Discover Lake Mburo National Park In Uganda | A wild Escape in the Pearl Of Africa

Get to know the adventure activities that you can do in Lake Mburo national park while on your safari adventure I Uganda in reliable 4×4 car for rent in Uganda.

Tucked away in the magnificent landscapes of western Uganda, lies lake Mburo national park, a compact but incredibly a diverse haven which offers tourists into the pearl of Africa with perfect blends of game drive viewing, birding activities, hiking and many other outdoor activities that are interesting.

Despite not being as large as Murchison Falls National park or Queen Elizabeth national park, the park is also considered more intimate, its less crowded and best known as one of the most accessible national parks in the republic Of Uganda.

Why is considered the most accessible national park in Uganda? From Kampala to lake mburo national park, its approximately 230 kilometers where as, from the Entebbe international airport, the park is 290 kilometers.

On addition to that, from Mbarara district in western Uganda, its only 30 kilometers to get to lake mburo national park. Without also forgetting that this national park also happens to be the national park closest to the presidents home in Kiruhura district with a distance of just 99 kilometers.

Lake mburo nationl park spans an area of 260 square kilometers deeming it the smallest of the 10 national parks in Uganda. However, don’t be fooled by its size, the park is great for game drive safaris in Uganda with a pop up roof car, a home to over 350 bird species which makes it one of the best location for bird watching saffaris in Uganda.

Lake mburo national park is reffered to as a home by diverse wildlife such as large mammal populations of the impala, zebras, topi and the buffaloes. On record, this national park is the national park with a largest number of impalas and elande.

The park is located in Nyabushozi County, Kiruhura District. It is also surrounded by districts such as Mbrara, lyantonde and isingiro.

What is currently seen as the great lake mburo national park was a controlled hunting area which was dominantly taken up by the banyankole pastoralists. (Commonly referred to as the Bahima), in the year 1963, it gained status and upgraded to being a game reserve. In 1983, Lake mburo was granted a national park status by the Uganda Wildlife Authority In the regime of Dr Apollo Milton Obote as president Of the republic of Uganda.

The park consists of variety of terrains ranging from the open savannahs, rolling hills, and the forests. These diverse terrains are best explored with a reliable 4×4 car for hire in Uganda, either on the self drive basis where one gets to travel to lake Mburo national park on their own terms.

Or on a basis of guided safari expeditions where one gets to rent a car In Uganda with a professional driver for trip to lake mburo national park

Wildlife In Lake Mburo National Park

Statistically, about 68 species of mammals have been recorded in lake mburo, these include; carnivore animals, primates, reptiles and herbivores. The park is a great destination for Uganda wildlife safaris best for game drives and birding safari adventures.

Lake mburo national park is regarded as one of the best and convenient destinations in Uganda where one can see zebras from (the park is a habitat to about 5000 zebras). The national park also contains a variety of antlopes specieswhich are; elands, impalas, bushbucks, waterbucks, topis, etc.

Herbivorous animals that tourist can spot in lake mburo include; hippos, warthogs, buffaloes. This national park does not have elephants.

On addition to that, its one of the best stinations where on can spot leopards from. These can be spotted during night game drives while in a 4×4 car with a pop up roof feature for optimal viewing.

Below are some of the animals/wildlife found in lake mburo;

Zebras: when we talk about zebras in Uganda, the ideal destination that comes in the minds of most individuals is lake mburo. Just like the distant kidepo valley national park, lake mburo is also aother place where you one can find zebras in plenty.

Buffaloes: just like the case of large numbers of zebras, while on your tour to lake mburo, you will come across many buffaloes some resting and others munching the grass. These are a common wildlife figure in the park and many touurists look out for this park just to have a change of glancing at the buffloes.

Hippos: these can be encountered during the interesting bot cruise experience on Lake Mburo and during the late evening hours when they decide to move out of the water body and try grazing on the land.

Giraffe: initially, girraffes were not available in lake mburo national park, but later, the Uganda wildlife authority reviewed the issue and found it deserving to introduce girrafes to the park. They were transferred from murchison falls national park to lake mburo.

Leopards: like earlier stated, the park is where one can get a chance to spot leopards though better chances of them being seen are at night during a game drive. Lake mburo is also locally known as the “leopard rock”

Interesting Activities in Lake Mburo National park

1. Game Drive Safaris

This is one of the best done activity in the park which can be conducted in several safari vehicles which contain a pop up roof feature which gives tourists a chance to have a look at the wildlife while in the car and not having to move out.

The game drive in the park guarantees you a chance to spot a variety of wildlife species, such activities are best enjoyed with an experienced safari guide due to security purposes. While on this encounter in lake mburo national park, one can see animals such as; the zebra, leopards, lions, buffaloes, hyenas, antelopes, porcupines and so much more.

2. Sport Fishing

This activity can be carried out in all the 13 lakes in the national park but prominently conducted at the lake mburo which is the largest of all the lakes in and around the park thus deemed to attract the biggest number of tourists who want to indulge themselves in fishing.

Those who intend to do sport fishing in lake mburo national park ought to acquire a fishing permit from the Uganda wildlife authority. The types of fish caught in the 13 lakes include; tilapia, lung fish, mud fish, and many more.

