Lake Mburo National Park 
Starting from
$450PP
Overview
Lake Mburo National Park lies in the middle of an extensive rich acacia woodland which is one of Uganda’s most spectacular and breathtaking game parks. It is located in the west of Uganda, in the Kiruhura district, 240 kilometres (150 miles) west of the capital, Kampala, and 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the region’s biggest city, Mbarara. It harbours some animal and plant species that cannot be found anywhere else in Uganda and is an important place of biodiversity. It is a very special place with a medley of habitats ranging from dry hillsides, rocky outcrops, bushy thickets, and open and wooded savannas to forests, lakes and swamps. Its sculptured landscape, rolling hills and idyllic lake shores, forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps and grassy valley all support a wealth of wildlife in a tropical setting.
Pros & Cons
- Availability of Boat trips
- Accommodation options are better
- Availability of horseback riding & Guided walks
- Accessible stopover between Kampala and Bwindi
- Absence of elephant and rhino
- Very limited wildlife viewing circuit
Map in Uganda

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Gallery Images
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Wildlife & Animals
The park is remarkably different from other parks. Of the three of the big five that reside within the park, herds of buffalo can be regularly seen, while lions and leopards are more difficult to spot. Elephants are absent and Rothschild's giraffe has been reintroduced. It’s the best park to view the gigantic eland, impala, zebras and acacia-associated birds. Common mammal species include Warthogs, Buffalos, Oribi, Defassa, Waterbucks, reedbucks and the eland antelopes.
Wildlife Highlights
Burchell’s zebra and impala are specific to this park. Eland, Defassa waterbuck, oribi, topi and warthog all live here and are among the more commonly viewed species. Over 300 hippos dwell in the lakes so you are sure to spot them on a boat safari.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The park can be visited all year round for wildlife viewing. The best time for wildlife viewing is in the Dry seasons from June to August, and from December to February as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. During the wet seasons from March to May & September to November, most of the wildlife can be spotted in the open valleys.
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Birds
For the birder, Kidepo Valley National Park boasts a bird list of over 500 species, a total second only to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Birding can be done on the fringes of the Narus and Namamukweny Valleys. Among the birds seen are the Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, and Abyssinian GrouFor the birder, Kidepo Valley National Park boasts a bird list of over 500 species, a total second only to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Birding can be done on the fringes of the Narus and Namamukweny Valleys. Among the birds seen are the Abyssinian Roller, Purple Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and Clapperton's Francolin, which is found only in Kidepo.nd Hornbill and Clapperton's Francolin, which is found only in Kidepo.
Best Time for Birding
Birding can be done all year round in Kidepo Valley but it's best in March to April for all the specials and the many migrants. During heavy rainfalls in March and April, it's difficult for bird watching. Rainfall is not much of a concern in this semi-arid part of the country. Migratory birds are in the valley from November to April.
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Best Time to Visit – Lake Mburo National Park
The park can be visited all year round for wildlife viewing. The best time for wildlife viewing is in the Dry seasons from June to August, and from December to February as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. During the wet seasons from March to May & September to November, most of the wildlife can be spotted in the open valleys.
May to October (Dry Season)
- Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
- The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
- Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
- Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August
November to April (Wet Season)
- The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
- Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
- There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
- Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
- During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
- It gets very hot in October and November
- Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season
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Activities
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