Lake Mburo National Park

Discover the compact beauty of Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks, yet one of its most captivating. Nestled conveniently along the highway linking Kampala to Uganda’s western parks, Lake Mburo offers a rich array of wildlife, bird species, and scenic wetlands, all in a serene, accessible setting. Known for its unique landscape, ancient geological formations, and diverse ecosystems, Lake Mburo is an ideal destination for those seeking a scenic yet adventurous safari experience.

Lake Mburo National Park spans lush woodlands, rolling savannas, rocky ridges, and wetlands, covering an area rich in biodiversity. Originally an open savanna, the park is now covered in extensive woodland due to the absence of elephants, which naturally limit vegetation growth. With ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks dating back over 500 million years beneath the park, Lake Mburo is also a destination for geology enthusiasts.

Lake Mburo is part of a 50-kilometer-long wetland system linked by swamps, including 13 other lakes in the region, five of which lie within the park’s borders. These interconnected wetlands cover 20% of the park, providing crucial habitats for the park’s wildlife.

Wildlife

Despite its small size, the park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including zebras, impalas, buffalos, oribis, Defassa waterbuck, leopards, hippos, hyenas, topis, and reedbucks.

The healthy population of buffalos, warthogs, bushpigs, and hippopotamuses thrives due to the diverse vegetation and wetland systems.

Birdlife

Pian-Upe is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting a variety of rare and unique species:

Ostrich: As one of the only places in Uganda to spot the ostrich, Pian-Upe attracts bird enthusiasts from around the world.
Raptors and Others: The reserve is home to the secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius), yellow-billed shrike, and many other fascinating species, adding to its birdwatching appeal.

Scenic Highlights

Lake Mburo: The park’s centerpiece and namesake, Lake Mburo, is a beautiful lake surrounded by woodland and grassy slopes, where hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species are commonly sighted.
Rwonyo: The park’s headquarters, Rwonyo, is a hub for game drives, boat rides, and birdwatching, providing excellent chances to see diverse species up close.
Rocky Ridges and Forested Gorges: The park’s western part is dotted with rocky outcrops and narrow forested gorges, offering scenic viewpoints and unique hiking trails.

How to Get to Lake Mburo National Park

By Road

Lake Mburo is Uganda’s most accessible national park, located between Kampala and Mbarara City, approximately 228 kilometers (about 3½ hours) from Kampala. Visitors traveling by road can enter through two main gates:

Nshara Gate: About 5 kilometers from the highway, for those coming from Kampala.
Sanga Gate: Situated 13 kilometers from Sanga Trading Center, with quick access to the park headquarters at Rwonyo, just 2 kilometers away.

By Air

While there are no direct flights to the park, chartered flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to the nearby Mbarara Airstrip. The flight duration is approximately 1½ hours, followed by a short road transfer to the park.