3. Guided Nature Walks

The park is one of the best places that nature walk enthusiasts ought to include on their travel menu. These are conducted with a professional ranger guide who provide educational and informative tips during the encounter.

Interesting trails are covered, some of which being; salt lick which gives tourists a chance to spot wildlife that lick the salty residues. Another trail is through the woodlands where you view a variety of bird species.

4. Bird Watching Encounters

While at lake mburo, you can have the best birding safari adventures. Bird watching is a thrilling encounter that you must not miss out when adventuring into this great national park. Statistics state that the park contains over 350 species of birds. These are; green pigeons, double toothed barbet, crested cranes, saddle bill storks, rare shoebill, harrier hawk, Nubian woodpeckers

5. Horseback Riding

The only national park is the only place where you can where one can the full beauty of the park the beauty of the national park while riding on horses. This is such an interesting and rare activity and this is one of the reasons why there are increasing number of tourists in the park. Arrangements for this activity are at the mihingo lodge

6. Boat Cruises

Boat cruises are also a major & interesting activity that is done in the park. its done on the lake mburo itself and this guarantees you a chance to spot the different flora and fauna and a variety of animals along the water banks. These include; hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, antelopes, and much more

7. Forest Walks

Forest walks in the park are organized by the park authorities and conducted through the the Rabongo forest. Such encounters are suitable for bird watchers and nature lovers. Rabongoforest consists of over 40 species of birds and a variety of trees that include; markhamia, acacia, fig trees, platy caluz and many other

Lake Mburo National Park Fees (2025 - 2026)

Activity	FNR (USD)	FR (USD)	EAC (UGX)
Park Entrance	40 USD	30 USD	UGX 20,000
Game Drive (Day)	30 USD	30 USD	UGX 30,000
Game Drive (Night) Per Person	30 USD	30 USD	UGX 50,000
Nature Walk	30 USD	15 USD	UGX 10,000
Boat Ride (big boat)	30 USD	30 USD	UGX 30,000
Boat Ride (Small Boat)	20 USD	20 USD	UGX 20,000
Cycling	30 USD	30 USD	UGX 30,000

Best 4x4s Cars for a Trip to Lake Mburo National Park

1. Safari Land Cruiser Extended

A safari land cruiser is a perfect choice of 4×4 car for rent for travelers bound for safaris in lake mburo. When seeking comfort, durability and a spacious interior, the land cruiser extended is the ideal option. Has a 4×4 mechanism to handle all the uneven terrains that can be encountered while in the park.

Rate Per Day: 180 USD per Day with a driver/safari guide

Seating capacity: Up to 7 Passengers (exclusive of Driver)

Amenities: Full time working AC, Bluetooth connectivity, FM, AUX, cooler box (upon request) Pop up roof feature

2. Hiace Safari Van

Its seating capacity of up to 9 passenger makes it ideal for group safari especially family travels. Its one of the 4wd minivans modified to suit group while life travels to the lake mburo national park. it comes with a retractable pop up roof feature, ample space for a lot of leg room for passengers, sizable windows

Rate Per Day: 100 USD per Day with an experienced safari guide

Seating capacity: 9 passengers

Amenities: Full time working AC, Bluetooth connectivity, FM, AUX, Cooler Box (Upon request) Pop Up Roof feature, charging sockets

3. Land Cruiser Prado TX/TZ series

A land cruiser Prado TX/TZ series for rent in Uganda stands out as one of the best and most rented 4×4 cars in Uganda for self-drive safaris at a low rate. And especially for safari destinations like lake mburo. It’s characterized by; full time four wheel drive train systems, high ground clearance, powerful petrol engine.

Rate Per Day: 70 USD for self drive & 90 USD with a driver

Seating capacity: 5 passengers

Amenities: Air conditioning that works 24/7, leather seats, Bluetooth infotainment systems. FM, AUX, Pop up roof feature, Roof rack for extra luggage and rooftop tent setup for car rental, well damped suspension.

4. Land Cruiser V8/VX series

When you want to travel to Lake Mburo national park but seeking a luxurious experience coupled with convenience and reliability, a 4×4 land cruiser V8/VX ticks all the boxes for you. As you travel while in it, you are guaranteed of comfort, unmatched off road performances, its best for solo travelers, couples on honey moons, and travelers who do not exceed 5 in number

Rate per day: 70 USD per day for self drive & 90 USD with a driver

Seating capacity: 5 passengers

Amenities: Air conditioning and climate control, an easy to use audio and entertainment system, charging ports and power outlets, fridge/cooler box(upon request), pop up roof, spacious boot

5. Land Cruiser GX-Manual

One of the most reliable cars 4×4 cars that comes with a stick gear shift/ manual transmission and guarantees you unlimited mileage as you travel on your trip to lake mburo national park in Uganda. It combines old school durability and modern touches. When on a trip, it offers a no nonsense approach to exploration by maneuvering through all the uneven terrain it encounters

Rate per day: 80 USD per day & 100 USD with a driver

Seating capacity: 5 passengers

Amenities: air conditioning and ventilation system, power outlet and charging systems, cooler box/fridge(upon request) Bluetooth connectivity, FM, AUX, roof rack for extra storage and rooftop tent setups