Discover Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda. It is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks and underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years. It is home to 350 bird species as well as zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck.
Together with 13 other lakes in the area, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. Five of these lakes lie within the park’s borders. Once covered by open savanna, Lake Mburo National Park now contains much woodland as there are no elephants to tame the vegetation. In the western part of the park, the savanna is interspersed with rocky ridges and forested gorges while patches of papyrus swamp and narrow bands of lush riparian woodland line many lakes.
Lake Mburo National Park Entry Fees
Park Entrance Fees (subject to change):
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- Foreign Non-Residents: USD $40 per person per day.
- Foreign Residents: USD $30 per person per day.
- East African Citizens: UGX 20,000 per person per day.
Vehicle Fees:
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- Foreign-registered vehicles: USD $30.
- Locally registered vehicles: UGX 20,000.
Activity Fees:
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- Game Drives: Often included in lodge packages or available at an extra cost.
- Boat Cruise: Approximately USD $30 per person.
- Horseback Safari: Varies by provider, typically around USD $60 per person.
- Walking Safaris: Guided walks cost about USD $30 per person.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park
- Dry season (June to August, December to February) – This is the best time for wildlife viewing as the animals gather around water sources and also because the roads and trails are more accessible.
- Wet season (March to May and September to November) – Is ideal for bird watching but wildlife might be harder to spot and some roads and trails could be harder to access.
March to May, November
This is the rainy season when the park experiences heavier rainfall, making some roads and tracks muddy and challenging to navigate. However, the park is lush and green during this time, and it’s ideal for birdwatching as migratory birds are present. Visitor numbers are low, and accommodation rates are more affordable.
June, October
These months are a transition period with moderate visitor numbers. The weather is relatively dry, and wildlife is easier to spot as animals start to gather around water sources. Activities such as game drives, boat rides, and walking safaris are more enjoyable with fewer weather disruptions.
July to September, December to February
The dry season is the best time for game viewing, as wildlife congregates near the permanent water sources in the park. The weather is sunny and ideal for all activities, making this the most popular time to visit. Accommodations may be fully booked, and rates are at their highest due to increased demand.
How to Get to Lake Mburo National Park
By Road
The park is about 4hours from Kampala with a distance of 245 kilometers. It is also about 4 hours and 20 minutes from Entebbe with a distance of 290 kilometers. The main entrance is via Sanga Gate which is 13 kilometers from the highway. A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially during the wet season.
By air
Domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to Mbarara airstrip are available which will take less than an hour followed by a short drive.
Best Places to Stay at Lake Mburo National Park
Gallery and Photos of Lake Mburo National Park
Safari Packages to Lake Mburo National Park
Other National Parks to visit
