Lake Mburo National Park, located in the Ankole sub-region of western Uganda near the town of Mbarara, is the country’s smallest savanna park but rich in biodiversity and cultural history. The park was originally gazetted as a controlled hunting area in 1933, upgraded to a game reserve in 1963, and finally declared a national park in 1983. It covers about 370 square kilometers of rolling hills, open grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands surrounding the shallow Lake Mburo, which has a maximum depth of about 5 meters. The park is home to diverse wildlife including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and over 300 bird species. Unique among Uganda’s parks, Lake Mburo offers opportunities for game viewing on foot, horseback, mountain bike, and vehicle, providing visitors with varied safari experiences.
Top Tourist Activities
Top activities in Lake Mburo National Park include game drives to spot the abundant wildlife, guided nature walks, horseback safaris, bird watching, and boat rides on Lake Mburo itself. The park’s scenic landscapes and cultural sites, such as the hills named after the legendary brothers Mburo and Kigarama, add to its appeal. Visitors can also explore nearby communities to learn about the Banyankole pastoralists’ traditions.
Getting there
To reach Lake Mburo from Kampala, travelers cover approximately 240 kilometers westward by road, typically taking around 4 to 5 hours via the Kampala-Mbarara highway. From Mbarara town, the park lies about 31 kilometers east, roughly a 45-minute drive. Other nearby destinations include Kabale and Queen Elizabeth National Park, making Lake Mburo an accessible and popular stop for those exploring western Uganda’s wildlife circuit.
To rent a car in Uganda for a driver-guided or self-drive safari to Lake Mburo National Park- simply contact us now by sending an email to info@rentadriveruganda.com or chat/ call +256-700135510.