Start › Mountain Gorillas & More › National Parks: Unspoilt Nature in Uganda › Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda
The highlight of this national park of just under 260 km² is the Lake Mburo lying within it, as well as its wealth of impala antelopes. The name of the Ugandan capital Kampala is derived from these animals (Kasozi K’Empala = Hill of the Antelopes: this referred to Nakasero Hill in Kampala, which was grazed by domesticated impala antelopes at the time the city was founded). Five lakes lie within the park itself and 14 in the region as a whole – along with extensive swamps that create a varied landscape. As on average only around 800 mm of rainfall falls, visitors find wide areas of umbrella acacias on open grass plains.
Elephants are absent here, but lions have been appearing sporadically again since around 2008 (no permanent population). Leopards, waterbuck, hyenas, zebras and, since 2015, more than 30 Rothschild’s giraffes invite a visit. A boat trip on the lake and a ranger-accompanied walk through the wilderness are also interesting.
Horse-riding safaris of Mihingo Lodge
Almost unique are the horse-riding safaris of Mihingo Lodge in Lake Mburo National Park. Horse-riding safaris are an exciting way of observing the wildlife . Without engine noise and exhaust fumes you feel part of nature and have the chance to see very shy animals too. It is an intoxicating experience that you should not miss.
Located on the main road from Masaka to Mbarara, it is very easy to reach (230 km from Kampala). There is a wide range of accommodation – from a luxury tented camp (Mantana Safaris) to some huts and campsites.