Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is home to a diverse collection of antelope and ungulate species, including the impala, which can only be found in Uganda at this location. Visitors can witness large herds of eland, the largest antelope in Africa, as well as other antelope species such as topi, bushbuck, sitatunga, common duiker, klipspringer, oribi, Deffassa waterbuck, and Bohor reedbuck.

 

The park also supports a variety of other animal species, including Burchell’s zebra, which can only be found in two Ugandan national parks. African buffalo can be seen grazing around the lake and lush vegetation, while warthog, bushpig, and hippopotamus are also present. The only diurnal primates found in the park are vervet monkeys and olive baboons. Small predators are abundant, with three larger predators, namely leopard, spotted hyena, and side-stripped jackal.

 

Bird enthusiasts will delight in the over 310 bird species recorded in Lake Mburo National Park. Rwonyo camp is an excellent location to observe acacia-associated birds such as mosque swallows, black-bellied bustards, bare-faced go-away birds, and Ruppell’s long-tailed starling.

Some of the birds are typically found in southern regions but can be seen at the northern limits of their range, including the southern ground hornbill, black-collard and black-throated barbets, and green-capped Eremomela. Six swamp birds, known as papyrus endemics, are also present, including the striking papyrus gonolek and the highly localized papyrus yellow warbler, which is not found anywhere else in Uganda.

 

To get to the park, there are two turn-offs, one at Sanga, approximately 35km from Mbarara, and another at the 50km marker, which is 13km from Lyantonde on the Mbarara road. The turn-off from Kampala is the best option for those driving. During the dry season, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended but not essential.

 

For independent travellers, there are several options, including waiting at the turn-off at the 50km marker, which is a popular destination for Kampala residents on weekends. In case of emergencies or late arrivals, there are a few guesthouses in Lyantonde.

 

Lake Mburo National Park is also part of several safari packages, including a 3-day Lake Mburo safari, a Queen Elizabeth national park tour, a 12-day Uganda Safari, a 13-day Uganda wildlife adventure, and a 14-day Uganda Safari.