“JOURNEY THROUGH LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK: A UNIQUE RETREAT IN UGANDA’S NATURAL HAVEN”

Lake Mburo National Park, located along the Masaka-Mbarara highway in western Uganda, spans the districts of Isingiro and Mbarara. As the smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks, it covers approximately 370 km2. Its conservation area extends into surrounding districts within the broader Masaka and Ankole regions, including Sheema, Lyantonde, and Sango Bay.

The park is rich in the cultural history of the Ankole Kingdom, with roots dating back to the 1930s. Named after the lake it surrounds, local legends recount the story of Mburo and his brother Kigarama, who once farmed the land. One night, Kigarama dreamt of an impending flood, which prompted him to seek higher ground. However, Mburo chose to remain in the valley, ultimately leading to his untimely demise when the flood occurred. To honor his memory, the lake was named Lake Mburo, while the nearby hills were named after Kigarama, the brother who survived.

In the 1950s, the area was designated as a controlled hunting reserve for the Ankole royal family, granting exclusive hunting rights to the kings. The Bahuku people, who had been enslaved, resided in Rwamuhuku, the last village within the park. Residents of this village were frequently called upon for hunting expeditions, which ultimately influenced the village’s name.

The park also features the cultural site “Acha,” where visitors can explore traditional Ankole practices such as milk churning and other aspects of local heritage. Officially designated as a national park in 1983 amidst the liberation war, Lake Mburo emerged as one of Uganda’s most protected conservation areas following the end of the conflict in 1986.

Biodiversity of Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park, often referred to as the “Zebra’s Park,” is celebrated for hosting the largest population of zebras among Uganda’s national parks. In addition to zebras, the park is home to over 315 species of birds, including the ground hornbill, black-bellied bustard, black-throated barbet, and the striking shoebill stork. 

Visitors can also observe a variety of other mammals such as hyenas, waterbucks, warthogs, and impalas, as well as Africa’s largest antelope species. Notably, the park is one of the few places where you can encounter the African Cape Buffalo, one of Africa’s Big Five.

In 2015, the park expanded its conservation efforts by introducing the world’s tallest mammal, the giraffe. A total of 15 Nubian giraffes were translocated from Murchison Falls National Park. Thanks to the park’s open savanna woodlands, rich in acacia trees—their preferred food source—the giraffe population has since thrived and increased.

Vegetation in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is characterized by open savannah grasslands scattered with acacia trees, along with rocky ridges and forested gorges in certain areas. The park also features seasonal and permanent swamps, papyrus wetlands, and narrow strips of riparian woodland along the lakes, contributing to its ecological diversity.

Activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to explore its natural beauty.

Game drives 

Game drives in Lake Mburo National Park take you along tracks like Kigambira, Zebra, Ruroko, and Kazuma, offering opportunities to spot abundant wildlife, including zebras, impalas, elands, and buffalos.

Boat cruises

Visitors to Lake Mburo National Park can enjoy relaxing boat cruises on Lake Mburo, where they can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of waterbirds in their natural habitat.

Nature walks 

Guided nature walks at Rwonyo Rest Camp and Ruhanga Forest allow visitors to get closer to wildlife while learning about the park’s ecosystems.

Quad biking experience

Lake Mburo National Park stands out among Uganda’s national parks for its safety, lacking large predators like elephants and lions, making it an ideal spot for quad biking. Organized by All Terrain Adventures at Montana Tented Camp, these thrilling rides last from 1 to 2 hours and offer an unparalleled way to explore the park’s stunning landscapes, meandering through open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and picturesque hills.

Sport fishing at Lake Mburo

Sport fishing at Lake Mburo is a popular activity, with designated spots like Mazinga offering opportunities to catch fish such as tilapia. The activity is conducted under the supervision of experienced guides, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Visitors are required to bring their fishing gear and obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Horseback riding

Tourists visiting Lake Mburo National Park can enjoy unique horseback safaris organized by Mihingo Lodge located east of the park. Riders are provided with safety gear, including helmets and chaps, and are guided by experienced experts. 

The safari takes visitors through scenic areas like Warukiri Hill, offering panoramic views and close-up opportunities to observe wildlife such as zebras and impalas.

Bird Watching: 

With over 350 bird species, including the African fish eagle, grey-crowned crane, and papyrus gonolek, the park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Visitors to Lake Mburo National Park can not only explore its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes but also immerse themselves in cultural experiences. One highlight is a visit to the Igongo Cultural Centre in Biharwe, which showcases the rich heritage of the Ankole people. The center provides valuable insights into the traditions, history, and daily life of the Ankole kingdom through various exhibits, traditional homesteads, and the nearby Biharwe Eclipse Monument.

Cycling

Just like horseback riding and quad biking, mountain biking in Lake Mburo National Park offers an exciting way to explore its stunning landscapes and encounter wildlife up close. Several lodges, including Hyena Hill Lodge, provide guided biking tours both within and around the park, giving visitors a unique, eco-friendly adventure while also experiencing the local culture.

Getting to the Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is located in western Uganda, approximately 238 kilometers from Kampala and about 30 kilometers west of Mbarara city. The drive takes about 3 to 4 hours and offers scenic views of Uganda’s countryside. 

The park can be accessed via two main gates: Sanga Gate and Nshara Gate. Its proximity to the capital makes it an ideal destination for a short safari experience.