Lake Mburo is the smallest savannah park in Uganda but despite its size, the park is home to a great deal of wildlife and a remarkable ecosystem. Interestingly, Lake Mburo National Park consists 13 other lakes in the area, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50km-long wetland system linked by a swamp. If you would like to experience a Uganda safari in a national park that is close to Kampala, this is the ultimate destination to visit.
Five of these lakes lie within the park’s borders. Once covered by open savanna, Lake Mburo National Park now contains much woodland as there are no elephants to tame the vegetation. Lake Mburo National Park hosts 350 bird species and a number of animals including:
Zebras – The face of Lake Mburo National Park, once you talk of this park, zebras come first in your mind! Other destinations where you can find zebras is Kidepo Valley National park but Lake Mburo offers plenty of them. You are guaranteed to see them when you visit the park and thus referred to a common sight within the park that goes with a slogan; “whispers of the wild” and you will hear those Zebras hissing or whispering as many would say!
Buffalo – Buffaloes graze the park and you will find herds of them on your tour either resting or munching the grass gracefully. They will then lift their noses and stare creating perfect photo moments for the visitor.
Hippos – hippos are also found in Lake Mburo National Park near water bodies. While on boat cruise, expect to see a variety of hippos lingering in water while others at the river banks. Near water sources, are the common sights for buffalos and you can be sure to see them on any particular visit.
Giraffes– Giraffes were introduced in Lake Mburo National Park few years back by Uganda Wildlife Authority. After realizing the need for the giraffes in Lake Mburo, the UWA officials implemented by reallocating them from Murchison Falls National Park, they are regarded as occasional as they are still a small number and getting familiar with their new home so you may at times not be able to see them but we expect to see them multiplying.
Leopards – it’s amazing to view the rare and shy Leopards in Lake Mburo National Park during day. It should be noted that Leopards becomes active at night hence referred to as nocturnal animals. For that case, there are higher chances of seeing them on night game drive than during the day. Because of their shy and elusive traits, leopards anywhere are regarded as occasional because they are masters of camouflage and hard to find.
Hyena – They are occasionally seen in Lake Mburo National Park.
Lions – these have been known to be extinct in the park but lions are slowly returning to Lake Mburo national park because of the stability the park has enjoyed for a long time now and the good number of prey that exists. Lucky visitors can enjoy the view Lions are however rare in this park as only very few lucky visitors have been able to see one or two lions.
Lake Mburo National Park is convenient from Kampala or Entebbe since it’s located along Mbarara road. Tourists can decide to break the long journey by stopping and spend the night in Lake Mburo National Park. The next day, we proceed to other destinations in western Uganda.
Lake Mburo National Park is the only destination where impala is found. The eland is also found only in Mburo and the less accessible Kidepo. Other animals in the park include topi, duiker oribi, Bohor reedbuck, sitatunga and klipspringer. Primates include baboons and monkeys.