Lake Mburo National Park Horseback Riding – Uganda Tour
Horseback riding is one of the special activities done on Uganda safaris and the only way to get close to the wildlife species as you ride on horse while enjoying unwind fresh air in an open savanna grassland. However ,Lake Mburo National park is one of the smallest game park in Uganda that sits in the western region just close to Kampala capital city .The park is an open savannah destination covering a total area of about 370 square kilometers that harbors with various wildlife species over 68 mammals like zebras ,crocodiles ,hyenas ,jackal ,warthogs ,leopards ,buffaloes ,bushbucks ,waterbucks ,impala among others ,paradise of birds with over 350 species of birds such as African fin foot , shoe bills stork ,saddle-billed stork ,African fish eagle , Brown –chested wattle plover ,Papyrus yellow warbler many more . In Uganda’s national parks horseback riding safari can only be done in Lake Mburo national park.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a unique safari activity which allows one to adventure the park’s treasures on a close view such as the wildlife, the beautiful nature, view birds of the air and you can as well as visit the in water lakes like Lake Mburo and Mazinga. This safari activity is briefly organized by the Luxurious lodge Mihingo safari lodge located close to the park’s boundary. Mihingo safari lodge officially opened an operating horse rides in 2008 and by that time horse rides were experienced outside the park and later in 2009 it was introduced inside the park. The lodge has 7 horses and 4 ponies available daily for visitors who enjoy to explore the gem on open area like that of Lake Mburo national park while on the back of a horse. The horse carries a maximum weight of 100 kilograms of thing though those at Mihingo safari lodge do not carry less than that.
Moreover, horseback ride in Lake Mburo national park is done in two sessions that is Morning session which starts at 10 am and afternoon session which starts at 2pm. Each horse riding experience only allows a maximum of six people who ride with a trained guide who helps you to allocate to stunning areas to visit. Horse riding in lake Mburo national park does not requires one to be an expert because the horse riders are adjusted according to their riding ability. The starter is advised to walk while the advanced riders have stretches like Warukiri where they can ride for 3 to 4 hours.
This activity is such an interesting experience where you will get a great chance to view of the animals at close compare when you are in a vehicles carrying out game drives. On horse ride safari in Lake Mburo national park expect to explore the park with gainful view of Lake Mburo ,views of the local communities ,surrounding hills ,valleys ,9 lakes out of the 2 Lakes inside the park .Also expect to have a close view of mammals such as zebras ,topis ,warthogs ,eland , impala buffaloes ,bushbucks ,bush pigs ,hippos ,duikers ,water bucks and birds like bare faced go away ,African fin foot ,brown parrot ,African wattle lapwing as well as viewing of the sunset and sun downers just worth it.
During your safari to Lake Mburo national park you can decide to have overnight stay to the visitors who come with an option of either camping in pitched tents along the shores or on the top of the hills found inside in the park. On overnight horseback riding you will enjoy to explore the park without any sounds with rewarding views of animals among others. Then after you will be served a menu for dinner in the wild and heavy breakfast in the morning.
The horseback riding in Lake Mburo national park is an activity which can take about 30 to 5 hours or even a whole day depending on the visitor’s ability and the charges for the horse ride basing on the time spent riding a horse. For this matter, riders who would prefer experience a ride for long hours consider also the charges because charges are based in the time spent riding the horse.
What to pack for your Horse Riding Safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Long sleeved shirt and trousers; These essentials help to protect your skin from the sun.
Strong shoes, they help to prevent your feet from sliding through the stirrup.
Helmets and riding; They are provided by Mihingo safari lodge in all sizes ‘’chaps’’.
Best time to go for horseback riding in lake Mburo national park
A horseback riding in Lake Mburo national park is an exceptional activity that can be carried out any time of the year but most importantly in dry seasons. Though in wet season which tend to happen from March to May and October to November rain fall can fall so heavily thus leading to plant growth which gives to rider awesome view of large number of wildlife and the nature .The ride is done in open savannah plains which helps the riders to ride for a short period of time with great wildlife views compared to the dry season ,during dry season animals move to far areas in search of the green vegetation and can be seen linking for water around the shores of Lake Mburo.
Getting to Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo national park is located western Uganda with a short drive to access the main destinations and the park can be accessed through two gates that is Sanga gate and Nshara gate. You can reach the park from Kampala passing via Masaka and then to Nshara gate which is 20 kilometers from Lyantonde via Mbarara which takes about 3 to 4 hours’ drive.
The park can also be reached through air transport meaning you will have to book scheduled or private chartered domestic flight by Aerolink airline from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to fly you to Mbarara airstrip only one hour to access the airstrip and connect to the park by the safari drive by road.
A part from doing horseback riding, there are so many incredible activities tourists can engage in such as Game drive viewing, Nature walking, birding, boat cruise, sport fishing, cultural encounter, camping among others.
