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.

2 Days Lake Mburo Birding Safari

2 Days Lake Mburo Park Birdwatching Safari.

2 Days Lake Mburo Birding Safari: Lake Mburo is a paradise for bird lovers, hosting over 350 recorded bird species. This Uganda safari is designed for travellers who appreciate exploration, guided walks and intimate encounters with nature. Lake Mburo offers a rewarding and relaxed birding experience.

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and afternoon boat birding

Day 2: Morning Nature Walk and depart for Kampala

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Afternoon Boat Birding

A Chopper Tour and Travel company representative will meet you at a hotel in Kampala, and after exchanging greetings, you will be briefed. After the briefing, you will start the drive to Lake Mburo National Park, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. There will be a brief stop at the Equator crossing for photos and refreshments.

Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy a lunch meal. After some rest, you will have a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. The waters of Lake Mburo are a haven for water birds. You will spot African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, cormorants, herons, African jacanas, shoebill storks, pelicans and many more.

Apart from the birds, the lake’s shoreline often hosts hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and zebras coming to drink water. After the boat cruise, you will head back to the lodge to relax. You will have dinner and retire to bed.

Meal plan: Lunch and dinner

Accommodation Options at Lake Mburo

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Midrange: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Budget: Eagle’s Nest Camp

***Boat Cruise In Lake Mburo National Park***

Day 2: Morning Nature Walk and depart for Kampala

After breakfast, you will be picked up from the lodge, and you head out for a guided nature walk. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger guide, and you will explore the acacia woodlands and open grasslands. Walking allows you to observe several bird species at close range. As you conduct the nature walk, you will spot birds like the red-faced barbet, the bare-faced go-away bird, the emerald-spotted wood dove, the brown parrot and various weaver species.

Apart from the birdlife, you may also see zebras, giraffes, impalas and many more. The nature walk lasts for about 2 to 3 hours. After the walk, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. After relaxing, you will check out of the lodge and begin the drive back to Kampala.

Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch

End of the 2 days Lake Mburo Birding Safari

Key Bird Species to Look Out For

African Fish Eagle
Shoebill
Red-Faced Barbet
African Finfoot
Papyrus Gonolek
Pied Kingfisher
African Jacana
Saddle-billed Stork

Safari Includes

Park entrance fees
Pick-up and drop-off
Boat cruise on Lake Mburo
Guided nature walk with ranger
1 night’s accommodation
Meals
Professional English-speaking driver guide
4 x 4 safari vehicle with fuel
Bottled drinking water

Safari Excludes

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