What animals can I see in Lake Mburo National Park?

Lake Mburo is home to 69 mammal species and 332 bird species, including zebras, giraffes, elands, buffaloes and several antelope species. It is the only park in Uganda with impalas, and the only one in western Uganda with Burchell's zebra and eland. Leopards and hyenas are present, and lions have recently been sighted again after years of absence.

How do I get to Lake Mburo National Park from Kampala?

Lake Mburo is about 228 km (roughly 3.5 hours by road) west of Kampala, on the main road toward Bwindi and the Rwandan border. The park has three entrance gates: Nshara Gate, Sanga Gate, and Kyanyanshara Gate.

Is Lake Mburo National Park worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of the few places in Uganda where you can safari on horseback or by boat, not just by vehicle, and its smaller size means closer, more intimate wildlife encounters than in larger parks.

What is the best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park?

The dry months (June-August and December-February) offer the best wildlife viewing, as animals gather near water sources. The wetter months (March-May and September-November) are better for birdwatching and come with discounted lodge rates.

Can I combine Lake Mburo with gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

Yes. Lake Mburo is commonly combined with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking, or with Queen Elizabeth National Park for a longer wildlife circuit.

Is Lake Mburo National Park safe for tourists?

Yes. All game drives, nature walks, and forest walks are led by an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger, and walking alone in the park is not permitted for safety reasons.

What activities are available in Lake Mburo National Park?

Game drives, boat cruises, guided nature walks, birdwatching, cultural visits with the local Banyankole community, and, through partner lodges, horseback safaris and mountain biking.

1 Day Lake Mburo National Park Safari

1 Day Lake Mburo National Park Safari Tours

A 1 day Lake Mburo National Park safari begins with an early morning pickup from the hotel, setting off on a scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside toward the park. Upon arrival, you will embark on an exciting game drive, spotting zebras, impalas, giraffes, warthogs, and a variety of bird species, all while enjoying the rolling savannahs and acacia woodlands that define the park on a Uganda safari. In the afternoon, a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Mburo National Park offers the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, providing a peaceful contrast to the morning’s wildlife adventure. After a day filled with unforgettable experiences, you will head back to Kampala, returning with memories of Uganda’s rich wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Safari highlights

Game drive
Boat cruise

Detailed itinerary

A 1 day Lake Mburo National Park safari will start with an early morning pickup from a hotel of your choice. You will be picked up from the hotel by our company representative, who will first give you information about the safari. You will then set off to Lake Mburo National Park with a stopover at Kayabwe at the equator monument for pictures and souvenirs.

You proceed and arrive at Lake Mburo National Park for a late morning game drive where you will spot a number of animals like zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and many more. You will then have a break for lunch. After having lunch, you will go for an afternoon boat cruise.

The boat cruise at Lake Mburo National Park will take about 2 hours, and you will spot animals like crocodiles, hippos and many more. You will then head back to the park headquarters after the boat cruise. The guide will drive you back to Kampala. Upon arrival in Kampala, you will be dropped off at a hotel.

End of the Safari

Safari includes

Mineral-bottled water
Lunch
4 x 4 safari vehicle
English-speaking driver guide
Park entrance fees
Pick-up and drop-off
All activities fees as per the itinerary

Safari excludes

Tips and gratuities
Items of a personal nature
Air ticket fees
Visa fees
Personal insurance
Personal expenses