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Lake Mburo National Park has a rich history, originally designated as a controlled hunting area in 1933, before being upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. It achieved national park status in 1983, marking a new era in conservation. Located in the ancestral lands of the Bahima Banyankole people, the park's creation was part of a government initiative, yet it led to the displacement of local pastoralists who were not compensated for their lost grazing lands.
Lake Mburo National Park is a stunning gem in southwestern Uganda, known for its unique landscape, abundant wildlife, and serene lakes.
Lake Mburo National Park is located between Masaka and Mbarara in western Uganda, approximately 228 km (3½ hours) from Kampala. There are two main entrances accessible from the Mbarara road. The Nshara Gate, 13 km past Lyantonde, and Sanga Gate, located at Sanga trading center, 27 km past Lyantonde. Both routes are well signposted, with a 20-minute drive from either gate to the park’s main visitor center at Rwonyo.
Lake Mburo’s extensive network of game tracks offers a chance to explore diverse landscapes including acacia woodlands, wetlands, grassy hillsides, and rocky outcrops. Game drives are best in the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. For a unique experience, try a guided night drive starting around 6:30-7:00 pm, which offers the chance to see nocturnal animals that are seldom spotted during the day.
One of the park’s unique features is its openness to walkers, provided they are accompanied by a ranger guide. From Rwonyo, guided walks lead to salt licks that attract various animals. Morning hikes on the western side of the lake start at 7 am and last about two hours, where you may encounter hyenas and hippos returning to the lake. Trails through woodland are ideal for bird watching, and a climb to a nearby hilltop rewards visitors with stunning views of the park and surrounding lakes. Rubanga Forest, popular among birders, can be visited with prior arrangement and a ranger guide.
Horseback safaris offer an exciting way to experience Lake Mburo’s wildlife, with sightings of animals like eland, buffalo, warthog, topi, impala, and zebra. These rides, organized through Mihingo Lodge, last up to four hours and often include scenic viewpoints with options for bush breakfasts or sundowners.
Lake Mburo supports six species of fish, including tilapia, the most common catch. The designated fishing area is located at Mazinga, and visitors are advised to bring their own fishing equipment. Permits are required and can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Explore the eastern shores of Lake Mburo on a relaxing two-hour boat trip from Rwonyo jetty. Look out for hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo as well as an array of birdlife, including Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, Hammerkops, and even the rare Shoebill. Boat trips run every two hours, starting from 8 am, depending on demand.
Lake Mburo National Park offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites. Each lodging option provides unique opportunities for experiencing the park’s beauty, whether through guided walks, boat trips, or simply taking in the serene landscapes and wildlife from your lodge.
