

The Activities to do in Lake Mburo National Park

Rwonyo Rest Camp

Rwonyo is the centre for tourism activities in the Park. The Rest Camp is the starting point for nature walks, while an interpretation Centre on the hilltop behind the rest camp describes the Park’s history and biodiversity.

Salt Lick

Guided walks explore the Park around Rwonyo, culminating in a visit to a natural salt lick frequented by wildlife. A timber observation platform facilitates viewing.

Game Tracks

The eastern hinterland of Lake Mburo features a network of game tracks where visitors can sight a variety of savanna animals and birds. For instance, travellers most commonly see impalas along the Impala Track, while zebras frequent the grassy valley floors along the Zebra Track.

Furthermore, the Ruroko Track connects to these paths and passes rocky kopjes that are home to elusive klipspringers. Meanwhile, in the south of the Park, the Lakeside Track winds through dense woodland where you can spot bushbuck and bush duiker. This route eventually leads to Kigambira Hill, which offers panoramic views of Lake Mburo. Additionally, you can see this lake and seven others from the Kazuma Hill lookout located near the Kazuma Track.

Lake Mburo

You can explore the eastern shores of Lake Mburo by boat, with trips departing from a jetty at the lakeside campsite near Rwonyo. Furthermore, you should watch out for crocodiles and hippopotamuses during the two-hour voyage.

Because the lake supports a rich avian population, you can also spot birds such as pelicans, herons, cormorants, and fish eagles. If you are lucky, you might even see the rare shoebill stork. Additionally, fishermen with their own equipment may fish in the lake from the campsite by making prior arrangements.

Nature Walks

Lake Mburo National Park is unique among Uganda’s savanna parks because it lacks lions and elephants, making it one of the safest and best places for guided nature walks. Furthermore, these walking safaris allow you to get up close to wildlife that visitors in other parks often see only from a vehicle.

Bicycle Safaris

Lake Mburo National Park is the only Park in Uganda that allows guided mountain biking safaris directly within the Park boundaries. This experience offers a unique, active perspective of the savannah, allowing you to pedal alongside herds of zebras, impalas, and giraffes without the noise of a vehicle.

Horse Rides in the Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the only national Park in Uganda where you can experience a horseback riding safari. Horses move quietly and do not disturb wildlife, allowing you to get exceptionally close to animals like zebras and buffalo that are typically more relaxed around horses than vehicles.

Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is a premier destination for birding in Uganda, boasting over 350 recorded species. It is particularly famous for being the only place in the country to spot the Red-faced Barbet and the best location for acacia-dwelling birds.