Lake Mburo National Park: Uganda’s Compact Gem
Size: Covering an area of 370km², Lake Mburo National Park boasts diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Altitude: Spanning from 1,220m to 1,828m above sea level, the park offers varying terrain for exploration.
Community Development: A commendable initiative allocates 20% of the park’s entrance fee towards funding local community projects such as clinics and schools, fostering sustainable development.
Location and Accessibility: Strategically situated along the Kampala-western Uganda highway, Lake Mburo National Park stands as the smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks, offering convenient access for travelers.
Wildlife Diversity: The park shelters an impressive array of wildlife, including 68 mammal species. Unique sightings include impalas and Burchell’s zebras, which are endemic to Lake Mburo and Kidepo. Other highlights encompass buffaloes, oribis, waterbucks, and reedbucks, with occasional sightings of leopards and hyenas.
Avian Paradise: Lake Mburo National Park boasts a birdwatcher’s paradise, with approximately 350 bird species recorded to date. Notable sightings include the red-faced barbet, African finfoot, and the elusive shoebill. The diverse habitats cater to a plethora of avian residents, ranging from acacia woodland species to forest dwellers.
Key Attractions:
- Rwonyo Rest Camp: Serving as the tourism hub, this camp offers a range of activities such as nature hikes, game drives, and forest walks, complemented by a quaint shop offering local crafts and literature.
- Lake Mburo: A natural haven teeming with wildlife, the lake hosts resident crocodiles, hippos, and a myriad of bird species. Visitors can marvel at the abundance of avian life, including kingfishers, fish eagles, and rare shoebills.
- Rubanga Forest: Despite its size, this forest enclave provides a glimpse into high forest ecosystems, with a canopy walkway offering panoramic views. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of forest species amidst the verdant foliage.
Accommodation Options:
- Rwonyo Rest Camp
- Conservation Education Center
- Mantana Tented Camp
- Arcadia Cottages
- Mihingo Lodge
- Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Climate and Best Time to Visit: Lake Mburo National Park experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by one rainy season (April to September) with light rainfall. The dry season offers ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Getting There: Located between Masaka and Mbarara in western Uganda, the park is approximately 228km (3.5 hours) from Kampala. Two main gates provide access to the park, with signposted junctions facilitating easy navigation from the Mbarara road.
Lake Mburo National Park stands as a testament to Uganda’s natural beauty, offering visitors a captivating blend of wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and community engagement opportunities.
