Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is only a 4-hour drive from Kampala. If you are traveling from the southwest, after gorilla trekking, you can reach it within half a day. It is the smallest savanna park in Uganda. It covers an area of 260km2. But do not let the size fool you. Lake Mburo National Park is full of surprises. This park is a perfect place to slow down and relax at the end of a Uganda safari. 

The atmosphere is peaceful. Nature feels close. Lake Mburo National Park offers a little bit of everything. There are peaceful lakes and open savanna plains. You can see giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, buffalos, elands, and even leopards. Game drives are relaxed. Walking safaris are possible. You can cycle through the park or ride a horse among wildlife. Boat cruises take you close to hippos, crocodiles, and birds. You can even go fishing on the lake.  

The park’s slogan is “Whispers of the Wild.” And it truly fits. The wind moves softly through the trees. It brings peace to tired minds and city-worn souls. Wildlife feels close here. Very close. In few other national parks can you experience nature in such an intimate way.

A Waterbuck in Lake Mburo National Park

What does Lake Mburo National Park look like in terms of landscape?

Lake Mburo National Park is very close to Kampala and Entebbe. Because of this, it often marks the beginning or the end of a Uganda safari. It is a perfect place to start your journey. And an even better place to finish it. Lake Mburo feels lighter and gentler than Uganda’s larger parks. 

The landscape matches the classic image of an African safari. It is bushy and green. Acacia trees dot the open plains. One of the park’s most special features is how close it is to everyday life. Farms surround the park. Here, you will see Ankole cattle grazing. These cows are famous for their long, curved horns. This mix of wildlife, open land, and local life gives Lake Mburo a unique appeal.

Leopards, giraffes and zebras

Like every park in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park has its own special wildlife. There are no lions or elephants here. But that does not make the park any less exciting. Lake Mburo National Park is famous for its leopards, giraffes, and large herds of zebras. It is one of the few parks in Uganda where night safaris are allowed. This gives you a rare chance to see leopards after dark, when they are most active.

The park is also home to the eland antelope. This is the largest antelope species in the world and very rare. At the heart of the park lies Lake Mburo itself. The lake is filled with hippos and crocodiles. Over 350 bird species have been sighted and recorded here. In short, Lake Mburo National Park offers rich and varied wildlife in a calm and intimate setting.

Lake Mburo's Activities You Can't Do In Any Other Park in uganda

Lake Mburo National Park is known for its unique safari experiences. Here, you can step out of the vehicle and explore on foot or by bicycle. This is a park where being active is part of the adventure. Because of this, Lake Mburo National Park is very popular with families. It is safe, relaxed, and fun for all ages. After all, what could be better than cycling or hiking together through a national park in the heart of Africa?

Walking Safari

Lake Mburo National Park is one of the few savanna parks where walking safaris are allowed.
You drive into the park and then continue on foot with a ranger. You see zebras and antelope up close. You walk toward tall giraffe families, often just a few dozen meters away. Even travelers who have seen much of Africa find this experience truly special.

Game walk in Lake Mburo National Park

Night Safari

The main goal of a night safari is to spot leopards and other nocturnal animals. Leopards are very hard to see during the day because the park is green and bushy, and they are mostly inactive. During the night safari, you go out with a ranger and a driver. A powerful searchlight is used to scan the bush. Most animals’ eyes glow green, but felines’ eyes glow red. If you see two red spots, you know a leopard is nearby. With luck, you may even watch leopards hunting or enjoying their prey. It is an exciting and unforgettable experience.

Mountain bike safari

You can go mountain biking in Lake Mburo National Park and in the surrounding areas. The routes outside the park are more challenging and faster. Inside the park, a ranger accompanies you, so the pace is slower. But the experience is unforgettable—you get very close to giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. If you have to choose, ask yourself: do you want a wildlife adventure or a cycling challenge? Either way, it’s an exciting way to explore Lake Mburo National Park.

Horse Riding

You can go on a horseback safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Spend several hours exploring the park, surrounded by zebras, giraffes, and antelope. The animals are calm around horses, so you can get closer than ever before. It’s a peaceful and unforgettable way to experience wildlife up close.

You may also like: where to stay in Lake Mburo National Park

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Lake Mburo is a warm and welcoming park. You can start your Uganda safari here with a gentle introduction or end it in a relaxed, peaceful way. Although it is smaller and lighter than Uganda’s other parks, Lake Mburo has its own unique charm. The park offers active safaris like walking, cycling, and horseback riding. It is also one of the best places to spot leopards after dark. Want to learn more to prepare for your Uganda trip? We regularly share blogs with tips and insights to help you plan. We are Choose Uganda Safaris, here to make your journey unforgettable.

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Lake Mburo