Lake Mburo National Park

At a glance

• Where: South-western Uganda, on the road to Mbarara.
• Size: About 370 square kilometres, small compared with the other savannah parks.
• Best for: Zebras, giraffes, walking safaris, boat trips, horseback rides and birding.
• From Kampala: About four hours by road.
• Suggested stay: One to two nights.

Wildlife

Lake Mburo is the best place in Uganda to see plains zebras, and it is one of the few parks where you can also find elands, impalas and topis. Rothschild's giraffes have been returned to the park, and buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, hippos and crocodiles are common. Leopards live in the park but are seldom seen. More than 350 bird species have been recorded, including many water birds around the five lakes.

The park has no elephants or lions in significant numbers, so it is a gentle, relaxed safari.

What there is to do

• Game drives along the park tracks, at their best in early morning and late afternoon.
• Walking safaris with a ranger, one of the few savannah parks in Uganda where you can walk among zebras and antelopes.
• Boat cruise on the lake for hippos, crocodiles and birds such as the African fish eagle.
• Horseback and cycling safaris offered through approved operators near the park.
• Cultural visits to Ankole cattle keepers living near the park.

Best time to visit

The park can be visited all year. Dry months, December to February and June to August, make tracks easier and animals gather at the lakes. In the wetter months the park is greener and the birding is good, with fewer visitors.

Lake Mburo and gorillas

The road from Kampala to Bwindi passes the park gate, so a night at Lake Mburo breaks the long drive and adds a wildlife stop. It is also a fine way to end a trip after the forest. Our 10-day best of Uganda safari and 16-day luxury safari include it. For a short trip that adds Lake Mburo to Mgahinga and Bwindi, see the 8-day Mburo, Mgahinga and Bwindi safari.

Wildlife you may see

Frequently asked questions