Lake Mburo National Park Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest National Park in Uganda, situated in southwestern Uganda in a district called Kiruhura district. This park is known for its variety of herbivores. It is also the only park in the country where one can carry out a game drive on the back of a horse.

Despite the fact that the park does not have all of the big five animals, it has several other animals such as the Giraffe, Warthog, Hippo, Zebra, various Antelope species, Hyenas, and two of the big fives which are the Buffalo and the Leopard on a lucky day since they tend to masquerade in trees.

History of Lake Mburo National Park Uganda.

The park was initially gazetted as a controlled hunting area in 1933. It was upgraded to a game reserve in 1963, and the farmers in the nearby community continued to violate the law. The farmers continued grazing their cattle in this area until 1983 when it was officially announced as a national park.

The Banyankole refused to subdue the president by then called Obote’s rules and were hostile to the park’s formation. In 1986 after NRM came into power, their rebellious tendencies reduced and the prosperity of the park commenced.

The fact that this park borders several farms since the area is famous for cattle keeping, you will definitely get the chance to see herds of the long-horned Ankole cattle.

Wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park

This park is home to Zebra, Hippo, Impala, Warthog, Common Eland, African Buffalo, Jackal, Giraffes, and occasionally the Leopard. It also has over 300 different bird species. The climate in Lake Mburo National Park is tropical with unreliable rainfall that leads to low pastures for the wildlife. However, this condition also makes wildlife easier to spot.

Lake Mburo National Park has over 13 small lakes in the entire park with 5 on the border of the park. This park is the home for many endangered species of birds including the rare Ciccild fish species. The rare Ciccild fish species have reduced in the main lake. The park also gives refuge to the Afro-tropical migrant birds in the wooded savannah with the acacia thicket and the grasslands.

burchell’s Zebras

Activities while in the park

Lake Mburo National Park Uganda is packed with a lot of mind-blowing and thrilling activities such as morning and evening game drives where you will see the animals in the park.

Additionally, there is birdwatching, the ideal spots for birdwatching include the swampy valleys of Miriti, and the Warukiri at the roadsides between Rwonyo camp as well as a jetty.

The species of birds mainly seen in these areas include; Coqui Francolin, Emerald-spotted wood, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, brown-chested lapwing, grey crowned crane, barefaced Go -away bird, and many more beautiful birds.

The bird-watching experience is rewarding and worth your time at Lake Mburo National Park. However, you are advised to make arrangements with the tour guide prior.

To add on, the national park is ideal for nature walks. These walks take place early in the morning at 6 am at Rwonyo where you will find many animals that are attracted to salty rocks, you will also get the opportunity to meet the hyenas as they return from their dens and hippos as they return to the lake from grazing at night. On this walk, you will go on a hike through the woodland that will allow you to see a variety of forest birds.

Other activities

A boat cruise on Lake Mburo is another exciting activity in this park. This activity will allow you to see all the different vegetation types surrounding the lake as well as several animals on the shores as they come to quench their thirst, especially during the dry season.

These animals include Hippos, Antelopes, Buffaloes, and three different Otter species. You will also get a chance to see various birds such as the Malachite Kingfishers, African fish eagles, Blue-headed Weavers, Rufous Long-tailed Starlings, Pelicans, Herons, the rare Shoebill as well as a variety of other birds,

For the people who enjoy spending their time fishing, Lake Mburo National Park gives you the opportunity to fish. Fishing is usually done at Mazinga which is out of the hippo’s territory.

The lake has 6 species of fish one of them being tilapia. The equipment can be prepared for you prior as well as a license and the fish can be taken to your lodge and prepared as preferred.

The park also has a forest called Rubanga where a variety of birds can be spotted. There are different tree species such as the fig tree, Markham, and many more.

There is also the salt lick where tourists will be able to view the animals as they lick the salty soil. additionally, you can visit the nearby communities and learn about the cultures of the south-western Ugandans.

Accommodation

A journey from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park takes about 3 to 4 hours by road through the Kampala-Masaka road. While at Lake Mburo National Park your accommodation is catered for by several lodges such as Mpogo Lodge, Arcadia Cottages, Rwonyo Rest Camp, Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, Mantana Tented Camp, Eagles Nest Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Rwaboko Rock

In conclusion, Lake Mburo National Park is a relaxing and exciting national park and is ideal for an African adventure while visiting the pearl of Africa.

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