Lake Mburo is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks, and the easiest to underrate. It sits beside the road to Bwindi, so many visitors stop only for the night. Those who stay for a full day tend to say it was their favourite surprise.
A different kind of safari
There are no elephants here, and lions are rare. What you get instead is plenty of animals you can see at close range: zebra, impala, topi, eland, warthog and Rothschild’s giraffe, often grazing within sight of the track. The park is made of rolling hills, acacia woodland, wetland and lakes, so it looks quite unlike the other savannah parks in Uganda.
Walking and riding
Lake Mburo is one of the few Uganda parks where you can safely walk with a ranger, so you get a feel for the grass, the tracks and the smaller details that a vehicle misses. Nearby, Mihingo Lodge offers horseback safaris among the zebra and impala, which is a memorable way to see the park for experienced and beginner riders alike.
On the water
A boat trip on the lake brings you close to hippos, crocodiles and a fine range of waterbirds, including fish eagles. Late afternoon is the best time, when the light softens and the animals come to drink.
Planning it
- The park is roughly four hours from Kampala on the Masaka road, and it is a natural first night when heading to Bwindi.
- Leopard and hyena are present, and night drives are available, so ask about them.
- Stay at Mihingo Lodge for rock-pool views and horse riding, or choose a simpler lodge inside the park.
Give Lake Mburo a full day rather than an evening. It is a calm, unhurried start or finish to a longer trip.
See Lake Mburo National Park, read about gorilla trekking in Bwindi, or plan your route with us.