Lake Mburo National Park

Uganda's smallest savannah national park, Lake Mburo is easily accessible from Kampala and offers a unique experience with its network of wetlands and...

Lake Mburo National Park at a Glance

Location
Central & Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda, East Africa
Coordinates
-0.611085, 30.926085
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to September and December to February (dry seasons) for gorilla trekking and wildlife.

Getting to Lake Mburo National Park

Nearest airport: Mumias Airport, 415 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kisumu International Airport (KIS), 426 km away.

Big Five in Lake Mburo National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in Lake Mburo National Park

The warmest temperatures in Lake Mburo National Park occur in February, averaging 23.0°C (up to 29.3°C). The coolest conditions are in November at 20.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 16.3mm. Average humidity: 51.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.3°C (rainfall: 39.1mm)
  • February: 23.0°C (rainfall: 38.8mm)
  • March: 22.6°C (rainfall: 53.5mm)
  • April: 21.6°C (rainfall: 84.7mm)
  • May: 22.0°C (rainfall: 46.0mm)
  • June: 22.4°C (rainfall: 17.4mm)
  • July: 22.5°C (rainfall: 16.3mm)
  • August: 22.2°C (rainfall: 43.1mm)
  • September: 21.6°C (rainfall: 75.8mm)
  • October: 21.6°C (rainfall: 83.2mm)
  • November: 20.9°C (rainfall: 99.0mm)
  • December: 21.4°C (rainfall: 61.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park

The best months to visit Lake Mburo National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.27°C, rainfall 39.1mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 64.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.96°C, rainfall 38.8mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 63.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.55°C, rainfall 53.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 67.9%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.65°C, rainfall 84.7mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 74.7%
  • May: Great, temperature 22.01°C, rainfall 46mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 70.7%
  • June: Great, temperature 22.42°C, rainfall 17.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 57.7%
  • July: Great, temperature 22.54°C, rainfall 16.3mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 51.8%
  • August: Great, temperature 22.17°C, rainfall 43.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 62%
  • September: Great, temperature 21.63°C, rainfall 75.8mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 70.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 21.64°C, rainfall 83.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • November: Good, temperature 20.94°C, rainfall 99mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 76.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 21.37°C, rainfall 61.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 72.1%

Wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park

Home to 106 recorded species including 40 iconic birds, 32 waterbirds, 20 birds of prey, 4 big herbivores, 3 antelope & gazelle, 3 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Lake Mburo National Park

Based on average temperature of 22.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 67%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 22°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Lake Mburo National Park

9 safari lodges available.

luxury

budget

Other

Similar Parks in Central & Lake Victoria Basin

Visitor Tips - Lake Mburo National Park

We love Lake Mburo for its unique blend of savanna and wetland, offering fantastic walking and boat safaris that set it apart from other Ugandan parks. It's a perfect, accessible stopover between Kampala and the gorilla trekking regions, providing a wonderful introduction to Uganda's diverse wildlife, especially its zebras and impalas, in a less crowded setting.

Gate Times

We find Lake Mburo's gates typically open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. We always recommend arriving as early as possible to catch the park waking up; the light is beautiful and the wildlife most active. Park entry permits are mandatory and can be purchased at the gate, though pre-booking through a tour operator is often smoother, especially during peak dry seasons (June-September and December-February).

Tipping

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your safari guide, we suggest around USD 15-20 per person per day. Camp staff can be tipped collectively in a communal box, perhaps USD 5-10 per person per day. For rangers on guided walks or boat safaris, USD 5-10 per person is appropriate. We always recommend tipping in local currency or USD, and discreetly, perhaps in an envelope at the end of your stay or activity.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Uganda

Travel advisory for Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park FAQs

What unique safari activities can I experience at Lake Mburo National Park, distinct from other Ugandan parks?

Lake Mburo stands out for offering walking safaris, horseback riding, and boat trips on Lake Mburo itself, allowing for close encounters with wildlife like zebras and giraffes on foot, or hippos and crocodiles from the water. These activities provide a more immersive and varied perspective compared to traditional vehicle-based game drives found elsewhere in Uganda.

When is the optimal time to visit Lake Mburo National Park for the best wildlife viewing and to fully enjoy its uncrowded atmosphere?

The dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, are ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around the permanent water sources, making them easier to spot. Visiting during these periods also ensures comfortable conditions for activities like walking safaris and boat trips, maximizing the benefit of its low crowding level.

Despite being Uganda's smallest savannah park, what specific wildlife viewing opportunities make Lake Mburo a compelling safari destination?

Lake Mburo is the only park in Uganda where you can reliably spot impalas and the majestic elands, offering a unique photographic opportunity. Furthermore, its open savannah and acacia woodlands provide excellent chances to see large herds of zebras and giraffes, often in close proximity during walking safaris, alongside a remarkable diversity of over 350 bird species.

How does Lake Mburo's accessibility and smaller size influence the cost and overall value of a safari experience compared to Uganda's larger parks?

Being easily accessible from Kampala significantly reduces travel time and associated transportation costs, making it a more budget-friendly option for a shorter safari. Its compact nature also means less time spent driving between wildlife hotspots, maximizing your viewing opportunities and offering excellent value for a concentrated safari experience.

What practical safety advice should visitors consider when participating in activities like walking safaris or boat trips in Lake Mburo National Park?

Always adhere to your guide's instructions, especially during walking safaris, and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. For boat trips, ensure you wear a life jacket, and be aware that the park has a high malaria risk, so preventative measures like repellents and prophylactic medication are strongly recommended.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Bradt Guide: Uganda by Philip Briggs - The definitive guide to Uganda - gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls, and chimp tracking. Detailed practical information from Africa's leading guidebook author.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.