Things to Do in Lake Mburo National Park
Things to do in Lake Mburo National Park. Tucked away in the heart of western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is the country’s smallest savannah park—but it overflows with charm, wildlife, and adventure. Its accessible location, just a four-hour drive from Kampala, makes it a perfect stop on a longer Uganda safari circuit. The park’s landscape blends open grasslands, acacia woodlands, rolling hills, and five lakes, offering a variety of activities in a uniquely intimate setting. If you are wondering how to spend your time in Lake Mburo, here’s a guide to the best experiences this underrated gem has to offer.
Go on a Classic Game Drive
Lake Mburo offers excellent game viewing without the crowds. Morning and evening game drives take you across golden savannahs dotted with herds of impala, topi, buffalo, eland, and zebra. It’s one of the only places in Uganda where you can see zebras in large numbers. Although lions are absent, the experience remains thrilling—especially for bird lovers and first-time safari-goers.
The best game drive routes lie in the east of the park, near the Zebra Track, Kazuma Track, and Ruroko Track, offering scenic views and high wildlife density.
Take a Boat Safari on Lake Mburo
A boat ride on Lake Mburo introduces you to a quieter world teeming with aquatic life. Hippos bob up and down in the water while crocodiles sun themselves on the shores. The lake also attracts an impressive range of water birds. African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, and the elusive African finfoot are commonly spotted.
The boat trips last around 1–2 hours and depart from Rwonyo Jetty—a perfect way to cool off after a hot afternoon game drive.
Try a Guided Nature Walk
Few parks in Uganda allow walking safaris, and Lake Mburo is one of them. Accompanied by armed rangers, you’ll walk through bushlands and along ridges, learning to identify animal tracks and droppings. You may encounter zebras, giraffes, impalas, and warthogs on foot—an experience that’s both humbling and exciting.
For a real treat, opt for a walk to the salt lick at Rwonyo, where animals gather to lick the salty soils.
Explore the Park on Horseback
Horseback safaris are a unique highlight of Lake Mburo, offered exclusively through Mihingo Lodge. Riding silently through the bush without a vehicle allows you to get much closer to wildlife. It’s common to see zebras, impalas, and bushbucks grazing nearby, unbothered by your quiet approach.
Both beginner and advanced riders are welcome, with rides ranging from one hour to full-day adventures.
Cycle Through the Savannah
For the adventurous, cycling safaris provide a fresh and exhilarating way to explore the park. Mountain bikes are available for hire at the park, and guided rides lead you along wildlife trails and ridges with fantastic views. Biking alongside herds of zebra and eland adds a whole new dimension to the safari experience.
Go Birdwatching
Lake Mburo is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 350 recorded species. The mix of wetlands, acacia woodlands, and lakeshores creates diverse habitats. Look out for red-faced barbets (rare in Uganda), grey-crowned cranes, black-bellied bustards, and papyrus gonoleks.
Boat safaris and nature walks offer the best birding opportunities, especially in the morning and early evening.
Visit the Local Community
Enrich your safari with a cultural visit to the nearby Bahima pastoralist communities. Learn about traditional cattle-keeping practices, milk processing, and their relationship with the land and wildlife. Community visits often include storytelling, dance performances, and a deeper look into daily life near the park.
Plan Your Lake Mburo Safari Today
Lake Mburo National Park proves that size doesn’t determine greatness. With its peaceful ambiance, unique activities like horseback and walking safaris, and close-up wildlife encounters, it offers an unforgettable escape into Uganda’s natural beauty.
