Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a compact, wildlife-rich destination in Uganda’s Western Region, offering diverse ecosystems, unique safari activities like horseback riding, and a tranquil atmosphere. It is a popular stopover for visitors travelling between Kampala and the gorilla-trekking sites in western Uganda.
Key tourist attractions
- Diverse wildlife: The park is the only place in Uganda to see impala and is an accessible location for Burchell’s zebra. Other animals include buffalo, eland, topi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, and hyena.
- Unique activities: Unlike most Ugandan national parks, visitors can participate in guided walking safaris and horseback safaris, which provide closer, less obtrusive wildlife encounters.
- Birding: With over 350 bird species recorded, the park is a prime destination for birdwatchers. Notable sightings include the rare African finfoot, the elusive shoebill, and numerous acacia-associated birds.
- Lake Mburo: The park’s namesake lake is the largest of its five lakes. Boat safaris offer great views of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds.
- Cultural experiences: Outside the park, visitors can engage with the local Banyankole and Bahima communities, famous for their long-horned Ankole cattle. Activities include visiting traditional homesteads and the Igongo Cultural Centre.
Access by flight
For those wishing to avoid the 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Kampala, flights are a quicker but more expensive option.
- Departure: Charter flights can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala.
- Arrival: The flights land at Mbarara Airstrip, which is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour flight.
- Ground transport: From Mbarara Airstrip, it is about a 45-minute to one-hour drive to the park’s entrance.
- Airlines: Operators like Aero Link Uganda and Fly Uganda can facilitate these charter flights.
