Lake Mburo National Park

Unlike most of the national parks in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is situated about 253 kilometers away from Kampala, western Uganda making it the most accessible savanna grassland protected area.

The park covers an area of about 370 square kilometers making it also one of the smallest protected areas with wide range of attractions, most of which include more than 350 bird species, zebras, rare elands, leopards, hyenas, impalas, Rothschild giraffes, waterbucks, hippos, buffaloes, reedbucks, topis and 13 more lakes. Lake Mburo National Park was founded in 1983 and it is situated between altitudes 1220 and 1828 meters. It can be accessed through Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara road. The park features vast savanna intermixed with rocky ridges and forested gorges in the western side while its papyrus swamp and narrow bands of stunning riparian woodland stretch along its Lakes.

Climate of Lake Mburo national park

Lake Mburo national park generally has tropical climate. For safaris in this park, take note of the two seasons; the wet and dry seasons. Lake Mburo National Park receives low rainfall amount of about 500 to 1000mm with temperatures ranging from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius and the highest amount of rainfall ranges 1300 to 1450mm.

Where to stay in Lake Mburo National Park?

Safaris in Lake Mburo National Park are complete with presence of accommodation and lodging facilities. For your stay over at the park, you can opt to spend a night over at Mihingo lodge, Arcadia Cottages, Lake Mburo safari lodge, Eagle’s Nest lodge and several others in Mbarara town.

Tourism activities in Lake Mburo National Park?

  • Wildlife viewing

Game drives feature among the leading tourist activities in Lake Mburo National Park. It rewards visitors with incredible views of giraffes, zebras, elands, impala antelopes, buffaloes, leopards, lions and many more. Besides, you can set off for night game drives for you to spot out most of the night risers like the leopards and some lions as well as bush babies and porcupines.

  • Birding safaris

With over 350 bird species, Lake Mburo national park is remarkably a bird watchers paradise. Bird watching at this park is conducted around Warukiri and Miriti. For bird enthusiasts, the notable birds for you to spot out include crested francolin, red necked spur fowl, brown parrot, bare faced go away bird, broad billed roller, Nubian woodpecker, trilling Cisticola, yellow breasted apalis, northern black flycatcher, emerald spotted wood dove, arrow marked babbler, nightjars and many more.

  • Canoe Ride

A canoe ride in Lake Mburo National Park rewards visitors with remarkable views of the crocodiles, hippos and water bird species.

  • Nature walks

Lake Mburo national park can be best explored while on nature walks. This rewards visitors with views of the hyenas returning and the hippopotamus as they return to the water and many other species.

  • The horseback riding

For visitors who are interested in horse back riding safaris in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park should be a must to include on your bucket list. This offers visitors opportunity to participate in game viewing while on the back of the horse around the Mihingo area.

  • Cultural experiences

Besides, never miss to encounter with Banyakole, Batooro, Banyoro and Bakiga people and explore more about their cultural and traditional practices especially at Igongo cultural center.

Accommodations In Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park features among the very few most spectacular destinations that Uganda offers to world travelers. For visitors who have limited time in Africa but interested in safaris, Lake Mburo National Park is exceptionally the best place that you should consider in your travel plan.

This protected area is closely situated to Kampala city center and it is approximately 3 to 4 hours’ drive off Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. For complete safaris in the park, there are numerous lodging and accommodation facilities that offer that comfort that you deserve while on safari in Uganda;

  • Mihingo Safari Lodge

Mihingo Safari Lodge is a luxury facility that you should consider in your next vacation. It features over 12 up markets tented camps most of which are self contained. Some of them stand on wooden platforms and they offer the spectacular views of the Lake and others are found in a forest. The lodge also comprises of swimming pool which also allows visitors to catch a glimpse at several wildlife species like impalas, eland, buffaloes and many more; dinning in style with food, and above all the area offer luxurious wilderness. Mihingo Safari Lodge is situated on the southern boundary of Lake Mburo National Park. The lodge stands along a rock kopje, a Precambrian rock which came into existence more than 500 million years ago and hence offers the most spectacular views of the savanna grassland of the park. The lodge comes with an eco setting blending fully with the surrounding ecosystem. Each of the tents comes with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, flushing toilets and showers. The rooms come with an incredible design that reflects the African cultures. The doors are framed with pieces of dead olive wood and exterior walls have African soil colors. The rooms have solar power and solar water heater.

  • Mantana Tented Camp

Mantana Tented Camp is one of the best safari lodges that offer up market accommodation services in Lake Mburo National Park. It is situated on Rwamahungu hill just at the park borders. The camp features 9 tents with wooden platforms, private veranda, double or twin bed rooms, double or twin bed rooms, hot water, bedding and linen, solar lighting, en-suite bush shower and toilet and many more. 

  • Rwako Rock Lodge

This is a moderate lodging facility and comes with stunning cottages and the restaurant. The rooms have adequate hot water and visitors can charge their electronic devices at the bar. The lodge also comes with swimming pool, offers good food and accommodation is always kept clean and spacious. Rwakobo lodge is situated about one kilometer off Nshara gate. The lodge features thatched cottages with solar lights, flush toilets, filtered drinking water, solar heated showers, restaurant, bar, camp fire and many more.

  • Lake Mburo Safari Lodge

Lake Mburo Safari Lodge is a budget facility. The lodge is situated on raised hill which offers the most outstanding views of Lake Mburo National Park. The lodge features ten up market cottages, one honey moon luxury cottages, 2 (two) luxury family cottage and offers the best camping experiences. The rooms feature bathrooms with hot water and flushing toilet, private balcony, twin beds and double bed, king sized beds with mosquito nets.

  • Arcadia Cottage

Arcadia cottages offer mainly moderate accommodation services in Lake Mburo National Park. The cottages are situated within the park and come with stunning tropical garden just next to shores of Lake Mburo. The cottages are 2 kilometers drive off the Rwonyo park headquarters that is linked to Nshara gate and this serves better for visitors who are come from Kampala and via Sanga gate when you are traveling from Mbarara. Its proximity to Rwonyo Park headquarters that features as the major base for tourist activities in the protected area. Arcadia cottages consist of 8 self contained cottages which are aligned surrounding the central building that comprises of the restaurant and the bar.

  • Rwonyo Rest Camp

Rwonyo Rest Camp offers budget accommodation services and it is situated at Rwonyo Tourist Center just at the heart of Lake Mburo National Park. The camp is run by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and it is the best spot for one to explore more about Lake Mburo Protected Area through boat cruise, wildlife viewing and nature walks.

  • Conservation Education Center (Sanga)

The Conservation Education Center is situated at the park borders approximately one kilometer from the Sanga gate. This is mainly a student accommodation and other research groups and also perfect for workshops, community meetings, seminars and many more. The conference room accommodates up to 40 people.

  • Eagle’s Nest Mburo

This offers budget accommodation services and it is found outside the boundary of Lake Mburo National Park. Eagle’s Nest Mburo is located on a raised hill over viewing the savanna landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park. The lodge comes with tented accommodation and provides the most comfortable canvas wilderness experiences in Uganda. There are about 12 safari tents in this lodge and they have a veranda over viewing the protected area. Each room consists of 2 (two) unique beds and stunning décor.

In conclusion, Lake Mburo National Park feature a range of lodging and accommodation services and visitors on Uganda safaris have variety of options to make the best choice. The notable safari lodges range from luxury, midrange to budget meaning all travelers’ interests are covered at the park.

If you are looking for the nearest national park to pay a visit in Uganda then consider Lake Mburo National Park a must in your travel plan. The park rewards visitors with remarkable attractions that thrive within its Savannah vegetation and several habitats.

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