It is safe to go on guided nature hikes around Lake Mburo because the protected area does not contain huge mammals like elephants. At Lake Mburo National Park, though, you’ll need the help of a Uganda wildlife game ranger. Along the strategically placed game trails are guided nature hikes. When the national park was first created in 1963, it served as a pasture ground and hunting preserve for the Ankole cattle keepers. However, Obote’s numerous changes in leadership ultimately resulted in the park’s isolation from the surrounding community. Lake Mburo National Park spans 370 square kilometres and is conveniently located near the Kampala, Masaka, and Marara road.
A guided nature walk along the Rwonyo and Salt Lake trails in Lake Mburo will allow you to get up close and personal with nature while you’re in a protected area. The park is safe because there aren’t any large cats like lions or leopards, and you can see a variety of animals like zebras, buffaloes, kobs, topi, elands, and warthogs. The two-hour trek starts at the Rwonyo rest camp at 7:00 am and passes through the peaceful, cool Rubanga forest, home to a variety of birds, including sunbirds, African fin feet, martial eagles, pelicans, and vultures. You can observe animals that congregate here to drink water, such as zebras, buffaloes, kobs, and other antelope species, by following the salt lick route.
The best time to take these walks is during the dry season, which runs from December to January and June to September. The knowledgeable guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority will make sure you see the most of the park during the walk and will provide you with information about the national park’s species. Plus, it’s a great way to get up close and personal with nature. Aside from meeting lots of zebras and antelopes of various species, other activities in the park include game drives, which are held in the morning, afternoon, and evening in search of wildlife. The drives are done in 4×4 wheel cars with open roofs for a good view of the animals and taking pictures.
Not to be missed while visiting the park are the boat cruises along Lake Mburo, which coincide with the morning game drives. The two to three hour cruise offers views of the expansive savannah scattered with short shrubs and bushes, and along the mashed areas, endemic birds such as the African fin foot can be spotted. Horseback riding is the other top activity in the national park. This is the only place in Uganda where you can do this in a conservation area, and animals are generally much more at ease around them than when you’re in a car. The scenery is also breathtaking and fantastic.
While on a safari in Uganda, visitors can find lodging options in the park and in the nearby districts of Mbarara city. One such establishment is the Mihingo Lodge.