Lake Mburo best experience

Its history

The park was first gazetted as an area for controlled hunting in 1933. Subsequently, thirty years later, it acquired a new and improved status as a game reserve. After another twenty years, it was designated a national park. Political unrest caused extensive damage to Lake Mburo National Park and its fauna in 1985, but some of the region was re-gazetted a year later. Lake Mburo best experience

Lake Mburo National Park is the best experience. It has a range of ecosystems, including lakes, wetlands, woods, and rocky ridges, and is home to many animal species. Lake Mburo best experience

Size and location

370 sq km, situated between Kampala and Mbarara, close to the main highway

Habitat

mix of open savanna, acacia woodland, rocky ridges, forested gorges, and wetlands, including 13 lakes

Wildlife

Home to zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, and numerous other mammals and birds

Accessibility

Easily accessible from Kampala and a popular stop on safaris to western Uganda

Biodiversity

It boasts a higher diversity of animal species than any other Ugandan park

The various wildlife

Since 1986, the wildlife has been in recovery. Without doubt, the park benefits from its impressive range of habitats, capable of supporting an exciting variety of mammal and bird species. Its wetland system yields a reliable source of water, comprising not only Lake Mburo itself but five additional lakes, all connected by a swamp. There is an open savanna too, though less than there was in past times because of the absence of elephants from the park. However, this loss has resulted in the growth of woodlands, which are especially lush around the lakes. Other geographical features include rocky kopjes and gorges full of forest.

Park entry fees

Foreign nonresidents (adults) US$40
Foreign nonresidents (children) US$20.
Foreign residents (adults) US$30
Foreign residents (children) US$10
East African citizens (adults) UGX 20000
East African citizens (children) UGX 5000

A day’s entrance ticket is valid 24 hours from the time of entrance, and extra time after these hours has to be charged as an extra day.

Price of horse riding

It costs between $40 and $240 per person, depending on the duration and whether it’s part of a lodge stay. A 30-60 minute ride on the valley floor can cost between $40-$60, while a half-day excursion with a picnic may cost $240.Discounts may be available for guests

What are the attractions in Lake Mburo National Park?

It offers a variety of diverse wildlife viewing, boat trips, horseback riding, and birdwatching, day game drives, and night game drives, which are popular to see elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and leopards. Boat trips provide viewing of crocodiles and various beautiful birds, and hippos. Visitors can also enjoy walking safaris, horseback riding, and exploring the Rubanga forest.

How deep is Lake Mburo National Park?

It is a relatively shallow lake, its depth typically ranges from 3to 5 metres, and its water levels fluctuate seasonally, with the rainy seasons potentially causing a temporary increase in depth. Even though it’s shallow, it’s an important ecosystem supporting various aquatic life.

Uniqueness of Lake Mburo National Park

It has a diverse range of habitats, including extensive wetlands, acacia woodlands, and rolling hills, which support a wide range of wildlife not found elsewhere in Uganda. It is also known for its richness in bird life, with over 350 species recorded, and is the only Ugandan park with impala, eland, and klipspringer.

Diverse habitats:

The park features a mosaic of habitats s including open savannah, acacia woodland, wetland, and rocky ridges, which support a variety of wildlife

Wetland ecosystem

The extensive wetlands within the park are crucial for many species, including migratory birds and various aquatic animals.s

Topography

The park is underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rock, which contributes to its unique landscape.e

Activities

The park offers various activities like game drives, boat cruises, nature walks, and horseback riding, providing opportunities to experience the park’s wildlife and scenery.y

Are there giraffes in Lake Mburo National Park?

After at least seventeen births, the giraffe population is now estimated at 22GCF, which is helping UWA and a local conservation group to periodically monitor the giraffe population and engage with local communities to make giraffes play a meaningful part in this environment once more.

Rules and regulations at Lake Mburo National Park

Visitors must adhere to several instructions to ensure the safety and protection of these wildlife and the environment, and they include the following.g
Stay on the designated track.s
Driving off the trail is prohibited to avoid disturbing wildlife and damaging the environment.t
Respect wildlife
Do not feed animals, approach them too closely, or disturb them by sounding horns or making loud noises.s
No littering
Dispose of all trash in designated bins to keep the park clean
No firearms or pets
These are not at all allowed in the national park
Respect quiet hours
Observe quiet hours, particularly in the evening, to allow wildlife and visitors to rest
Follow the guide instructions
Always follow guides rules and guidance of park rangers and safari guides
Limited driving hours

No camping or fires outside designated areas

Others include

Pay entrance fees and relevant activity fees
Your fee contributes to the conservation of the park and its wildlife
Be mindful of local customs and traditions, particularly when interacting with the local communities near the park
staying at Mihingo lodge.

Details

Horse riding costs

30-60 minutes rides$40-$60 per person

Half-day rides: around $240 per person

Discounts for Mihingo lodge guests; $25-$40a for 30minuteutes ride and $150 for half –day rides

Are there elephants in the park?

No elephants, according to travel information, sit in Itis is one of the few Ugandan national parks without elephants. It is known for its diverse wildlife and birds within the park.

The following are different tourist attractions within the park.

Attractions in Lake Mburo National Park include diverse wildlife like zebras, impalas, and buffaloes, significant bird species with over 350 recorded, and the park’s distinctive landscapes, such as Lake Mburo itself, Rubanga forest, and salt licks. Visitors can experience unique activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, boat cruises on the lake, and guided walks.