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 Lake Mburo Photography Safari

3 Days Lake Mburo National Park Photography Tour.

A 3 days photography safari in Lake Mburo National Park is a beautifully intimate wildlife experience. Over three days, you will focus on golden light, animal behaviour, scenic landscapes and creative angles. Expect to see zebras grazing, giraffes, hippos and fish eagles above the lake. This Uganda safari is designed to give photographers space and time to create.

Safari highlights

Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Photography

Day 3: Walking Safari and depart for Kampala

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

A Chopper Tour and Travel company representative will pick you up from the hotel in Kampala, and you will begin the drive from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park, which is about 4 to 5 hours. You will have a stopover at the equator monument at Kayabwe for pictures and souvenirs, and afterwards you will proceed with the journey. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, and after lunch, you will relax. For photographers, choosing the right lodge enhances the experience.

By 4:00 PM, you will head out for an evening game drive. Lake Mburo’s open plains allow for excellent visibility and clean compositions. The warm light will enable you to take pictures of numerous animals that you will spot, namely the zebras, impalas, giraffes and many more. After the evening game drive, you will retire to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

Meal plan: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Photography

You will depart the lodge before sunrise, aiming to catch the first light breaking across the plains while on the morning game drive. Lake Mburo is one of the few parks in Uganda where you can see large herds of eland, zebras, topis, bushbucks, waterbucks and many more. The soft light enhances textures and colours for photos. You will return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation time.

After having lunch at the lodge, you will head out for an afternoon boat safari, which offers a completely different photographic environment. You will have the chance to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, African fish eagles, pied kingfishers and many more. The slow pace of the boat allows steady shooting and excellent framing opportunities. As evening approaches, you will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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

Day 3: Walking Safari and depart for Kampala

You will wake up early in the morning and head out for a guided walking safari. Lake Mburo is one of the few parks in Uganda where this is permitted. Instead of shooting from a vehicle, you will capture photos at a close range. Zebras and giraffes may be observed at some distance, allowing intimate portraits and environmental shots. After engaging in the walking safari, you will head back to the lodge and have breakfast.

After breakfast back at the lodge, you will then begin the drive back to Kampala, arriving in the afternoon for drop-off at a hotel in Kampala or Entebbe Airport for a departure flight.

End of the 3 Days Lake Mburo Photography Safari

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Midrange: Arcadia Lodge Lake Mburo
Budget: Eagles Nest Lodge

Safari includes

2 nights’ accommodation
Meals
4 x 4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver guide
Pick-up and drop-off
Boat safari on Lake Mburo
Guided walking safari
Park entrance fees
Bottled drinking water
Game drive fees

Safari excludes

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