What makes Lake Mburo National Park a  must visit destination?

Lake Mburo National Park is the nearest park to Entebbe and Kampala, making it easy for both local and international tourists to visit. It is located in Kiruhura District, about 240 km from Kampala. This accessibility has made it one of the most visited parks in Uganda.

Lake Mburo is unique for its high numbers of zebras and impalas, attracting nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can also see buffalo, topi, hyenas, Rothschild’s giraffes, and leopards. Unlike other parks, it does not have lions, which has allowed other animal populations to grow without major threats.

History

In 1933, Lake Mburo National Park was gazetted as a controlled hunting ground by the colonialists. In 1963, it was upgraded to the level of a game reserve before being declared a national park in 1983 by the government of Dr. Milton Obote. The locals believed that it was not yet an appropriate time to be declared as a national park, but it came as a punishment from the government. Due to their lack of cooperation with the government.

The government of Uganda, by then, believed that the locals (Banyankore Pastoralists, commonly known as Bahima) who continued to graze their cattle and other livestock in the reserve unit were supporting the anti-Obote rebels, and the displacement of people followed the upgrade; hence, people lost their land. To make matters worse, there was no single compensation for the displacement of people. All this happened during the Operation Bonanza massacre of 300,000.

Origin of the name Lake Mburo National Park

Literature indicates that the origin of this park started with a story of two brothers, Kigarama and Mburo. It is said that Kigarama lived in the low-lying savannah plains of the park, hence making the place traditionally known as Kaaro Karungi. One night, Kigarama had a dream about how the area was to receive heavy rainfall, which he shared with his brother Mburo. However, Mburo took the dream unserious, but Kigarama continued with it, since he was too committed to whatever he could dream.

Kigarama left Kaaro Karungi village, leaving his beloved brother behind, and resettled in the nearby hill land. It is said that the dream came true, and Mburo ended up sinking in the savannah plains, thus the name Lake Mburo.

Activities to do in Lake Mburo National Park

Cultural Encounter

Besides wildlife and the key attractions of the park, the region has a lot to offer in terms of culture. Lake Mburo National Park is located in the Ankole sub-region, which is well known for cattle keepers and cultivators. So, whoever is interested in learning about Ankole culture, you will be taken to the nearby community, and a lot will be learned about their rich cultural heritage centers like Igongo cultural center

Game drives

Lake Mburo National Park offers exceptional and exciting game drives to visitors, with a chance to get close and personal with nature. These game drives include morning, evening, and night game drives with unique wildlife species, including both nocturnal and diurnal species, especially the predators such as leopards, spotted hyenas, and other cats.

Birding

Birding is one of the top activities visitors can engage in while in Lake Mburo National Park. Birding can be conducted in various parts of the park, such as Rubanga Forest, especially during the forest walk, which starts from the western shores of Lake Mburo. Several birds can be spotted in the forest, marshes, lakes, acacia-related trees, and savannah grasslands. Bird species to see include the elusive shoebill stork, grey-backed camaroptera, harrier hawk, green pigeon, and double-toothed barbet, among others.

A boat ride

On Lake Mburo, a boat cruise is conducted where a tourist unlocks all the beauty in the park. During the boat cruise, tourists are able to spot zebras, giraffes, antelopes, hippos, buffaloes, and crocodiles. Not only are many mammals spotted, but also various birds like blue-headed weavers, eagles, cormorants, green-necked doves, malachite kingfishers, pelicans, herons, and elusive shoebill storks.

Sport fishing

Lake Mburo offers sport fishing activities for tourists, which gives them a chance to explore a variety of fish species, such as tilapia, haplochromes, lungfish, mudfish, and many others. Sport fishing is carried out at Mazinga, a unique fishing spot free from crocodiles or hippos. Tourists who take part in sport fishing are awarded fish, which they can take back to their lodges.

Nature Walks

Guided nature walks can be conducted in various parts of the park with armed ranger guides. During nature walks, visitors are able to spot various animals such as zebras, buffalo, and antelopes. Additionally, visitors have a chance to spot several unique birds such as the Coqui Francolin, Bare-faced-Go-Away, Tabora Cisticola, African Finfoot, African Darter, Squacco Heron, African Jacana, and several butterflies.

Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park

In terms of accommodation, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the best national parks in Uganda that offers the best and most affordable accommodations ranging from luxury to mid-range to budget, meaning everyone is catered for based on his or her budget. Some of the lodges in the park include Mihingo Safari Lodge, Mantana Tented Camp, Rwonyo Rest Camp, and Arcadia Cottagesa Rwakobo Rock Safari Cottages, Eagles Nest Camp, Kigarama Wilderness, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Embogo Lodge, among others. Whether you are looking for a luxury escape, a mid range adventure, or a budget- friendly wildlife trip, Ganda cultural expedition is your answer. kindly book with us and let the adventure begin.