UGANDA’S ACCESSIBLE SAVANNAH GEM

Lake Mburo National Park

Where Rolling Hills Meet Quiet Lakes and Wild Zebras

Why Visit

Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park, covers approximately 260–370 km² of rolling acacia-dotted hills, open grasslands, rocky outcrops and a chain of lakes and wetlands in the heart of the Ankole region (Kiruhura District). Established as a national park in 1983 (after earlier status as a controlled hunting area and game reserve), it sits conveniently between Kampala and the western parks, making it an ideal stopover or short safari destination.

Despite its compact size, the park delivers a rich mix of habitats wetlands make up about 20% of its area and supports over 68 mammal species and more than 300–350 bird species. It is the only national park in Uganda where you can reliably see large herds of impala and one of the best places in the country for Burchell’s zebra. The absence of elephants and lions allows for uniquely intimate activities such as walking, horseback and cycling safaris.

Unique Savannah Experience

Five lakes (including the namesake Lake Mburo) and extensive papyrus swamps create excellent boat-based wildlife viewing and birding.

Lakes & Wetlands

Five lakes (including the namesake Lake Mburo) and extensive papyrus swamps create excellent boat-based wildlife viewing and birding.

Intimate Safari Activities

Walking safaris, horseback rides and mountain biking among the wildlife experiences rare or impossible in Uganda’s larger parks.

Convenient Location

Just 3–4 hours from Kampala / Entebbe, perfect as a standalone short break or as a connecting stop on longer Uganda itineraries.

Top Things To Do

Game Drives (Day & Night)

Explore a network of tracks through acacia woodland, open grassland and wetland edges. Morning and late-afternoon drives reliably produce zebra, impala, topi, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog and reintroduced Rothschild’s giraffe. Night drives offer chances of leopard, hyena, genet, bushbaby and other nocturnal species.

Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo

A relaxing 1.5–2 hour motorboat trip on the largest lake reveals pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, waterbirds (fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, occasional shoebill) and animals coming to drink along the shoreline. One of the park’s most popular and photogenic activities.

Guided Walking Safaris

Because there are no elephants or lions, Lake Mburo is one of the few Ugandan parks where you can explore safely on foot with an armed ranger. Walks bring you close to the sights, sounds and smells of the bush and are excellent for tracking, birding and photography.

Horseback & Cycling Safaris

Ride or cycle through the plains among herds of zebra, impala and buffalo. These active, low-impact options provide a completely different perspective and are signature experiences of Lake Mburo.