Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park has a rich historical heritage starting with its founding as a limited hunting area in 1933. Early on, it was a hunting site; then in 1963 it became a game reserve. The vast, undulating landscape of the park, covering more than 260 square kilometers in southern Ankole, is evidence of the cultural heritage of the Banyankole Bahima pastoralists as the traditional herders of Ankole cattle. Still, the area suffered when environmentalists labelled nearby residents as “invaders” in 1981 on grounds related to the reserve’s continuous cow grazing. Consequently, the achievement of national park status by Lake Mburo in 1983 led to the relocation of nearby people from their domains. Notwithstanding these challenges, Lake Mburo National Park now evidence Uganda’s commitment to the protection of the environment and the preservation of species.

Lake Mburo National Park: Wildlife and Habitats

Rich variety of ecosystems and species makes Lake Mburo National Park a refuge for those who like the natural world. Comprising undulating topography, granitic stones from the Pre-Cambrian age, and sandy soils, the park stretches 1,220m to 1,828m. Although 800mm is a somewhat low average yearly precipitation, wetland ecosystems account for around 20 percent of the park’s surface area. The main point of these wetlands is Lake Mburo, a stunning 13 square km area bordered by lush riparian woods and large stretches of papyrus marsh.

Within the borders of the park, Lake Mburo is the most large of five lakes in a chain of sixteen others outside that links wetlands fed by the Rwizi River from the Buhweju highlands to Lake Victoria. The park mostly consists of open savannah and forest, which stands out also for Sengalia polyacantha and thorny acacia trees (Vachellia hockii, V. gerrardii, and V. sieberiana). Elephant absence has caused an accumulation of thickets to form in many savannah areas over time, therefore enhancing the park’s environment.

Lake Mburo National Park is nevertheless a favorite place for wildlife viewing despite its somewhat small population of the “big five” species; it offers chances to see a wide range of large animal species in their natural habitat. The different ecosystems of the park attract enthusiastic birdwatchers because of the abundance of aquatic and acacia-associated bird species awaiting discovery.

Lake Mburo National Park’s Mammals

A great range of animal species calls Lake Mburo National Park home, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere in the country. As you start your safari adventure, be ready to encounter the well-known zebra. Their striking black and white stripes provide an amazing view against the savannah. Keep a lookout for the lovely impala as the only population of this magnificent antelope in Uganda is found there. Their presence accentuates the park’s ecological worth.

One of the primary attractions of the park is the Grant’s or Boehmi zebra species, which was originally only found in the Katonga game reserve until a limited number were reintroduced. Still, Lake Mburo is a rare site to witness these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. As you tour the park, you may see other antelope species like topi, common duiker, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, and bushbuck. Among the rocks of Mihingo Lodge, you may stumble upon the Klipspringer, another unusual feature of this location.
Giraffes have also been introduced to Muruchison Falls National Park since 2015, after the relocation of 15 giraffes from another park. The park now has around forty of these soaring acacia forest giants.

Those wishing to see Uganda’s secretive fauna can find diurnal primates such olive baboons and vervet monkeys as well as the seldom seen greater galago close to Lake Mburo. Seeing up to eight of these cat-sized nocturnal primates throws a strange twist on your safari trip.
Lake Mburo National area has a great range of predators even if the lion population in the area has been extinct locally, therefore providing an interesting wildlife watching experience. Look out for the elusive leopard; stories of sightings usually come from night drives at Mihingo Lodge. The terrible spotted hyena cry echoes across the camps, offering understanding into the evening behavior of these incredible creatures.
Among the other smaller predators found in the park are side-striped jackals, which add to its biological variety. Preserving the fragile ecological balance of the park depends on every predator, including three species of otter inhabiting the lakes and white-tailed mongooses.

Birds of Lake Mburo National Park

Given more than 315 species have been found inside Lake Mburo National Park’s boundaries, its birdlife is amazing. Birdwatchers will find great delight in the opportunity to observe birds connected with acacias; Rwonyo Camp is a wonderful spot to see species like Ruppell’s starling, black-bellied bustard, and mosque swallow. Acacia settings also have several Barbets, including the rare black-collared and red-faced types.

