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.

3 Days in Lake Mburo And Queen Elizabeth Combo

3 days of Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth Safari Adventure.

3 Days in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth Combo: In just three days, you journey from the rolling savannah plains of Lake Mburo to the vast wildlife-rich landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home of the famous tree-climbing lions. This Uganda adventure comes with intimate wildlife encounters, scenic drives through the countryside, boat cruises along wildlife-packed channels and unforgettable game drives.

Activities

Boat cruise on the Kazinga channel
Boat cruise at Lake Mburo
Game drives in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth

Safari highlights

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park

Day 2: Transfer from Lake Mburo to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 3: Morning game drive and depart to Kampala

Safari description

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park

The safari will begin early in the morning as you depart Kampala heading to Lake Mburo National Park, which will take you about 4 to 5 hours to get to, approximately 240 km. You will stop briefly at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photographs and a cup of coffee before continuing toward Lake Mburo National Park.

After checking into your lodge and enjoying lunch, you will head out for an afternoon game drive. The game drive will last for about 3 hours, and you may encounter zebras, eland, topi and impala, buffalo herds, giraffes and many more.

Later in the evening, you will enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. You will have views of hippos, crocodiles and numerous birds. After the boat cruise at Lake Mburo, you will head back to the lodge for dinner and your night’s rest.

Meal plan: Lunch and dinner

Accommodation Options at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Luxury: Mweya safari lodge
Midrange: Buffalo safari lodge
Budget: Pumba safari cottages

Day 2: Transfer from Lake Mburo to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, driving for about 4 to 5 hours. You will arrive in time for lunch before heading out for your first exploration of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

In the afternoon, after lunch and relaxing, you will enjoy the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. During this 2-hour boat cruise, you can expect to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants drinking at the water’s edge and many more. After the boat cruise, you will get back to the lodge for dinner and your night’s rest.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation Options at Lake Mburo National Park

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Midrange: Rwokobo Rock lodge
Budget: Eagles Nest Camp

Day 3: Morning game drive and depart to Kampala

After having breakfast early in the morning, you head out for a morning game drive that will last for 3 to 4 hours. You will expect to spot lions, leopards, hyenas, Uganda kobs, elephants, warthogs, among others.

After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch before beginning the drive back to Kampala. The drive will take 6 to 7 hours. You will arrive in Kampala in the evening, marking the end of your 3 days in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth combo.

Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch

Safari Includes

4 x 4 safari vehicle with a professional driver guide
Park entrance fees
Pick-up and drop-off
Game drives fees
Boat cruise fees (Lake Mburo and Kazinga Channel)
Accommodation
Meals
Bottled drinking water

Safari Excludes

Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses
Life insurance
Air ticket fees
Visa fees