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.

5 Days Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls Safari

5 Days Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls Safari: The 5 days Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls safari takes you to Uganda’s largest and one of its most popular national parks, offering a rich mix of wildlife and natural beauty the Murchison Falls National Park which features over 75 mammal species and 451 bird species, making it ideal for year-round Uganda tour safaris. And later to Lake Mburo National Park Uganda’s smallest national park which is a home to over 68 mammal species such as buffaloes, bush pigs, leopards, and zebras as well as various bird species. It is famous for having large numbers of Zebras and large herds of Elands, the biggest antelopes in Africa.

Highlights

Pick up and transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Game drive and boat cruise at The Nile

Transfer to Lake Mburo national park

Afternoon Boat ride

Evening Game drive

Morning Game Drive

Evening nature walk

Transfer back to Kampala

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch – travel to Murchison Falls

Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up from Entebbe International Airport, your hotel, or residence in Kampala. You will travel northwest while on a Uganda tour through the historic Luwero Triangle and Masindi town, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch for a guided rhino tracking experience. Here, you will see white rhinos along with other wildlife such as Rothschild giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, zebras, and antelopes, with lunch enroute.

The journey then continues to Murchison Falls National Park via Masindi. Upon entering the park, you will proceed to the top of the falls to witness the dramatic power of the Nile crashing through a narrow gorge. As the day winds down, enjoy the scenic Ugandan sunset en route to your lodge for the night

Dinner and overnight: Pakuba Safari lodge/Paraa Safari lodge/Fort Murchison lodge/Heritage Safari Lodge/Nile safari lodge.

Day 2: Game drive, boat cruise at the Nile

After breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park, offering chances to spot wildlife such as giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, waterbucks, warthogs, baboons, and various antelopes. Predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas may also be seen.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, stopping just 10 meters from the Devil’s Cauldron. Along the way, look out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and diverse birdlife including kingfishers, cormorants, bee-eaters, and possibly the rare shoebill stork. After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay

Day 3: All day transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and get prepared to travel to Lake Mburo National park via Kampala, this is a full day drive with lunch en route in Kampala and a brief stopover at Kayabwe Equator crossing. You will arrive in the park in the evening, connect to your reserved lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Dinner and overnight: Mihingo Lodge and Eagles Nest Lodge

Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat cruise

Morning Game Drive: Begin your day with an early breakfast, followed by a game drive along the scenic Kazuma track in Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy stunning views of the park’s hills and lakes while searching for wildlife such as zebras, elands, impalas, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, and the rare klipspringer. Early mornings offer the best chance to spot predators like hyenas, leopards, and jackals. After the drive, return to the lodge for refreshments and lunch.

Afternoon Boat Cruise: At 2:00 PM, head out for a relaxing two-hour boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Spot hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and a rich variety of birds, including fish eagles, herons, pelicans, and possibly the elusive shoebill stork. The cruise offers a peaceful experience amidst the vibrant wetland ecosystem.

Evening Nature Walk: After the cruise, enjoy a guided nature walk with an armed ranger, ideally to the salt lick area where animals like zebras and impalas gather. Watch from a hidden viewing platform as wildlife visits the salt site. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive – Depart to Kampala

Morning Game Drive: After an early breakfast, set out for an exciting morning game drive through the open savannah and acacia-dotted landscapes of the park. This is the perfect time to witness a variety of wildlife as they are most active in the cooler hours of the day. Look out for herds of zebras, graceful impalas, giraffes, elands, and buffaloes grazing or moving through the plains. You may also encounter other species such as warthogs, waterbucks, and a variety of birdlife.

Depart back to Kampala: After the game drive, check out and begin your journey back to Kampala. Enjoy a stop for lunch along the way, as well as another stop at the Equator for photos or souvenir shopping. You will be dropped off at your preferred location in Kampala either your hotel or the airport.

End of the 5 Days Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls Safari Trip.

Tour inclusions

Professional tour guide/driver (English speaking)

Tour vehicle

Accommodation (Full Board)

Activities included in the itinerary

Bottled drinking water

Tour Exclusions

International flights

Accommodation while in Kampala (First and last night)

Visas

Personal expenses such as Souvenirs, crafts, and beverages/drinks

Tips given to staff and Laundry services

Any extra activity not added in the itinerary