Top Things to See in Lake Mburo – Lake Mburo National Park is located in western Uganda. Even though it is the smallest savannah park in the country, it offers many things to see, including wildlife, local culture, and scenic views.
The park can be visited any time of the year, but the best time to see animals is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. During this time, many animals gather near water sources. Bird watchers may prefer the wet season when migratory birds arrive and local birds are also active.
Game drives offer chances to see many animals, especially zebras. Lake Mburo has the largest number of Burchell’s zebras in Uganda, apart from Kidepo. These zebras move in groups and can be seen along zebra tracks and near salt licks.
Impalas are only found in Lake Mburo in Uganda. Other animals you may see on a daytime game drive include Rothschild’s giraffes, elands, topis, warthogs, and buffaloes. Night game drives are best for seeing nocturnal animals such as leopards, bush babies, hyenas, and genets.
Boat cruises on Lake Mburo offer views of hippos, crocodiles, African kingfishers, the rare shoebill, and African fish eagles. For forest birds like the red-faced barbet, green pigeon, Narina trogon, and double-toothed barbet, take a guided walk through Rubanga Forest. The forest has tree species such as acacia and fig that attract birds.
The park is surrounded by the Banyankole and Bahima people. A visit to the local communities gives you a chance to see their long-horned cattle, traditional food, homesteads, the ekitaguriro dance, and how ghee is made.
For a deeper cultural experience, you can visit the Igongo Cultural Centre, located 4 kilometers from the Sanga gate. The center has historical displays, local crafts, and serves as a museum of Ankole culture.
Kazuma Hill, accessed via the Kazuma track, offers clear views of Lake Mburo’s southern lakes, rocks, and savannah. You might also see klipspringers and giraffes in this area. Elevated lodges like Mihingo Lodge provide wide views of the park.
Lake Mburo National Park has over 68 mammal species, 350 bird species, wetlands including Lake Mburo itself, hills for scenic views, and nearby communities with rich traditions to explore.
