Lake Mburo National Park

About this place

Lake Mburo National Park is a small park in western Uganda, about 30 km east of Mbarara and about 240 km west of Kampala. It is the closest park to the capital on the south-western road, so it works well as a stop on the way to the gorillas. It stands out for few vehicles, quiet and the walking safaris it allows. The area became a controlled hunting zone in 1933 and a game reserve in 1963. It was home to Banyankole Bahima herders, who keep long-horned Ankole cattle and grazed them here until it became a national park and they left the land. These cattle are still common on the farms around the park. On the savanna you see herds of impala, waterbuck, buffalo and warthogs, with giraffes resting in the golden grass. Scattered trees, low hills and termite mounds shape the view. A boat trip on the lake passes hippos, crocodiles and birds, and morning and evening are the finest times of day here. It is about 35 km from Mbarara in a straight line and about 206 km from Kampala. The park allows walks on foot with a ranger, which is a rare experience, so ask about them. Lions are not usually resident and there are no elephants, so this is more a place for quiet scenes. Wear muted colours and bring binoculars.