March 28, 2024

All About Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park lies in the western region of Uganda, specifically in the district of Kiruhura with a distance of 30 kilometers (19 mi) if you use road transport from Kampala. It is the smallest savannah park in the country with 260 square kilometers (100 mi) and wildlife attractions like impala, zebras, warthogs, hippopotami, leopards, buffaloes, jackals, and an estimated 300 species of birds.
Historically, the park was initially established in 1933 but the Banyankole Bahima people continued rearing their domestic animals in the then made restricted hunting area before it was later transformed into a game reserve in 1963 during Obote’s regime to paralize the Banyankole. There was massive resistance from the cattle keepers for losing their grazing area and not provided with new land for settlement which led to the destruction of the park after Obote’s government was overthrown and Banyankole Bahima regained their lost land in 1985 displacing the park’s staff, demolishing infrastructures and butchering the wildlife animals but, in 1986 the National Resistance Movement re-established not more than half of the original park.
Tristar Africa Skimmer Safaris is one of Uganda’s most trusted and reliable travel company and we have been organizing guided tours to western Uganda for all sorts of travelers so if you are interested in a safari to Lake Mburo park this season, then we will be more than glad to craft fro you an itinerary based on your budget and personal needs.
Wildlife
There are 68 species of mammals like the impala (only found here in Uganda) and Burchell’s giraffes strictly in Kidepo Valley National Park. Plus the warthog, buffalo, oribi, Defass, waterbuck,reedbuck, Leopard and hyena while crocodile and at least 300 hippos live in the lake. Lions are believed to be in existence in the park lately.
Birds
On record, at least 350 bird species fly around the park giving birders thrilling opportunities to watch them. They include L. Mburo’s Red-faced Barbet, the unique shoebill, and endemic African Finfoot alongside Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Tabora (Long-tailed) Cisticola, African Scops Owl etc.

Activities in the park

Birding
The swampy valleys of Warukiri and Miriti, and the roadsides between Rwonyo camp areas are ideal for bird watching. The birds spotted in these areas are Red-faced Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike among others.
Launch Trips
With the existence of crocodiles in the lake, hippos and buffaloes, guests are required to be watchful. The trips start at Rwonyo jetty at 8am and lasts for 2 hours daily per trip. Beautiful kingfishers and fish eagles can be spotted.
Game Drives
From acacia woodland, wetlands, grassy hillsides, rocky outcrops and seasonally flooded valley floors, various wildlife animals can be spotted at sunrise or sunset. Night 2 hour game drives kick start from 6:30-7pm.
Hiking and Nature Walks
At the salty rocks in Rwonyo you find animals enjoying the salt lick. At 7am one can spot the hyenas from a night hunt back into their dens and hippos to the lake.Rubanga forest is the ideal place for nature walks and bird watching.
Sport Fishing 
To carry out sport fishing in Lake Mburo at the chosen fishing area at Mazinga, tourists are recommended to get a license from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Horseback safaris 
At Mihingo Lodge, horseback safaris are organized and guests are taken up the hill where you find view points. Commonly spotted wildlife include impala, duiker, zebra, warthog, bushbacks, topi and waterbucks.

Areas of Interest

Rwonyo Rest Camp- Nature walks, game drives, quad biking and forest walks are initiated here. Additionally, you find an art gallery and a bookshop combined together making the heart of tourism in the park.
Lake Mburo- This lake is occupied by hippopotami and crocodiles while the buffaloes are seasonal visitors when drought hits. This park is reach in beautifully charming fauna and flora.
Rubanga Forest- West of Lake Mburo exists this tropical forest with a shuttered canopy, a highly placed spot for guests assisted by a ranger to watch the birds of the forest.
Game Tracks. The hinterlands east of Lake Mburo National park contain many tracts where guests get lucky enough to spot the wildlife animals and the birds from the view points at the hilltop.