Uganda Wildlife Tour In Lake Mburo National Park : Lake Mburo National Park is located in the western part of Uganda in a district called Kiruhura which is next to Mbarara District. this park covers area of about 260 square kilometers, making it the smallest Savannah Park in Uganda. The park is encompassing of rock outcrops, savanna, acacia woodland, bush, forest, swamp and lakes that support a wealth of wildlife including species that are rare or absent from other parks in Uganda. It’s a home to 350 bird species as well as zebras, impalas, elands, buffalos, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck. Lake Mburo National Park lies in the rain shadow between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Victoria giving it an average rainfall of 798 mm per year. Lake Mburo National Park has now become an example of how human communities around the park can co-exist with wildlife in Uganda.
Tourist activities to do in Lake Mburo National Park
Game drives
Game drives in one main highlight for a Uganda wildlife safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Game drives in Lake Mburo National Park are normally carried out along the impala and Zebra tracks. These drives can either the morning or evening game drives. During the game drive along, you will follow network of game viewing tracks, there are plenty full of animals to see including concentration of zebras, impalas, waterbucks, topis, giraffes, elands, buffaloes and several antelope species among others. Hippos and large crocodiles are also frequently seen along the shores of the Lake busking on sun. If you are lucky enough you may get to see elusive leopard.
Guided Nature Walks
This is one of the top and famous activities carried out in Lake Mburo National Park. On these walks you get an opportunity to see the various tree species, several flower species, a variety of butterfly species, birds and wildlife that dwell in the park. Your walk can also involve a little trek and hike to Kazuma hill to enjoy the stunning beauty of Park’s vegetation, incredible lakes within the park including Lake Mburo, rolling hills marked by protruding ancient Precambrian rocks. You will also get a chance to walk to the nearby communities to see how they co-exit with the wildlife. Nature walks are normally guided by an armed guard from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This was taking half day or full day; you select one that you feel is okay for physical fitness. Forest walk can take up to 2 to 3 hours depending on the travelers’ preferences and wants.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is another most exciting activity to do while on a Uganda wildlife safari in the park. Lake Mburo National Park is had to a variety of bird species, with over 300 different bird species and some of which are not found elsewhere in Uganda. The park is encompassing of rich landscape including acacia, savanna grassland, woodland and aquatic associates which are habitat for a variety of this bird species. During your bird watching tour, you will have the chance to sight bird species such as Africa finfoot, red-faced barbet, tabora cisticola, black bellied bustard, brown chested wattled plover, emerald spotted wood, carruther’s cisticola, grey crown crane, papyrus yellow warbler, bare faced go away bird and coqui francolin among others.
Cultural tours
Cultural tours offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the communities near the park, particularly those of the Ankole people. This community have a rich and varied cultural heritage. One of the highlights of your visit can be the Ankole Cultural Centre. This place is specially designed to give you a deep understanding of their traditions, history, and customs that are integral to their Kingdom.
When you visit the villages surrounding the Park, you’ll get to learn the local traditional culture and their way of life. While on your cultural tours, you’ll have the chance to meet the local homesteads, learn bout their daily lives and even participate in activities like milking cows. The warm hospitality you’ll experience, along with the chance for genuine cultural exchange, will make your holiday truly memorable.
Another stop on your cultural tours is the Igongo Culture Centre. Here a knowledgeable guide will take you through various rooms of the Centre where you’ll learn about Ankole culture. You can explore the museum and encounter variety of artifacts, traditional tools, crafts and books which will truly interpret true Ankole culture. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the history and rich culture of the Ankole people, making your visit both educational and enriching.
Boat cruise
A boat cruise on Lake Mburo is a fantastic way to discover the park’s natural beauty. This is especially true during the dry season when animals gather near the water to drink. A boat cruise on Lake Mburo regularly lunches from the Rwonnyo jetty at 08:00 and takes a two-hour ride around the eastern banks of Lake Mburo. While on the cruise, you might see a variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, Zebras, warthogs, and buffaloes among others. Birdwatchers will also be delighted, as many fascinating species can be spotted. You could catch colorful bird species for instance cormorant, fish eagle, pelican, heron, king fishers, African Fish Eagles, Ross’s turaco, Narina trogon among others
Horseback riding
Horseback Riding in Lake Mburo National Park is an exhilarating experience like no other. The par’s varied landscape including rolling hills, rocky outcrops, open and wooden grassland and lush acacia tree valleys. You can find everything from dense forests to thickets and even permanent swamps along the shores of the Lakes. This rich environment is home to variety of wildlife species such as hippo, crocodile, buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, Eland, Klipspringer, Impala, giraffes, elephants, Zebre and leopards among others. Additionally, the park is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 351 different bird species that contribute to the area’s vibrant ecosystem. During your ride in the park, you have the chance to get up close and personal with many of these fascinating animals.
Lake Mburo National Park is unique in Uganda, as its the only that offers opportunity for horseback riding. This fun and memorable experience allows you to connect with nature in a whole new way, making your trip special. The horseback rides in Lake Mburo national park tales about 1 to 5 hours however, the most exciting ride recommend for more experienced riders is a 4-to-5-hour ride. This ride takes you onto the grassy Warukiri range of hills that are situated in the middle of the park
Best accommodation facilities to stay in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park has a variety of accommodation facilities to cater for its visitors. These accommodations are available within the game park and in nearby towns like Mbarara and Lyantonde. They range from budget, mid-range and Luxury. Some of these accommodations includes Manatana Luxury Tented Camp, Mihingo Lodge, Arcadia Cottages, Rwonyo Rest Camp, Lake Mburo Safari Lodge and Eagle’s Nest Lodge among others.
