Lake Mburo national park

Lake Mburo national park
Lake Mburo is a freshwater lake located in western Uganda, situated within the Lake Mburo National Park. It is a prominent feature of the region, known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.
Lake Mburo is situated in the Ankole sub-region of Uganda, near the town of Mbarara. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and over 300 species of birds. It is also a popular destination for birdwatching, fishing, and boat riding. The lake was originally gazetted as a controlled hunting area.
Accessibility
By Road
The most common way to access Lake Mburo National Park is by road. The park is approximately 240 kilometers from Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the journey usually takes between 3.5 to 4 hours. There are two main routes to reach the park from Kampala:
The first route is via Masaka. When you reach Lyantonde, there’s an additional drive of about 13km to Sanga gate, which is the eastern entrance of the park. This route offers the quickest access to the park.
The second route is via Mbarara, followed by a 13km drive to Nshara, the park’s western gate. This route is a bit longer but takes you through some scenic landscapes.
By Air
For those preferring a faster, more scenic mode of travel, charter flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to the park. The flight duration is typically under an hour. Lake Mburo National Park has an airstrip at Nyakisharara in Mbarara, approximately 66km from the park. Another airstrip within the park at Sanga can also be used.
Attractions
Wildlife;
Although small in size, this park hosts an array of wildlife such as lions, African buffaloes, leopards and the iconic zebras.
It is also a home to the Rothschild giraffes, hippos, and a diverse assortment of antelopes including the elegant impalas and the stately elands.
Birds;
For bird enthusiasts, Lake Mburo becomes a theater for more than 330 bird species. The acacia-dotted savannahs are painted with the hues of martial eagles and the melody of red-faced barbets.
Visit the wetlands to catch glimpses of papyrus yellow warblers and the elusive African fin foots. The tranquil waters become a canvas for a vivid exhibition featuring malachite kingfishers, African fish eagles and an ensemble of feathered wonders.
Lakes, Forests
It also consists of 13 beautiful lakes including Lake Mburo; and not leave out its dotted savanna grassland and forested gorges plus some patches of papyrus swamp and narrow bands of lush riparian woodland line many lakes.
Activities
Boat Ride
Boat rides/cruise in Lake Mburo National Park are done along Lake Mburo and gets you a chance to see huge concentration of hippos, crocodiles, water bird as well as antelopes, buffaloes and other wildlife species that come roaming around shores of the lake.
The birds to identify while on a boat ride include malachite kingfishers, African Fish eagles, blue headed weavers, Rufous long tailed starlings, the pied kingfishers, Hammer kop, Herons, pelicans, the rare shoebill and cormorants.
Game Drives
The best way to explore and experience Lake Mburo National Park is by embarking on a game drive and you need a good 4×4 drive safari car.
A game drive at Lake Mburo National Park rewards you with amazing sights at diverse wildlife species including Rothschild giraffes, leopards, lions, buffaloes, Burchell’s Zebras, elands, impalas as well as bird species.
Bird Watching
Lake Mburo National Park is an incredible birder’s paradise in Uganda. The birds to identify in this park include the Coqui Francolin, Emerald-spotted Wood, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Brown-chested Lapwing, Grey Crowned Crane, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-faced Barbet and others.
Birding tours in this Lake Mburo National Park are best done at swampy valleys of Miriti and the Warukiri as well as the roadsides between Rwonyo camp and jetty.
You can as well visit Rubanga forest for a nature walk which will reward you with incredible bird sight at the red-faced Barbet. Bird Watching Safari to Lake Mburo National park: 7 Days Uganda Birding Safari.
Sport Fishing
For avid anglers, sport fishing is one amazing experience you need not to miss out while on safari in Lake Mburo National Park. There are 6 fish species and they include; Tilapia, lung fish, mud fish as well as the Haplochromes.
By using the hooks, the visitors can also spend some of their time as they catch this fish, a shade is also provided at the campsite in order to ensure the maximum relaxation for the visitors as they are at the lake.
There is also an observation point which is located in a wooden hide out that offers a good chance to view the 4 different species of animals at any time as they lick the salty soil.
Horseback Riding
Explore Lake Mburo National Park in a unique way by embarking on horseback riding tour. This will allow you to catch a glimpse at the elands, buffaloes, warthog, antelopes (such as topis, impala, duiker, bushbuck, waterbuck) and zebras.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are in this park are conducted at Rwonyo and takes visitors about 2 hours. It offers a chance to explore different habitats in and around Lake Mburo National Park.