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Lake Mburo National Park: Facts, Location, Map & Activities
Lake Mburo National Park, in western Uganda, is found in Kiruhura District. It is located about 30 km (19 miles) east of Mbarara and 240 km (150 miles) west of Kampala.
Lake Mburo’s diverse ecosystem features rolling hills, open savannahs, acacia woodlands, rocky outcrops, seasonal swamps, and five interconnected lakes, including the renowned Lake Mburo. This unique blend of habitats supports an array of wildlife and plant species, offering visitors an ever-changing scenery of raw natural beauty.
Explore the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s most stunning and accessible safari destinations. This compact yet rich ecosystem offers an unparalleled blend of wildlife, adventure, and scenic landscapes. Whether you are a first-time visitor or an experienced safari enthusiast, Lake Mburo provides an intimate and immersive experience in Uganda’s wilderness.
Lake Mburo's Rich History of Conservation
Lake Mburo National Park has a fascinating history rooted in conservation and local culture. Originally designated as a controlled hunting area in 1933 by the Colonial Government, it later became a game reserve in 1963 before earning national park status in 1983. Over the years, it has evolved into a thriving ecosystem, co-managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and local Bahiima communities, who play a crucial role in protecting its biodiversity. Sustainable ecotourism efforts ensure that the park remains a sanctuary for wildlife while benefiting nearby Bahiima communities.
About Lake Mburo National Park
Nestled in the heart of Uganda’s western region, Lake Mburo National Park is a breathtaking wilderness sanctuary teeming with diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and immersive safari experiences. Despite being Uganda’s smallest savannah park at 370 square kilometers, it boasts an impressive variety of animals, bird species, and scenic vistas that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Conveniently located just 240 km from Kampala, Lake Mburo is the closest national park to Uganda’s capital, making it an ideal getaway for weekend safaris, short tours, and stopovers for travelers heading to or from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
How to Get to Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is one of the most accessible national parks in Uganda, located conveniently along the Kampala-Mbarara highway. Whether you choose to drive, take public transport, or fly, reaching the park is an effortless and scenic journey.
Lake Mburo National Park is easily accessible due to its proximity to Kampala, the capital city. Road transportation is the most popular way to get to the park. It takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes to drive from Entebbe to Lake Mburo, which is 290 km away. It takes about 4 hours to drive from Kampala to Lake Mburo, which is 245 km away.
You can also choose to fly from Entebbe-Kajjansi to Mbarara Airport. The flight will take less than an hour. The airplane is the fastest and easiest way to get somewhere.
Where is Lake Mburo National Park located?
Lake Mburo National Park is in Western Uganda, approximately 240 km (150 miles) from Kampala and 30 km (19 miles) from Mbarara. The park covers an area of 370 sq km and is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks.
📍 GPS Coordinates: 0.6080° S, 30.9570° E
🗺️ Nearest Major City: Mbarara (30 km away)
🚗 Road Distance from Kampala: ~4 to 5 hours drive
Getting Around the Park
🚗 Self-Drive Safari: If you have a private 4x4 vehicle, you can explore the park at your own pace.
🎟️ Guided Game Drives: Available at lodges or through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
🚶 Walking Safaris: Join a ranger-led nature walk for a unique wildlife experience.
🐎 Horseback & Cycling Safaris: Available at Mihingo Lodge and other selected operators.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a year-round destination, but the experience varies depending on the season. Whether you’re looking for the best wildlife viewing, birdwatching, or comfortable weather, understanding the seasonal patterns will help you plan the perfect safari.
Lake Mburo National Park experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, each affecting the wildlife movements, road conditions, and overall safari experience.
- Dry Season (June – August & December–February)—Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The dry season is considered the best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park, as animals gather around water sources, making wildlife spotting easier
- Wet Season (March – May & September–November)—Best for Birdwatching & Lush Scenery
The wet season, though characterized by heavy rains, offers stunning green landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities. It’s also the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds.
2 Days Lake Mburo Safari
The little Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda's national parks and situated around 240 kilometers west of Kampala.
3 Days Safari Lake Mburo
Enjoy a game drive, boat cruise and wildlife viewing with this 3 Days Lake Mburo Safari. With this safari, you have a full day of activities.
5 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari
On this wildlife safari in Uganda, the travelers will visit and explore both Bwindi and Lake Mburo as perfect complements to show in Uganda.
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Why Visit Lake Mburo National Park?
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Incredible Wildlife: Lake Mburo National Park is home to a remarkable variety of animals, including zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, and warthogs. Unlike other parks in Uganda, Lake Mburo is the only one where you can find impalas in large numbers.
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Birdwatcher’s Paradise: With over 350 bird species, the park is a haven for bird lovers. Spot rare and unique birds such as the shoebill stork, African finfoot, saddle-billed stork, and red-faced barbet.
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Unique Safari Experiences: Unlike traditional safaris, Lake Mburo offers walking safaris, boat cruises, horseback riding, and cycling tours – making your visit truly one-of-a-kind.
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Best Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills, rocky outcrops, lush woodlands, and the shimmering waters of Lake Mburo and several other lakes within the park.
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Most Easily Accessible Reserve: Just a 4-hour drive from Kampala, Lake Mburo is the perfect destination for short safaris, weekend getaways, or as a stopover for travelers heading to western Uganda.
—Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park is an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups. Whether you prefer an adrenaline-filled adventure or a relaxing retreat in nature, the park has something for everyone. We offer customized safari packages, including one-day, two-day, and multi-day tours, tailored to your preferences and budget.
Accommodation Options in Lake Mburo
From luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites, Lake Mburo offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travelers. Some of the best places to stay include
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Mihingo Lodge (Luxury)
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Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Mid-range)
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Eagle’s Nest Camp (Budget)
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Park Bandas & Campsites (For adventurous travelers)
Top Activities in Lake Mburo National Park
Game Drives & Walking Safaris
Embark on a traditional morning or evening game drive through the park’s vast savannah, acacia woodlands, and wetlands. Get close to herds of zebras, buffaloes, and elands. Unlike other national parks, Lake Mburo also allows guided walking safaris, offering an up-close and personal experience with nature under the guidance of experienced rangers.
Boat Safaris on Lake Mburo
Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds up close. The boat ride provides an excellent opportunity for photography and birdwatching, with sightings of the African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, and malachite kingfisher.
Horseback & Cycling Safaris
One of the most unique experiences in Lake Mburo is exploring the park on horseback or a bicycle. These eco-friendly safaris allow you to silently approach animals without disturbing them, creating a truly immersive wildlife encounter. This is one of the only places in Uganda where such safaris are available.
Night Game Drives
Experience the thrill of a night safari, where you can spot elusive nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies. With the help of a spotlight, you’ll get to witness the park’s hidden nightlife.
Birdwatching Excursions
Lake Mburo is a prime birdwatching destination, attracting bird lovers from around the world. Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced birder, the park offers opportunities to spot a wide variety of species, including the bare-faced go-away bird, African jacana, and black-bellied bustard.
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