The park’s rolling hills and open grassy valleys, interspersed with thickets, woodlands and rich wetlands, are the only place in Uganda where impala still exist and is the best place to see large herds of eland (Africa’s largest antelope).
Other antelope species include topi, bushbuck, sitatunga, common duiker, klipspringer, oribi, Defassa waterbuck and Bohor reedbuck. All of your senses come in to play when experiencing the African bush and a walking safari here can be most revealing. It is one of only two Ugandan national parks where Burchell’s zebra still exist.
In addition to a game drive, many visitors enjoy a boat trip on Lake Mburo, the largest of the five lakes that lie within the park boundaries. The lake and lush fringing vegetation support healthy populations of buffalo, warthog, bushpig and hippopotamus.
Birdwatchers will enjoy the more than 250 species of birds found in Lake Mburo, probably the best place in Uganda to see acacia-associated birds.Also of special interest to birders are the swamps, the place to see six so-called papyrus endemics, including the striking papyrus gonolek and the highly localized papyrus yellow warbler (recorded nowhere else in Uganda).
Things To Do
Many typical safari animals are resident, but not elephant or rhino, while lion are very sporadic visitors. Leopard are sometimes spotted on night drives. Highlights in the park include impala (not found in any other Ugandan park), eland, the endangered Rothschild's giraffe and Burchell's zebra (which is only found here and in Kidepo Valley). Other animals regularly seen are oribi and warthog. Hundreds of hippo are found in the lake.
The main features of the park are Lake Mburo and four other lakes, which form part of a 50km/31mi-long wetland area. They are best viewed from the impressive Kazuma Lookout. The main vegetation is open savannah, but the park is becoming increasingly covered by woodland due to the absence of elephant. The savannah is interspersed with patches of forest and rocky outcrops. Papyrus swamp and woodland surround the lakes.
Game Safaris
The park has a good variety of wildlife. Several antelope species can be seen, including topi, duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck and klipspringer. Elephant are absent, but herds of buffalo are quite common, and Rothschild's giraffe have been reintroduced. A healthy population of leopard is present, although mostly seen at night. Hippo and crocodile can be found in the lake.
Burchell's zebra and eland are only found here and in the less-accessible Kidepo Valley National Park. The rare and specialized sitatunga can sometimes be spotted in the marshes, and the park is the only place in Uganda where impala are resident. Bushbuck has a unique habit in the park of standing on the lookout on termite mounds.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Lake Mburo can be visited anytime, with wildlife-viewing highlights year-round. In the Dry seasons (from June to August and December to February), animals gather around rivers and waterholes, and during the Wet seasons (March to May and September to November), large numbers of animals can be seen in the open valleys.
Nature Walks
A walk through the low canopied Rubanga Forest brings to life the world of forest creatures and birds in a lush, cool setting.
Nature trails around the lake unearth a world of birdlife, as well as exotic fauna, and the park rangers accompanying guests on these walks will open your eyes to a different world. Picnic lunches can be organized for those who prefer to explore the various areas without time limits.
Nature trails around the lake unearth a world of birdlife, as well as exotic fauna, and the park rangers accompanying guests on these walks will open your eyes to a different world.
Boat Rides
The awe-inspiring morning and evening boat cruise in the park’s lake system is excellent for discovering how plenty of hippos and crocodiles co-exist despite being enemies. For better sightings of birds and buffaloes, pay good attention while in the marshes. If you are crazy about mesmerizing sunsets, prepare to be blown away.
The awe-inspiring morning and evening boat cruise in the park’s lake system is excellent for discovering how plenty of hippos and crocodiles co-exist despite being enemies.