The wetlands of the park include six native papyrus species: the strikingly blue-headed coucal and the brightly colored papyrus gonolek. The park’s appeal to bird enthusiasts is further boosted by Lake Mburo’s reputation as a consistent habitat for the vulnerable African finfoot. During the boat trip, one may readily see the many African fish eagles that call the area home.

Activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Game drives

Around Lake Mburo, there is a system of well-kept wildlife game drive paths that carry you further into the wilderness of the park. Starting your safari journey in the eastern part of the park, surrounded by calm Lake Mburo, is excellent. You will travel park-like savannahs along the Research, Zebra, Impala, and Warukiri tracks—where notable concentrations of impala, zebra, waterbuck, topi, and buffalo often gather.
The large Kazuma and Ruroko paths provide excellent opportunities for seeing animals. Here are beautiful, rocky slopes, and there’s a high chance of seeing Klipsringers—often spotted in couples and add to the great variety of the park. Often spotted roaming along the Kazuma and Research paths, the freshly imported giraffes are peacefully searching the grassland for fresh vegetation.

From Kazuma Hill’s high vantage point, you may enjoy amazing panoramic views of the park and some of its other lakes. From this point, enjoy broad views of four beautiful lakes in the park, which provide a window into its different ecosystems.
Though historically viewing along the Kigambira Loop and Lakeside Track gave great chances to witness animals gathering around the lakes and marshes during the dry season, tsetse flies and changes in vegetation have transformed the landscape. Still, these are excellent locations for birdwatching and for anybody hoping to see the elusive leopard over the dense vegetation.

From light acacia savannahs to the west of Rwonyo, the Rwizi Track winds across Grant’s zebra, impala, and eland. Spend some time seeing the savannah and enjoying the sounds and views of Lake Mburo’s natural surrounds.

Horseback Adventures

When Mihingo Lodge added equine safaris inside the park, Ugandan ecotourism underwent a watershed event. Safarigoers get a close-up view of the park’s animals—especially the zebras and buffaloes—because they are more docile around horses than they are around vehicles. The rides’ flexibility guarantees that riders of all ability levels—from absolute novices to seasoned pros—can have fun. Older riders have the chance to accompany retired racehorses on extended excursions while younger riders may enjoy slow pony rides. From brief introductory rides on the valley level to full-day expeditions to breathtaking mountaintop views, horse safaris provide flexibility in their day price. Furthermore, lengthier overnight trips allow one to fully enjoy the natural features of the area.

Guided Night Game Drives

Thanks to Mihingo Lodge’s compensation program for victims of predator attacks, the once-elusive nighttime hunters—especially hyenas and leopards—have made a victorious comeback to the northeastern section of the park. Experienced residents’ guided night drives let guests observe these species in their natural habitat. Leopards’ laid-back attitude and the frequent visits of hyena packs enhance the experiences given by these trips and help one to better understand nocturnal environments. Under the starry canopy, the interactions with nighttime creatures provide light on park natural processes.

Boat  rides

You may view a range of species that accentuate the mosaic of natural beauty you are seeing while motorboating over Lake Mburo. Starting from the main jetty of the campsite, cruises let guests see well-known creatures such hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo as they float calmly across the lake.
The park has a great range of species, including the uncommon and lovely African finfoot, pied kingfishers, papyrus swamp warbler, and African fish eagles, so birdwatchers are in fortune. From dawn till sunset, boat trips depart every two hours guaranteeing complete coverage of the lake’s offers.

Guided nature walks

Armed rangers accompany nature trips around Lake Mburo in order to study the nearby flora and wildlife up close. Excellent viewing points from which to see a great range of birds and land animals come from the salt lick observation platforms and the paths around them. The park’s arboreal diversity is on show in the Rubanga Forest under the wary eye of armed guards. Participants on these walks, who promote environmental responsibility and provide chances for hands-on learning, may help one better appreciate the ecological value of the park.