Lake Mburo National Park

Park Overview & Significance

Lake Mburo National Park stands as a pristine wilderness jewel in western Uganda, distinguished by its remarkable biodiversity and unique ecological features. The park encompasses 370 square kilometers of varied terrain, including five lakes within its boundaries, making it one of Uganda’s most distinctive protected areas. As the only park containing impala and the largest concentration of Burchell’s zebra in Uganda, Lake Mburo plays a crucial role in preserving species that are not found elsewhere in the country.

The park’s historical significance extends beyond its wildlife, as it represents an important cultural heritage site for the Ankole people. Ancient Precambrian rock outcrops dot the landscape, providing both geological interest and critical habitat for specialized flora and fauna. The park’s wetland system has earned international recognition under the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its importance for both resident and migratory bird species.

What sets Lake Mburo apart is its intimate safari experience, offering visitors unusually close encounters with wildlife in a compact yet diverse setting. The park’s savanna and acacia woodland ecosystem supports an extraordinary variety of species, including 350 bird species, making it a crucial destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and professional researchers studying East African ecosystems.

Location & Accessibility

Lake Mburo National Park enjoys a strategic location that makes it Uganda’s most accessible savanna national park. Situated approximately 228 kilometers from Kampala, the park can be reached via a well-maintained highway through Masaka or alternatively through Mbarara. The journey from Kampala typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours, making it an ideal destination for weekend safaris or as a convenient stop on longer western Uganda circuits.

Primary access points include

Main Gate: Located 28 kilometers from Akageti trading center along the Mbarara-Kampala highway
Sanga Gate: Accessible through Sanga trading center, ideal for visitors from Mbarara
Nshara Gate: Perfect for visitors approaching from the Lyantonde area

The park’s accessibility is enhanced by

Year-round tarmac road access to park gates
All-weather roads within the park, suitable for both 2WD and 4WD vehicles