Lake Mburo National Park boasts a substantial historical background that originates from its inception in 1933 as a restricted hunting area. It was transformed from a hunting ground in its early stages into a game reserve in 1963. The park’s expansive, undulating terrain spanning more than 260 square kilometres in southern Ankole serves as a testament to the Banyankole Bahima pastoralists’ cultural legacy as the region’s traditional herders of Ankole cattle. Nevertheless, the region encountered difficulties when conservationists referred to local inhabitants as “invaders” in 1981 on account of the reserve’s ongoing cattle grazing. As a result, the attainment of national park status by Lake Mburo in 1983 resulted in the displacement of local inhabitants from their territories. Notwithstanding these obstacles, Lake Mburo National Park presently serves as a testament to the dedication of Uganda towards the preservation of the environment and the conservation of wildlife.
Lake Mburo National Park is a sanctuary for nature and wildlife enthusiasts due to its rich diversity of habitats and fauna. The park encompasses an elevation range of 1,220m to 1,828m and is comprised of undulating terrain, granitic boulders from the Pre-Cambrian era, and sandy soils. Despite the comparatively low average annual precipitation of 800mm, wetland habitats constitute approximately 20 percent of the park’s surface area. Lake Mburo, which encompasses a remarkable 13 square kilometres and is surrounded by verdant riparian woodlands and vast expanses of papyrus marsh, serves as the focal point of these wetlands.
Lake Mburo, situated within the park boundaries, is the most sizable of five lakes that comprise a chain of 16 others outside the park that connects wetlands nourished by the Rwizi River as it flows from the Buhweju highlands to Lake Victoria. Open savannah and woodland predominate in the park, which is additionally distinguished by thorny acacia trees (Vachellia hockii, V. gerrardii, and V. sieberiana) and Sengalia polyacantha. An accumulation of thickets has developed in numerous savannah regions over time as a result of elephant absence, thereby enriching the ecosystem of the park.
Notwithstanding the park’s comparatively modest population of the “big five” species, Lake Mburo National Park continues to be a favourite site for wildlife watching, providing prospects for observing an extensive assortment of sizable mammalian species in their untamed environment. Enthusiastic birdwatchers are drawn to the park’s varied habitats due to the profusion of aquatic and acacia-associated bird species that await their discovery.
Lake Mburo National Park is home to a wide variety of animal species, many of which are challenging to witness elsewhere in the nation. Be ready to meet the famous zebra as you go out on your safari journey. Against the backdrop of the savannah, their eye-catching black and white stripes make for a mesmerising sight. The sole population of this elegant antelope in Uganda is the beautiful impala, so keep a watch out for them. Their presence adds to the ecological value of the park.
The Grant’s or Boehmi zebra, a species that was once exclusive to the park until a small number were reintroduced to the Katonga game reserve, is one of the park’s main attractions. Nevertheless, Lake Mburo is a unique place to see these magnificent animals in their native environment. Other antelope species, including topi, common duiker, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, and bushbuck, may be spotted as you explore the park. There is a potential that you will come across the Klipspringer, another unique feature of this place, among the rocks around Mihingo Lodge.
Since 2015, when 15 giraffes were relocated from Murchison Falls National Park, giraffes have also been added to the park’s inventory. Currently, the park is home to roughly 40 of these towering giants of the acacia woodland.
Those looking to catch a glimpse of Uganda’s elusive wildlife can witness diurnal primates like olive baboons and vervet monkeys, as well as the seldom observed greater galago, near Lake Mburo. Seeing up to eight of these nocturnal primates, which are the size of cats, adds a mysterious element to your safari experience.
Even though the lion population in the park has gone extinct locally, Lake Mburo National Park still has a wide variety of predators, making for an exciting wildlife viewing experience. Watch out for the elusive leopard, since reports of sightings are often made during night drives at Mihingo Lodge. The haunting spotted hyena call reverberates throughout the camps, providing insight into these amazing animals’ nighttime habits.
The park is home to a variety of smaller predators, including side-striped jackals, which contribute to its biological diversity. Every predator in the park, including the three species of otter that live in the lakes and white-tailed mongooses, is essential to preserving the delicate natural balance of the area.
