Lake Mburo National park is amazingly the closest national park to Kampala , it also doubles as the smallest national park. Situated between Masaka and Mbarara district taking approximately 4 hours’ drive time to arrive. The park covers an area of 370km² including the lakes ( 5 lakes). Lake Mburo is endowed with several wildlife species to mention recently translocated giraffes, buffaloes, elands, waters bucks, antelopes, zebras, oribis, topis , warthogs as you take a boat cruise on lake Mburo you will be in position to observe , hippos and crocodiles. In addition, the park also is home a wide a ray of birds amounting to 350 species some which include water birds, forest and savanna birds.
Lake Mburo national park has got thrilling activities that keep its visitors always on the desire for more. Some of the most common tourism activities at Lake Mburo include; Game drive in the park, boat cruise on Lake Mburo, birding/ bird watching, Nature walks, the unique horse riding to view wildlife, fishing , cultural tours and cycling among others. Park Can be accessed in two gates, namely Sanga gate accessible when one is driving from Kampala side and Nshara gate accessible when one is coming from Mbarara side.
BIRDING IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Lake Mburo’s key birding spots include swampy valleys and viewing platforms near the salt licks and in the forest. Species found at these locations include the Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard and Brown-chested Lapwing.
The best birding spots in Lake Mburo National Park include the swampy valleys of Warukiri and Miriti, and the roadsides between Rwonyo camp and the jetty. There are also ideally-situated viewing platforms at the salt lick, in Miriti Valley, and in Rubanga Forest. Species observed at these locations include the Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard, Brown-chested Lapwing, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Brown Parrot, Red-headed Lovebird, Ross’s Turaco, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Green Wood-hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill, White-headed Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, Nubian Woodpecker, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Long-tailed Cisticola, Yellow-breasted Apalis, White-winged Tit and Finfoot among others.
Rubanga Forest can be visited using a vehicle or on foot. This is a real draw for keen birders, and prior arrangement should be made with the warden. The rare Red-faced Barbet – only seen in Lake Mburo National Park – is one of the of the forest’s featured species
GAME DRIVES IN LAKE MBURO
The network of game tracks in the east of the park passes a
variety of landscape features including acacia woodland, wetlands, grassy
hillsides, rock outcrops and seasonally flooded valley floors. Early
morning and late afternoon are the best times to roam the park in search of
wildlife.
HIKING AND NATURE WALKS IN LAKE MBURO
Unusually, the whole park is open to walkers as long as they
are accompanied by a ranger guide. Locations include the salt lick at Rwonyo,
the lake’s banks, Rubanga Forest and a hilltop with gorgeous lake views.
SPORT FISHING IN LAKE MBURO
Lake Mburo contains around six species of fish, with tilapia
being the most common. The designated fishing spot is at Mazinga.
HORSEBACK SAFARIS IN LAKE MBURO
Horseback safaris are an exciting way to view wildlife
including eland and buffalo. Also commonly sighted are warthog, topi, impala,
duiker, bushbuck, waterbuck and zebra.
LAUNCH TRIPS IN LAKE MBURO
The wildlife-rich eastern banks of Lake Mburo can be
explored during a tranquil two-hour boat voyage. Keep an eye out for
crocodiles, buffalo, and hippos as well as colorful Kingfishers, magnificent
Fish Eagles and Hammerkops with their enormous nests.