It’s situated in Nyabushozi county, Kiruhura district in western Uganda. It’s the smallest savanna park in Uganda but Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of all the ten parks in Uganda. Lake Mburo National Park covers 260 km2 (100 sq mi).
Lake Mburo was first gazette in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and was upgraded to a game reserve in 1963 and ranked a National Park in 1983 after resettling the Banyankole Bahima pastoralists who used to graze their animals in the game reserves. 20% of Lake Mburo National Park is a wetland habitat evidenced by many lakes in the park.
20% of the profits from Lake Mburo Tourism is offered to local communities around the park in terms of better social services like clean water, health centers, better schools, security, and shelter among others. It’s home to 350 bird species as well as zebras, impalas, elands, buffalos, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi, and reedbuck.
With 13 Lakes in the area, 20% of Lake Mburo is swampy and an amazing tourist destination for water lovers. Lake Mburo is notably blessed with over 315 bird species and probably the best place to view acacia-associated birds, Rwonyo is a good zone to see the mosque swallow, black bellied bustard,bare-faced-go away bird, and Ruppell’s starling. A handful of birds is recorded essentially the southern ground hornbill and black-throated barbet.
Activities Done in Lake Mburo National Park
Boat cruise
There is a variety of water bodies for boat trips but the major one is Lake Mburo where you will easily meet Hippos, crocodiles and so many animals at the bank drinking water. Water bird species are often too numerous for even the keenest birder to identify them all.
Game drive
The game-viewing safaris in Lake Mburo National Park offer an opportunity to see the impalas and zebras. During the dry season, animals usually converge around the swamps and lakes; this grants you a remarkable photo opportunity.
Horseback safari
It’s an exciting excursion to tour Lake Mburo National Park. Without any engine sounds and fumes, you feel part of nature and often get the chance to see the animals. Expect to see a variety of impalas and zebras up close together with unique vegetation, water bodies, relief, and birds among others.
Visit Cultural centre
Ankole Cultural Center is situated just outside the park near the Sanga gate. A visit to the Centre will introduce you to the traditional culture of the area and the local way of life. Visit the local communities around Lake Mburo National Park to learn more about Banyakole-Bahima culture.
