Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda's most accessible savanna park and a perfect introduction to East African wildlife, located just 3.5 hours from Kampala. At 370 square kilometers, it's compact but packed with character. The park is the only place in Uganda where you can see zebras and elands, and it's one of the few Ugandan parks offering walking safaris, horseback safaris, and mountain biking alongside traditional game drives. Five lakes dot the landscape, with Lake Mburo itself attracting hippos, crocodiles, and a rich diversity of waterbirds. The rolling acacia-dotted hills feel more like a scene from Kenya than the forested landscapes Uganda is known for. It's an ideal one-night stop between Kampala and Bwindi or Queen Elizabeth, breaking the long drive with genuine safari experiences.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Not present
leopard
Rare
elephant
Not present
buffalo
Good
rhino
Not present
Wildlife Highlights
Zebra
Lake Mburo is the only park in Uganda with Burchell's zebras. They're abundant and easy to spot on game drives.
Eland
Africa's largest antelope is found here. Lake Mburo is one of the best places in Uganda to see elands.
Hippo
Large pods in Lake Mburo, best seen on the boat safari.
Impala
Lake Mburo is the only place in Uganda with impalas, earning the area its local name.
350+ bird species including African finfoot, Shoebill (rare, seasonal), Papyrus gonolek, African fish eagle, Red-faced barbet.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is accessible year-round and makes a great stop in any season. The dry seasons (June to August, December to February) offer the best game viewing. The wet season brings green landscapes and excellent birding.
peak Season
June, July, AugustDry, cool.
Moderate
Moderate to high
Good concentration around the lake
high Season
December, January, FebruaryDry, warm.
Moderate
Moderate to high
Good. Comfortable conditions.
shoulder Season
September, MarchTransition. Some rain.
Lower
Moderate
Good. Migratory birds present.
low Season
October, November, April, MayWet. Lush green.
Low
Lowest
Dispersed but birding excellent
Getting to Lake Mburo National Park
By Air
By Road
Entry Gates
Sanga Gate (Main)
Main entry from Kampala/Mbarara road.
Nshara Gate (South)
Southern entry, less used.
Lake Mburo National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $40/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $20/day |
- • Park fees per person per 24 hours
- • Boat safari costs extra (~$30 per person)
- • Horseback safari costs ~$50 per person per hour
- • Walking safaris $30 per person with UWA ranger
Activities in Lake Mburo National Park
Included Activities
Game drives
Drive through the acacia woodland and open grasslands spotting zebras, elands, buffalo, topi, and more.
Optional Extras
Boat safari on Lake Mburo
$30-$30A relaxing boat cruise on the lake, getting close to hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. A highlight of any visit.
Horseback safari
$50-$100Ride through the park on horseback, getting closer to zebras and antelopes than you could in a vehicle. One of the few parks in East Africa offering this.
Walking safari
$30-$30Guided bush walk with a UWA ranger, tracking animals on foot. A more intimate way to experience the savanna.
Night game drive
$30-$30Spotlight-equipped vehicle for after-dark viewing. Best chance for leopards, civets, genets, and hyenas.
Mountain biking
$20-$30Cycle through the park on designated routes. A unique way to experience African wildlife.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options range from a luxury tented camp to UWA bandas and campsites. Most are located inside or on the edge of the park.
luxury
$300-$700/person/nightIncludes: All meals, game drives, horseback safaris, boat trip
Examples: mihingo-lodge
mid range
$80-$250/person/nightIncludes: Meals and some activities
Examples: mantana-tented-camp, lake-mburo-safari-lodge
budget
$15-$50/person/nightIncludes: Basic rooms
Examples: UWA bandas, eagle's-nest
camping
$10-$15/person/nightIncludes: Campsite with basic ablutions
Examples: UWA campsite
Practical Tips
- 1Use Lake Mburo as a stopover on the drive between Kampala and Bwindi/Queen Elizabeth
- 2The horseback safari is unique to Lake Mburo; don't miss it if you ride
- 3Bring binoculars for the boat safari and birding
- 4Night drives are the best way to spot leopards and civets
- 5The park gate is an easy turnoff from the main Kampala-Mbarara highway
- 6This is a malaria area; take prophylaxis and use repellent
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Mburo worth visiting?
Yes, especially as a stopover between Kampala and western Uganda. It's Uganda's only park with zebras and impalas, and it offers unique experiences like horseback safaris and mountain biking. One night is enough to enjoy game drives and a boat safari.
Are there lions in Lake Mburo?
No. Lions were removed by local communities before the park was established. The main predators are leopards (rarely seen, best on night drives) and hyenas. The absence of large predators is actually what makes walking and horseback safaris safe here.
How do you get to Lake Mburo from Kampala?
It's about 3.5 to 4 hours by road on good tarmac. The park is a straightforward turnoff from the Kampala-Mbarara highway, making it the most accessible national park from the capital.
Official Resources
Sources
- 370 sq km, 350 bird species, only park in Uganda with zebras and impalas: Uganda Wildlife Authority