Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park: Zebras, Lakes and Walking Safaris
Lake Mburo National Park is the easiest savannah park to reach from Kampala, roughly four hours’ drive to the west. Its rolling hills, acacia woodland and five lakes cover about 370 square kilometres. It is also the only park in Uganda where you will find impala, and one of the best places to see Burchell’s zebra and eland.
Because there are no elephants and few large predators, Lake Mburo is one of the few parks where you can explore on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. That makes it a perfect first or last stop on a Uganda safari, or a relaxed overnight break on the long drive to Bwindi.
Things to Do in Lake Mburo National Park
Game drives
Game drives reveal zebras, impala, topi, eland, buffalo, warthogs and Rothschild\’s giraffes, which were moved here in 2015. Leopards and hyenas are present too, and night drives give you the best chance of seeing them.
Walking safaris
Guided walks with an armed ranger bring you close to grazing animals and let you notice tracks, birds and plants that you would miss from a vehicle. Early-morning walks to the salt lick are a highlight.
Horseback and cycling safaris
Riding among zebras is an unforgettable experience. Horseback safaris run from just outside the park, and mountain bike trails offer another quiet way to explore.
Boat trip on Lake Mburo
A boat trip on the lake shows you hippos, crocodiles and water birds such as African finfoot, pelicans and fish eagles. Lake Mburo is also a good spot for the papyrus gonolek and, occasionally, the shoebill.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo
The dry seasons from June to August and December to February concentrate animals around the lakes. However, the park is rewarding at any time of year, and its short distance from Kampala makes it easy to fit into any itinerary.
Plan Your Lake Mburo Safari
We often add a night at Lake Mburo to break the journey to Bwindi or Mgahinga. For a short escape, see our 4-day Lake Mburo and Lake Bunyonyi safari, or contact us to tailor a trip.
Lake Mburo National Park FAQs
Can I visit Lake Mburo on a day trip from Kampala?
It is possible, but it makes for a long day. One night lets you enjoy an evening game drive, a morning walk and the boat trip.
Are there lions in Lake Mburo?
Lions are only occasional visitors. For lions, plan time in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls or Kidepo.
Lake Mburo is particularly notable for its populations of rare species like the topi and the burchell’s zebra, which are not commonly found in other Ugandan parks. The park is also a birdwatcher’s haven, with over 350 bird species recorded, including the striking shoebill stork and the vibrant saddle-billed stork. As a key part of Uganda’s national parks network, Lake Mburo National Park offers a distinctive and immersive experience for visitors.
Traford Safaris Ltd provides expertly guided tours that explore the park’s varied landscapes through activities such as game drives, boat safaris on Lake Mburo, and guided nature walks. These activities allow guests to witness the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning scenery up close. The boat safaris, in particular, provide unique vantage points for observing aquatic species and enjoying the serene beauty of the lake.
Emphasizing responsible tourism, Traford Safaris Ltd ensures that all interactions with the park’s natural environment are conducted with minimal impact, supporting ongoing conservation efforts and promoting sustainable tourism practices. This approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also contributes to the preservation of Lake Mburo’s rich biodiversity and supports local community initiatives.
Where to Stay in Lake Mburo National Park
Every Traford safari is available in three styles: Signature (luxury), Classic (mid-range) and Adventurer (budget). Below are the lodges and camps we recommend most often for this park. Final choices depend on availability, your travel dates and, for gorilla parks, the sector of your permit.
- Signature: Mihingo Lodge, a family-owned lodge on a rocky ridge known for its horseback safaris, and Kigambira Safari Lodge.
- Classic: Rwakobo Rock, a relaxed lodge close to the Nshara gate with great sunset views.
- Adventurer: Mpogo Safari Lodge and the Rwonyo campsite inside the park.
Not sure which lodge suits you? Tell us your budget and travel style, and our reservations team will shortlist two or three options for Lake Mburo, check availability and include them in your quote. You will travel between parks in one of our own custom 4×4 Land Cruisers with a pop-up roof for game viewing, charging ports and Wi-Fi, driven by an experienced Traford driver-guide.
What Our Guests Say
Traford Safaris holds a 5.0-star rating on Google. Here is what recent travellers wrote:
“A special thank you to Sheba for creating such a wonderful itinerary and organising everything so seamlessly from start to finish.”
Paul Santos, Uganda safari · Google review ★★★★★
Why Travel with Traford Safaris
- Licensed and local: a Kampala-based company registered with the Uganda Tourism Board, planning safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
- Our own vehicles: we own and maintain our fleet of custom 4×4 Land Cruisers, with pop-up roofs, charging ports and Wi-Fi.
- Permits handled for you: we book gorilla and chimpanzee permits directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board, and confirm them before your trip.
- Private and flexible: every safari is private and tailor-made, and itineraries can start on any day that suits you.
- Three travel styles: Signature (luxury), Classic (mid-range) and Adventurer (budget), so the same itinerary can fit different budgets.
- One planner from start to finish: our reservations team, led by senior safari consultant Agaba Sheeba, stays in touch before and during your trip.
Lake Mburo National Park: Fees and Official Information
Entry fees, permit prices and park rules for Lake Mburo National Park are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Because rates change from time to time, we always confirm the latest fees when you book and show them clearly in your quote.
Want help planning? Talk to our team about your dates, budget and travel style.