The birdlife of Lake Mburo National Park is remarkable, since more than 315 species have been identified within its limits. The chance to see birds associated with acacias will please birdwatchers, and Rwonyo Camp is a great place to see species like the mosque swallow, black-bellied bustard, and Ruppell’s starling. Some barbets, such as the uncommon black-collared and red-faced varieties, are also found in acacia environments.
Six papyrus indigenous species may be found in the park’s marshes, including the eye-catching blue-headed coucal and the vividly coloured papyrus gonolek. The attraction of the park for avian lovers is further enhanced by the reputation of Lake Mburo as a dependable location for the threatened African finfoot. The park is home to a large population of African fish eagles, which are easily seen during the boat ride
There is a network of well-maintained wildlife game drive tracks around Lake Mburo that take you farther into the park’s wildness. The park’s eastern section, which is surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Mburo, is the ideal place to begin your safari adventure. Along the Research, Zebra, Impala, and Warukiri tracks—where significant numbers of impala, zebra, waterbuck, topi, and buffalo frequently congregate—you’ll traverse park-like savannahs.
The vast savannah of the Kazuma and Ruroko trails provides great chances to see wildlife. Gorgeous, rocky slopes can be found here, and there’s a good possibility of seeing Klipsringers, which are often seen in pairs and contribute to the park’s abundant biodiversity. The giraffes that were brought in recently may often be seen strolling along the Kazuma and Research trails, where they are calmly browsing the savannah for new greenery.
From Kazuma Hill’s lofty vantage point, you may take in breathtaking panoramic views of the park and some of its other lakes. Enjoy expansive views of four immaculate lakes in the park from this location, providing an insight into its varied ecosystems.
Although in the past, wildlife watching along the Kigambira Loop and Lakeside Track provided excellent opportunities to see animals gathering around the lakes and marshes during the dry season, the terrain has changed due to tsetse flies and changes in flora. Still, these are great places to go birding and for anybody wanting to see the elusive leopard through the thick undergrowth.
The Rwizi Track leads through light acacia savannahs to the west of Rwonyo, where you may often spot Grant’s zebra, impala, and eland. Take your time exploring the savannah and taking in the sights and sounds of Lake Mburo’s natural surroundings.
A watershed moment in Ugandan ecotourism occurred when Mihingo Lodge introduced equestrian safaris inside the park. The park’s animals, especially the zebras and buffaloes, are more docile around horses than they are around cars, so safarigoers get a close look at them on these adventures. The rides’ adaptability ensures that riders of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned pros, can enjoy them. While younger riders can enjoy leisurely pony rides, older riders have the opportunity to follow retired racehorses on long treks. From short introduction rides on the valley floor to full-day adventures to picturesque hilltop vistas, equestrian safaris provide flexibility in their day pricing. In addition, the park’s natural attractions may be fully experienced on longer overnight journeys.
The once-elusive nocturnal predators, especially hyenas and leopards, have made a triumphant return to the park’s northeastern sector, thanks to Mihingo Lodge’s compensation programme for victims of predator attacks. Night drives guided by experienced locals allow visitors to see these animals in their native environment. Leopards’ laid-back nature and the regular appearances of hyena packs enrich the sensations provided by these excursions, allowing for a better comprehension of nighttime ecosystems. The interactions with nocturnal animals under the starry canopy provide insights into the natural processes of the park.
While motorboating over Lake Mburo, you can see a variety of species that add to the mosaic of natural beauty you’re experiencing. Cruises leave from the main jetty of the campground and allow visitors to see famous animals like buffalo, crocodiles, and hippos as they swim peacefully across the water.
Birdwatchers are in luck: the park is home to a wide variety of birds, including the rare and beautiful African finfoot, pied kingfishers, papyrus swamp warblers, and African fish eagles. Boat cruises leave every two hours from sunrise until nightfall, ensuring thorough coverage of the lake’s offerings.
Armed rangers lead guided nature excursions around Lake Mburo to learn about the local flora and fauna up close. The salt lick observation platforms and the trails that surround them provide excellent vantage points from which to see a wide variety of birds and land animals. Under the watchful eye of armed guards, the park’s arboreal richness is on display in the Rubanga Forest. The ecological importance of the park may be better understood by participants on these walks, which encourage environmental responsibility and provide opportunities for hands-on learning.