Lake Mburo National Park: Zebras, Walking Safaris & Lake Views
A compact, easy-to-reach park of rolling hills and lakes, ideal as a stop on the way to Bwindi.
Lake Mburo National Park is one of Uganda's smaller savannah parks, but it packs in a good variety of animals, including zebras, impala, eland, buffalo, giraffes and plenty of birds. It is about four hours by road from Kampala, which makes it one of the easiest parks to visit and a good first or last stop on a south-western route.
Because walking, horse-riding and boat activities are possible here, Lake Mburo suits families and anyone who wants a gentler pace. See our family safari holidays and guide to the national parks.
At a glance
- Location: South-western Uganda
- Main attractions: Zebras, impala, walking and horse-riding safaris
- Also see: Boat cruise on the lake, birding
- Typical stay: One night
- Getting there: About four hours by road from Kampala
What to Do
- Game drives for zebras, impala, eland, buffalo and giraffes.
- Boat cruise on the lake for hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
- Guided walking safaris, which let you see animals close up without a vehicle.
- Horse-riding safaris through the plains, arranged through nearby lodges.
- Birding in forest, wetland and savannah habitats.
Lake Mburo on the Way to Bwindi
Lake Mburo sits on the road to Bwindi and Kabale, so a night here breaks the journey. See driving distances and the 8-day ultimate Uganda safari.
Best Time to Visit
Lake Mburo can be visited all year. See our season guide.
Activities at Lake Mburo
- Game drives: Lake Mburo is a compact savannah park where zebra, impala, topi, buffalo, eland and warthog are regularly seen, along with plenty of birdlife.
- Walking safaris: one of the few Ugandan parks where guided walks among plains game are common, because there are no lions to worry about in the same way as in larger parks. Always walk with an armed ranger.
- Boat trips on the lake: good for hippos, crocodiles and water birds such as African fish eagle and kingfishers.
- Horse riding and cycling: offered by some lodges and operators for a different perspective.
- Night drives: available through the park or lodges, for nocturnal species. Confirm availability when booking.
Why Many Itineraries Stop Here
Lake Mburo is close to the main road between Kampala and south-western Uganda, which makes it a practical break on the way to Bwindi or Mgahinga. Instead of a long day in the car, a night at Mburo breaks up the journey and adds a wildlife stop. That is why many gorilla safari packages include it.
It also suits families and first-time visitors who want a gentler introduction to safaris. See Uganda family safari holidays and the first-time visitor guide.
Wildlife Expectations
Lake Mburo does not have the elephants, lions and big herds of the larger parks, and you should not expect them. What it does offer is a quieter experience with open views, rolling hills and species that are less common elsewhere in Uganda, such as zebra and eland. Compare it with Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls if big game is your priority.
Lake Mburo Fees at a Glance
| Activity | FNR | FR | EAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entrance (adult) | $40 | $30 | UGX 20,000 |
| Game drive, day (per guide) | $20 | $15 | UGX 20,000 |
| Night game drive (per person) | $30 | $15 | UGX 50,000 |
| Boat ride | $30 | $25 | UGX 30,000 |
| Cycling | $30 | $25 | UGX 30,000 |
| Birding and nature walk | $25 | $20 | UGX 20,000 |
| Self game drive (per vehicle) | $10 | $10 | UGX 10,000 |
See UWA accommodation at Rwonyo and cycling.
About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.
Safaris That Include Lake Mburo National Park
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