(Whispers of the Wild)
Nestled between Kampala and the western protected areas of Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem perfect for an overnight retreat. Its acacia grasslands and seasonal wetlands are home to unique species like topi, eland and zebras which are rarely seen in other Ugandan parks. Birdwatchers will find delight in the park’s 332 recorded bird species particularly those in papyrus and acacia habitats. Beyond game drives, visitors can explore the park on mountain bikes, by boat, on foot or even on horsebacks.
Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest, oldest, scenic and compact national parks known for its rich biodiversity, rolling savannahs and picture like lakes. It is located Western Uganda, near the town of Mbarara, approximately 240km from Kampala. Lake Mburo National park is about 370km2 making it Uganda’s smallest savannah national park. It is part of a unique ecosystem not found elsewhere in Uganda. The park includes acacia woodlands, savannahs, wetlands, and lakes, wildlife species like zebras, impala, eland (Africa’s largest antelope), Leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, warthogs, and hippos. However it is notable that Lake Mburo National park had no lions and elephants. Birdlife is over 350 bird species, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers. Lake Mburo National Park offers a variety of activities that are relatively unique in Uganda like walking safaris where you can go on foot with a ranger, horseback safaris giving visitors a close-up view of wildlife, boat cruises that are ideal for birding and viewing hippos and crocodiles, biking, game drives, cultural tours, and sport fishing are also popular among others. Aside from its small size, it offers a uniquely intimate wildlife experience and is a testament to Uganda’s efforts to balance conservation with community welfare. Its proximity to Kampala makes it an ideal stop for travelers entering or exiting the country.
