The Lake Mburo | Lake Mburo National Park

The Lake Mburo | Lake Mburo National Park

The Lake Mburo | Lake Mburo National Park : The Lake derives its name from a local Ankole story about the two brothers Kigarama and Mburo. This lake is located in western part of Uganda in Kiruhura district, about 30km east of Mbarara.  It is said that one night Kigarama who lived in the low-lying savanna plains had a nightmare that the area in which they lived was going to flood. He later warned his brother of his dream but Mburo refused to take heed.

Kigarama on the other hand took caution and climbed up a hill leaving his brother Mburo behind. Later, the dream can true and the area was plagued by floods that swept Mburo and all his property. Kigarama in honor of his brother then named the Lake Mburo that was formed due to the floods. Owing to the wildlife that adorns the lake’s surrounding it was first gazetted in 1933 and later established as a national park in 1982. The park covers 370km² thus making it the smallest park in Uganda and nearest park to Kampala the capital city.

What to do in Lake Mburo

Birding

The activity can be carried out in Rubanga forest that harbors over 313 bird species. Therefore, don’t forget to pick up your camera and binoculars for a good bird spotting. Birds include; Ross’s Turaco, Nubian wood pecker, pelicans, white winged terns, brown parrot. Grey crowned crane, African fin foot, African grey hornbill, Jackson’s hornbill, not to mention but a few.

Nature walks

During these walks, you will be able to view the different bird, butterfly as well as primate species. In addition, you can also come across different plant species and learn about their healing properties. Some of these include; the acacia tree that has been found to heal wounds faster and may even be soother for ulcers.

Sport fishing

At Mazinga on the lake one can go for sport fishing though you will be required to carry your own fishing equipment. However, a permit from the Uganda wildlife Authority is required before carrying out this activity. You will be required to inform your Tour operator in advance such that they can get the permit in time. While fishing you may be able to catch any of the species in the lake like the tilapia, mudfish, lung fish,  Nile perch, etc. As a matter of fact, the Lake has got mainly six fish species and tilapia being the commonest.

Boat cruise / Launch

The cruise generally takes you around the lake enabling you to catch sight of water animals. Some of these include; crocodiles, spotted necked otters, tortoises, hippopotamus and buffaloes, waterbucks, impalas along the shores. You are also able to spot some bird species like; African fish eagle, whistling ducks, herons, Egyptian goose, etc. 

Activities that can be done near the Lake Mburo

Game drives

These are mostly enjoyed at night since this is when most of animals are looking for a cozy spot to retire for the night. An experienced arm ranger of course will go on along with you during these drives for guidance and protection. Enjoy the park on wheels as you get a glimpse of the different mammal species in the park. Some of these include; the warthogs, hyenas, buffaloes, bushbucks, impalas, elands, zebras, oribis, Topis, etc.

Horse riding

The activity is offered by Muhingo Eco Lodge and here, you are able to ride around and have great views of the park. Expect to have views of different butterflies, mammals, tree species as well as bird species. While following different trails, you will also have views of the sunset and after exploring to your heart’s content you are led back.

Bicycle tours

Here, you can hire a bike at an affordable fee and go up close to the wild experience in the park. This is not only thrilling but also heart lifting as you see zebras and other park animals marvel at you as you ride amongst them.

Ankole cattle experience 

Ever seen a cow with long horns? Well the Ankole cattle will definitely leave you shocked. The cattle that were almost going to be extinct are being conserved in the park. Visit the site and get a feel of the life of the average Ankole pastoralist and gaze upon the cattle’s explicitly long horns.

Stopovers on your way to Lake Mburo

• Drum makers at Mpambire

As the name suggests, the traditional African drums are made here at Mpambire. While here, you get a chance to see firsthand made African drums. You also get to how they stretch animal skin to make them so tight producing that wonderful sound. You can as well buy some souvenirs here to take one home.

• The Equator

Uganda is one of the few countries that is crossed by the imaginary line. While here, you experience different equator experiments and some of these include;

1. Loss of weight by 1 kg when you stand on the equator.
2. Disappearance of one’s shadow when you stand at the equator
3. The water at the equator rotates anti clockwise
4. One can balance with one foot in the northern hemisphere and another in the southern hemisphere.

• Igongo cultural Centre

The Centre is a plethora of historical artifacts from the people of south-west Uganda. Some of these include; spears, shields, drums among other countless items that are being preserved in this facility. 

How to get there

• Getting to Lake Mburo is very simple and easy because it is near Capital city Kampala.
• Taking the route from Kampala to Masaka-Mbarara to the Nshara gate the drive will take about 4 hours to cover the 228km. In fact this is the commonest route accessing Lake Mburo.
• Another way of accessing the Lake is by Air transport, one can fly from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Mbarara airstrip taking you less than an hour.