Game Viewing in Lake Mburo National Park

Game Viewing in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is one of the most interesting safari sites in Uganda. Although it is the smallest of the savannah national parks in Uganda, it provides an amazing diversity in wildlife and a game viewing experience that is intimate and rewarding. It is only a four-hour drive to the park, and this makes it the nearest safari park to Kampala, which is ideal for travellers who want a short Uganda safari trip and do not want to travel a long distance.

Lake Mburo has a great variety of terrain, with large savannah plains, dense acacia woodlands, beautiful lakeshores, and much more, making it a hidden gem that allows visitors to feel closer to nature than some of the larger parks.

The Lake Mburo National Park has a rich diversity of wildlife.

The park has more than 68 species of mammals, and this means that you have loads of chances to observe the East African wildlife in its own habitat. At Lake Mburo, the park has unique wildlife diversity as compared to other parks, where there is domination of certain species. It is the only park in Uganda where you will find large numbers of impalas, and it is also among the few parks that harbour elands, the largest antelopes in the world. Other animals that are usually observed in game drives include buffaloes, zebras, topis, oribis, waterbucks, reedbucks and warthogs.

Predators, including leopards, hyenas, and jackals, also live in the park, but they are mostly seen in the early morning or late evening. To the avian enthusiasts, Lake Mburo is a haven with more than 350 birds being recorded. Notable species include the African finfoot, shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek and a wide range of water birds which flourish around the five lakes found within the park.

Lake Mburo Game Drives

Game drives are the main attraction of the safari in Lake Mburo. The park has an excellent track system that cuts across the various habitats, giving a good opportunity to view wildlife close by. Early morning game drives are the most rewarding, and animals are most active before the day heats up. Evening drives are also interesting as one gets the chance to see the nocturnal animals and predators begin to hunt.

In comparison to other bigger parks like Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo game drives are not as crowded, making a visitor have a more personalised Uganda safari experience. The park itself is large enough to spend hours in and yet not see many other vehicles, which further contributes to the feeling of being in pristine wilderness.

Lake Mburo Boat Safaris

Game viewing does not only apply on land. A boat safari in Lake Mburo provides the visitor with a different view of the park’s fauna. Hippos are ever-present in the waters, and crocodiles sunbathe along the shores. Birdlife is also abundant around the lake, with African fish eagles, pied kingfishers and cormorants being common. The boat ride is a peaceful escape from the rough game tracks, and you get to see the park ecosystem from a different perspective.

Horseback Riding and Walking Safaris

Lake Mburo National Park has one of the most unique features, whereby they allow walking safaris, which is hardly possible in other parks in Uganda. Under the guidance of a ranger, one can explore the savannah plains on foot, getting even closer to animals, learning about the plants, insects and animal tracks. This is a more immersive experience that creates a closer relationship with nature than game drives can.

Another uncommon but exciting way of game viewing is horseback safaris. They are conducted by Mihingo Lodge, and the rides enable viewers to get as close as possible to animals without the engine of a vehicle, which makes them seem more natural. Think of a ride through herds of zebras and antelopes and the freedom of an open landscape- this is an adventure that is unique to Lake Mburo.

Nocturnal Wildlife Drives at Night

Lake Mburo is one of the few parks in Uganda where you can do a night game drive, and thus a special safari destination. These night tours expose nocturnal animals like bushbabies, porcupines, and elusive leopards. Through the use of spotlights, travellers get an opportunity to view the park in a different light of darkness, and this creates an added excitement to the Uganda safari experience.

Birdwatching Opportunities

Lake Mburo is an excellent location to view birds. The mixture of wetland and savannah environments makes it a habitat for a great number of species: raptors flying over the grassland and brightly colored waterbirds along the lake. This park is also frequented by bird watchers who come to find rare species such as the African finfoot and the white-winged warbler. Even if you are a skilled birder or just getting your feet wet, the park has lots of thrilling sightings.

Best Period to view Games

Lake Mburo National Park can be visited throughout the year; however, the dry seasons (June to August and December to February) are the best time to visit the park in terms of game viewing. In these months, the vegetation is not dense, and animals come together around water points, making them easy to see. The wet season is not without its own beauty, with its greenery and good bird watching opportunities as migratory birds arrive.

Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park

There are various accommodations in the park, from budget to luxury. One of the most popular of the lodges is the Mihingo Lodge, which is built on a rocky outcrop and offers spectacular views and horseback safaris. Other lodges like Rwakobo Rock and Arcadia cottages are also comfortable and near the park entrance. Budget travellers can also use the Uganda Wildlife Authority-managed campsites and bandas and enjoy the wilderness at a lower cost.

Travel Suggestions

Lake Mburo National Park is well located along the Kampala-Mbarara highway, and it can be used as a stopover by travellers going to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is advisable to use a 4×4 car, especially during the rainy season when some of the tracks get slippery. The entrance fee is determined by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and activities like boat rides, walking safaris and night drives are extra.

Travellers are also advised to carry light clothing to accommodate the warm temperatures during the daytime, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars to watch birds. Guided rangers can be hired to accompany walks and drives, making it safe and also making the experience more interesting due to their local knowledge.