Lake Mburo National park – Uganda

Lake Mburo National park – Uganda

An assortment of wildlife, acacia wood land, smaller lakes, and so much more of what Lake Mburo is.
Lake Mburo is the closest park to Kampala capital city and smallest Savannah national park in Uganda, and the location is approximately 240 km. A bout 30 km  by road east of Mbarara town a home of long horned cattle. T he park is located in Kiruhura district in western Uganda.
In 1963 it was upgraded to a game reserve and in 1983 it was upgraded to  National park but before the upgrade Banyankole, Bahima as residents where grazing their cattle in the reserve. In 1985 the previous residents of Lake Mburo reoccupied the  park’s land and this was caused by the massacre of 300,000 people which lead to lose of grazing land and settlement and the small one which was availed was divided into small subsistence farming plots. In 1986 less than half of the park land was re-gazetted.

Lake Mburo National park is covered by wetland swamps, lakes, Savannah grass lands dotted with rocky ridges, forested ravines, acacia tress. The park has a variety of animals and about 69 species of mammals are found here that is to say, Zebra, Impala, Warthogs, lions, Leopard, Jackal, Eland, Waterbucks, Giraffe, buffaloes, Antelopes, Hyenas, crocodiles and many more.

Lake Mburo is also a home of over 350 species of birds and is a paradise for birders and other visitors because of the colorful species found here. that is to say  Brown parrot, Red-winged francolin, Red- faced Barbet, White- winged warbler, Brown -chested Lapwing, Rare shoebill, Red-necked spur fowl, African-grey Hornbill, Blue-spotted wood Dove, Grey woodpeckers, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Black winged Bishop, African Scops owl, Saddle -billed stork, Shining Blue – Kingfisher, Black-bellied Bustard, White -headed and Black billed Barbet, Blue Quails, White and Pink – Backed Pelicans and many more.

Things to do and see when you visit Lake Mburo National park
Wildlife game drives and Nocturnal game drives
wildlife games enable you to see wildlife like Leopard , Lions, Zebras, Impala, Eland, and many more. With the help of your guide you will also see species of birds, butterflies, and other mammals. Wildlife game drive are always done during day time.
Nocturnal game drives in Lake Mburo are usually done at night and one should not miss this great amazing experience.  You will be able spot creatures like Lion, Bush babies and many more and an opportunity to take photo graphs at a close range.  These games usually take 2 -3 hours.
Boat safaris on Lake Mburo
A boat safari will allow you to see aquatic animals up close to their natural habitat : Buffaloes, Hippos, Crocodile and when it comes to birds various species are see in the lake: Pelican , Blue headed Weaver, African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Green necked Doves, Herons, Rare Shoebill Stork and many more.
Also you will encounter lots of animals that come to water from the lake during  noon time and dry seasons.
Guided Nature walk
This is usually done in various areas of the park with a guide Ranger giving you relevant information, you can still see Zebras, Hyenas, Impala, Antelopes and many more. It is usually done all day but morning gives an opportunity to see more animals that hunt night and return to dens in. Birds are also and butterflies.
Birding in Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo has 350 colorful species of birds and it is a place for birders .Birds can be found in Rubanga forest,valleys, acacia trees salt lick area, swampy and guides usually know the situated viewing platforms. These species include: White- winged warbler, Brown -chested Lapwing, Rare shoebill, Red-necked spur fowl, African-grey Hornbill, Blue-spotted wood Dove, Grey woodpeckers, Yellow -throated Long claw, Black winged Bishop, African Scops owl, Saddle -billed stork and many more.

Fishing
Lake Mburo is the largest lake in the park and usually fisher men to fish as well as visitors who  prefer sports- fishing on the Lake and they should  have a license to fish. Also visitors who out of  sports fishing may go for usual fishing and may win a tilapia fish for them selves and prepare it at there lodge.
Horseback Riding safaris
One of the best way to view wildlife in Lake  Mburo is doing a game drive on  a back of the horse and this rewards you with an amazing experience, you will be able to see almost every animal with the help of  a well trained ranger mostly these rangers are found at Mihingo lodge.
The drive usually take 2- 3 hours and only sounds of African wildlife ,your horse will be heard and of course fresh air through out the drive.
visiting the salt lick area
This is an amazing area where wildlife come to lick salt while grazing, Visitor should not miss to visit it and the Uganda Wildlife Authority simplified the situation of visiting it so that visitors can view animals clearly with out animals noticing to hide away, a wooden Platform Hideaway was put in place.
This always a morning guided walk which takes 1-2 hours, you will see animals like Antelopes and many more and also you will take lovely shots which is a great opportunity.
Rubanga forest walk
Here you will take a guided walk with the Uganda Wildlife Authority so that you can enjoy the walk since they know information concerning the forest and  birds, mammals which are found here.
This walk mainly a reward to birders since there are 35+ species of birds found here and also different tree species.
Birds like shoebill stork, double -toothed Barbet, Green Pigeon and many others.
Igongo Culture center
This is the historical show place for Banyankole, Batooro, Banyakitara, Bakiga,  in the western region of Uganda. There is a museum which helps you learn more of the local culture. F or the visitor to visit Lake Mburo it always beautiful to also visit this cultural place.
Visiting the Uganda Equator
We usually give our visitors an opportunity to stop at this point so that they can enjoy another experience, photographs are always taken, shopping , Lunch or bites from the near by restaurants. This is always visited when we are heading to the park or on our way back to the capital city.
Accommodation – Lake Mburo
In Lake Mburo there are different types of lodgings ,Luxury- Mihingo lodge, Mantana tented camp , Moderate- Mburo safari lodge, Budget- Eagle’s nest, we book each type of lodging according to the visitor’s choice.