Lake Mburo National Park

Description
Things To Do
When To Go
Accommodations
Recommended Safaris

Lake Mburo National Park

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).

Languages spoken	English, Germany, French, Swahilli, Spanish, Chinese
Currency used	UGX / USD / GBP / EURO
Area (km2)	370 Sq Km
Country name	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.

Birding

More than 310 bird species have been recorded in Lake Mburo National Park. This park is the best place in Uganda for acacia-dwelling birds. Forest species are also present in Rubanga Forest. A bonus for birders are the swamps, in which six papyrus specials are resident, including the spectacular papyrus gonolek and the blue-headed coucal. Southern species at the northern limit of their range include the black-collared barbet and bare-faced go-away bird. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

(E) endemic = only lives in Uganda

(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

African finfoot
African scops owl
Bare-faced go-away bird
Blue-breasted kingfisher
Blue-headed coucal
Brown-chested lapwing
Carruthers’s cisticola
Greater painted-snipe
Hairy-breasted barbet
Mosque swallow
Papyrus gonolek
Papyrus yellow warbler
Red-faced barbet (NE)
Shoebill
Southern ground hornbill
Tabora cisticola
White-winged swamp warbler
Yellow-rumped tinkerbird
Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Lake Mburo is good year-round. June and July have the least rain, while March and April have the most rain. The heavy rains might result in delays due to impassable roads and slippery hiking trails. These can limit your bird-watching time. Migratory birds are around from November to April.

Best Time to Visit

Lake Mburo National Park is open year-round, but the Dry seasons from June to August and December to February are the best times for general wildlife viewing as animals gather around the lake and other water sources. Wildlife viewing is still OK in the Wet seasons from March to May and from September to November and at this time the park is lush and scenic.

Lake Mburo National Park experiences a mild climate. Daily temperatures are around 27°C/81°F, with nightly temperatures of 14°C/57°F on average. Rain occurs throughout the year – although June and July get the least amount of rain. December through February also tends to be a period of lesser rainfall. There are two recognizable Wet seasons, from March to May and from September to November.

Dry Seasons–June to August & December to February

June, July & August – June and July are drier, but it can still rain occasionally. The transition between the Dry and Wet season usually occurs in August and rain will increase. Average temperatures are about 27°C/81°F in the afternoon and 13°C/55°F in the morning.
December, January & February – A period of more rain than June or July, but still less than the rest of the year. Daytime temperatures of about 27°C/81°F and morning temperatures of 14°C/57°F are normal.

Wet Seasons–March to May & September to November

March, April & May – The wettest months of the year, with April getting the most rain. Daytime temperatures average around 26°C/79°F and morning temperatures are around 15°C/59°F.
September, October & November – This time of year is slightly less rainy when compared to March, April and May. The rain tends to reach a peak in November. Daytime temperatures are around 26°C/79°F.

Season	Months	Description
Best Time	June to August and December to February	Dry Seasons, easier to spot animals
High Season	June to September	This is the peak of the gorilla tracking season, bringing more people to Lake Mburo as well
Low Season	April, May, October and November	There are fewer people in the park, Some Lodges may close
Best Weather	June, July and January to February	Little Rainfall
Worst Weather	March to May and September to November	High rainfall, traveling on roads may become challenging

June to August & December to February –Dry Seasons

Great wildlife viewing as vegetation thins and animals congregate around the lake
There are more sunny days
The air is clouded by haze, making the views less impressive

March to May & September to November –Wet Seasons

Wildlife viewing is also good during the Wet seasons when animals can be seen in the open valleys
There are fewer people and rates might be lower
Migratory birds are present
The air is clear, and landscapes are green
Wet roads may become difficult to negotiate
Occasional rainstorms may interfere with game drives

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