Lake Mburo National Park, located 240 kilometers southwest of Kampala in western Uganda, offers global travelers an accessible yet rich safari experience. Covering 260 square kilometers, this compact park named for its central Lake Mburo combines acacia-dotted savannahs, wetlands, and five lakes into a biodiversity hotspot ideal for a quick wildlife escape.
The park hosts over 68 mammal species, including zebras, impalas (Uganda’s only population), and elusive leopards, with no elephants or lions, making it safer for walking safaris. Lake Mburo supports hippos and crocodiles, viewable on boat trips, while 350 bird species, like the African fish eagle and rare shoebill (seasonal), delight birders. Rolling hills and papyrus swamps frame the landscape, offering scenic beauty without vast distances.
Activities include game drives, guided walks, and horseback safaris, unique to this park. It’s a 3-4 hour drive from Kampala via the Masaka-Mbarara highway or a 1-hour flight to Mbarara Airstrip, followed by a 1-hour drive. Entry fees are for foreign non-residents, with dry seasons (June-September and December-February) optimal for wildlife viewing.
Lake Mburo’s intimacy and variety make it a perfect stop for travelers seeking a concise yet vibrant Uganda safari.