Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is just a 3-hour drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

If you are coming from the southwest (gorilla trekking destinations), you can reach it in half a day. It is the smallest game park in Uganda, with an area of just 260 km², but it is full of surprises. It is a perfect and peaceful place to relax at the end of a Uganda safari.

Lake Mburo National Park has a bit of everything—lakes, open savannah, giraffes, zebras, leopards, walking safaris, game drives, biking, horse riding, boat cruises, and even fishing.

Its slogan is “Whispers of the Wild,” and the soft wind in the trees really does bring peace to the city-worn soul.

Lake Mburo is rich in wildlife. It is home to over 315 bird species and 68 types of mammals. It’s the only park in Uganda where you can find eland, impala, and klipspringer, and it holds the largest population of zebras in the country—around 5,000. The park is also believed to have the highest concentrations of leopards in Uganda. Other animals include buffalo, waterbuck, Topi, oribi, warthog, hyena, hippos and crocodiles.

What makes Lake Mburo National Park really special is that it’s the only place in Uganda where you can go on a walking safari, ride a mountain bike or a horse among wild animals.

Reasons To Visit Lake Mburo

1. Nature Walk

This walking safari takes you into the park on foot with a kind and trained ranger guide.

You will get to see zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, and beautiful antelopes up close—no cars, just nature all around you! Don’t worry—it’s safe. There are no lions or elephants in Lake Mburo National Park, so you won’t be chased, stomped on, or eaten!

Your guide also knows the area very well and will keep you safe at all times. The walk takes about 2 hours and usually starts early in the morning, when it’s cool and the animals are most active. It’s a fun and exciting adventure that you can only enjoy in a few special places in Uganda!

2. Mountain Biking

Love adventure and staying active? Then a mountain bike safari is perfect for you!

Ride through Lake Mburo National Park on a bike and enjoy amazing views, fresh air, and the chance to spot wildlife along the way. The ride can be a bit challenging because of hills and rough paths, so it’s best for people who are fairly fit.

Not sure if it’s right for you? No problem—Choose Uganda Safaris travel experts are happy to talk with you one-on-one and help you decide!

3. Horse rIDIND

This is one of the coolest ways to explore Lake Mburo National Park!

You will ride a horse through nature and get really close to animals—without scaring them. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels like something from a movie!

Don’t worry if you have never ridden a horse before. It’s great for beginners and experienced riders too. Just remember: there’s a 90 kg weight limit per person.

4. Boat trips

Enjoy a fun and relaxing 2-hour boat ride on Lake Mburo!

You will see hippos swimming, crocodiles resting on the shore, and maybe even some cute otters playing in the water! There are three kinds of otters in the lake—Congo clawless, Cape clawless, and spotted-neck otters. Love birds? This is the perfect place!

Look out for cool birds like the African Fish Eagle, Giant Kingfisher, Squacco Heron, and the elusive African Finfoot.

5. Bird watching

Lake Mburo National Parkis home to over 300 kinds of birds.

One of the most exciting birds to spot is the African Finfoot—a shy bird with bright red feet. You might also see the brown-chested lapwing in November walking near the zebra trails.

Listen for the red-faced barbet calling from the trees, or keep an eye out for the shoebill, a big slow-moving bird standing quietly near the water. Other cool birds you might see include the African paradise flycatcher, green-winged pytilia, yellow papyrus warbler, black-headed gonolek, and the rufous-bellied heron.

6. Culture

Lake Mburo National Park is in the home of the Bahima people.

The Bahima are famous for their beautiful cows with long horns—you will see them grazing as you travel to the park. You can join a community tour by bike or walking to see how wild animals and cows live side by side. On the tour, you will learn about the Bahima’s way of life.

You can even try milking a cow or making cow’s ghee (a kind of butter)! Just a few kilometers away is the Igongo Cultural Centre. There, you can discover the story and traditions of the Ankole Kingdom or try a traditional meal at the centre’s restaurant.

7. Day And Night Game Drives

Get ready for double the fun with game drives both day and night!

During the day game drive, hop into a jeep with a pro ranger who knows all the secret spots. You’ll see zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes roaming free. It’s a perfect way to enjoy wildlife and amazing views in the bright sunshine.

But the real adventure starts with the night game drive! As the sun sets, your ranger will shine a big spotlight to find animals that only come out after dark. Keep your eyes peeled—you might spot sneaky leopards, loud hyenas, or tiny bush babies bouncing around.