Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park, at 370 km², is Uganda's smallest savannah national park but one of its most charming and accessible. Located just 30 km east of Mbarara (3 hours from Kampala), the park is centred on Lake Mburo and a series of interconnected lakes and wetlands. The park supports a good population of zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and the rare topi, making it a perfect short-stay safari destination.

The park's distinctive feature is its walking safaris — it is one of the few Ugandan parks where guided walking trails are offered. Boat trips on Lake Mburo provide excellent birdwatching and hippo viewing. The park is also notable for being on the route for travellers heading to Rwanda and the south-west circuit.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Entebbe International Airport (EBB IATA), about 230 km east.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to the park.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the drive is 3 hours via Masaka and Lyantonde. The park is easily accessible on the main Kampala–Mbarara highway. Turn off at Sanga trading centre. The road is paved to the park gate.

Self-drive game viewing and guided game drives are available. Walking safaris with armed UWA guides are a highlight. Boat cruises on Lake Mburo are operated by UWA.

• Lake Mburo — The park's centrepiece, a beautiful lake with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds

• Zebra herds — Lake Mburo has one of the largest zebra populations in Uganda

• Impala and eland — The park is good for antelope species

• Rwonyo Rest Camp area — The main visitor centre with views over the lake

• Five lakes — The park's five interconnected lakes create a scenic wetland landscape

• Game drives (self-drive or with UWA guide)

• Guided walking safaris (unique to Lake Mburo among Uganda's parks)

• Boat cruises on Lake Mburo (morning and afternoon)

• Birdwatching — over 350 bird species, including the African finfoot and shoebill stork

• Horseback safaris (offered by Mihingo Lodge)

Meals available at Rwonyo Rest Camp restaurant and at the lodges.

Lodges provide drinks. Bottled water is recommended. Nile Special and Club beer are served at lodge bars.

• Budget: Rwonyo UWA campsite (from US$20 per person) and Rwonyo bandas (from US$30)
• Mid-range: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge (from US$70) and Rwakobo Lodge (from US$50)
• Upscale: Mihingo Lodge (from US$150, unique treehouse-style) and Mantana Tented Camp (from US$120)

Souvenirs are available at lodge gift shops and the UWA office at Rwonyo. Stock up on supplies in Mbarara before visiting.

• Mbarara (30 km west, 30 min) — Western regional capital
• Queen Elizabeth National Park (150 km north-west, 3 hrs)
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (200 km south-west, 4 hrs)
• Igongo Cultural Centre (10 km north) — Ankole culture museum
• Rwanda border (120 km south, 2.5 hrs)