Boat cruise safari at Lake Mburo National Park: Lake Mburo National Park is located to the west of Kampala, covering an area of about 370 square kilometers, and is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks. The lake was originally designated as a controlled hunting area in 1933 and was upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. It was finally declared a national park in 1983. The park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Lake Mburo National Park is one of the three parks with Burchell’s zebra and also the only park with Impala. It is also unique because it has only two species of monkeys, which include the vervet monkey and the wonderful baboons that are seen in the beautiful trees of the park having fun and enjoying the environment. The park harbors 68 different species of mammals, including the zebra, impala, eland, topi, and buffalo. Leopards, hyenas, and jackals are the predators that are present. The bird population includes 315 species of birds, including the rare Shoebill stork, papyrus yellow warbler, African fin foot, saddle-billed stork, brown-chested wattled plover, ground hornbill, and white-wing warbler. The beautiful landscape with grassy hills and idyllic lakeshore provides a varied mosaic of habitat, with gallery forests, rich acacia valleys, and seasonal and permanent swamps to support this wealth of wildlife.
Lake Mburo is a natural haven for a variety of animals, including hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and a plethora of bird species. Taking a boat cruise safari through the park allows you to get up close and personal with the lake providing the perfect setting for observing wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior.
As you glide through the water, you’ll have the opportunity to see hippos lazily basking in the sun, crocodiles lurking along the shore, and an array of bird species flitting through the trees. The boat cruise safari is a relaxing and peaceful way to take in the beauty of Lake Mburo and its inhabitants.
In addition to wildlife viewing, the boat cruise safaris also offer breathtaking views of the park’s lush vegetation and rolling hills. The park is home to a variety of plant species including acacia trees, palm trees and grasslands, making for a picturesque backdrop as you cruise along the lake.
One of the highlights of a boat cruise safari at Lake Mburo National Park is the opportunity to witness a stunning sunset over the waters. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the lake, you’ll be treated to a magical and unforgettable experience.
How long does the boat cruise safari in Lake Mburo typically last?
Boat cruise safaris at Lake Mburo National Park typically last around 1-2 hours, depending on the operator and the specific route taken during the safari. The duration of the safari may also vary based on factors such as wildlife sightings, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances. it is recommended to check with tour operators like Achieve Global Safari or park authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the duration of the boat cruise safari In Lake Mburo National Park.
Are there any specific rules and regulations that we should be aware of during the boat cruise safari to help protect the environment and wildlife?
Yes! Are there any specific rules and regulations that we should be aware of during the boat cruise safari to help protect the environment and wildlife? Some of these rules include;
- Do not disturb or feed the wildlife
- Do not litter or leave any garbage behind
- Do not make loud noise or play loud music as it can disturb the animals and other travelers.
- Do not go off the designated path or trails
- Do not approach or touch the animals, and keep a safe distance for your safety and the animals’ safety
- Respect the natural environment and do not damage or disturb any vegetation
- Do not disturb the nesting sites or breeding grounds of the wildlife
- Follow the instructions and guidance of the park rangers or guides
- Do not remove or collect any plants or animals from the park
Best time to do the boat cruise on Lake Mburo
The best time to do the boat cruise on Lake Mburo is during the Dry season from June to September and December to February every year is the best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park great time when animals are very common on the shores of the channel. The park can as well be visited all year round and you will be able to see the wildlife and do a safari in Lake Mburo National Park, dry seasons offer great sightings of wildlife compared to wet seasons.
How to get to Lake Mburo National Park
By Road; The Park can be accessed by road, it is approximately a 3-4 hours’ drive each way from either Kampala/ Entebbe. The park can be accessed from various main gates which include Kyanyanshara Gate linking you to Mihingo Lodge, Akagate Gate, and Sanga Gate which leads you to Rwakobo Rock Lodge.
By Air; You can also opt for Flying Safari to Lake Mburo National Park via charter and scheduled flights from Kajjansi and Entebbe International Airport, operators of these routes include Aero Link Uganda and Fly Uganda among others. This however needs to be booked in advance given the fact the routing is mostly determined by the number of travelers aboard the flight, their destination and the weather. You will fly to the Airstrip in Mbarara and the flight trip is about 45 minutes and then you drive to Lake Mburo National Park.
Are there restroom facilities available on the boat cruise safari in Lake Mburo National Park?
Travelers planning to go for a bout cruise safari in the park shouldn’t worry about where to stay. The park has a variety of accommodations to cater to all levels of visitors, such as Arcadia Cottages, Mburo Safari Lodge, Eagle’s Nest Lodge, Mantana Tented Camp, Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock, Rwonyo Rest Camp, Palace Hotel, Oxford Royal, Hyena Hill Lodge, Igongo Country Hotel and Cultural Centre, Kigambira Safari Lodge and Tobiz Guest House among others.
