National Parks

Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park is both a remedy for your wanderlust and, as Uganda’s most compact savannah national park it boasts more than 350 bird species, herds of stampeding zebra, impala, buffalo, eland, hippos and leopards.

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Everything you need to know about Lake Mburo National Park

Think of a typical African national park and you will probably feel exhausted just thinking about the sheer scale of the land that you will be exploring. Lake Mburo National Park is both a remedy for your wanderlust and, as Uganda’s most compact savannah national park, less overwhelming than its much larger neighbours. Its small size doesn’t mean that this park is less idyllic or exhilarating than others, in fact Lake Mburo National Park benefits from its smaller size as more than 350 bird species, herds of stampeding zebra, impala, buffalo and eland, hippos in the park’s five lakes, and leopards are concentrated into a more manageable area. Intrepid travellers from around the world are quickly realising the potential of Lake Mburo National Park, its extensive untamed forests, inter-connected papyrus swamps and rich lakes, all within easy reach from the Ugandan capital along the nearby highway.

Where is the reserve located?

Located in central east Africa, approximately 240 kilometres by road from Kampala in western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park stands at 00 36S, 30 57E. The park, which comprises vast marshlands, five lakes, wild forests, and abandoned farms that have become overgrown, is only 260 square kilometres in size. Where you visit in the park is dependent on the wildlife you want to see and available time, as different species are concentrated into specific areas – it only takes a few hours to drive from one side of the park to the other though.

What can you expect of the terrain?

The varied terrain in Lake Mburo National Park is what makes this such a popular destination for wildlife explorers. The park is dominated by its different types of wetland, each harbouring different animals. Papyrus reed swamps connect five lakes, each home to wallowing hippos and huge crocodiles, whilst dry hills, rocky outcrops, open wooded savannah and expansive untamed forests are home to countless birdlife, mammals and insects.

About the reserve

Top experiences to enjoy at Lake Mburo

If you ever wanted to get up close and personal with spectacular hippos bathing in a lake or the open jaws of a crocodile, then Lake Mburo National Park will not disappoint. Take to the waters of Lake Mburo, the largest lake in the park, with an expert local guide and sail through the swampy tributaries in search of some of the world’s most impressive beasts. Go on a walking safari through savannah scrubland and ancient forests and find yourself within a few metres of grazing zebra or buffalo or wait until night descends and go on a game drive in search of the illusive leopard hunting for its prey. Whatever activity you choose, be sure to bring your camera and put your photography skills to the test.

When to visit

Game viewing is excellent throughout the year thanks to Lake Mburo National Park’s semi-arid climate and comparatively light rains during the rainy season. If your main reason for visiting the park is to see the various aquatic animals here, then the best time to visit is during the dry season between October and March, when the park’s wildlife flocks to the few remaining watering holes.