Uganda Parks
By Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and frequently visits Uganda. She and her husband are a travel photography/writing team with many Africa guidebooks under their belt, including the Bradt guide to Uganda.
This scenic little park, close to Kampala, is home to several wildlife species not easily seen elsewhere in Uganda. These include – Rothschild's giraffe, Burchell's zebra and impala. Although elephant are absent from the park, there is plenty of other wildlife to see. This is the only park in Uganda where people can view savannah animals on foot, from a mountain bike, horseback and in a vehicle. Farmers from surrounding properties sometimes graze their cattle inside the park, disrupting local wildlife.
Pros and Cons
- Boat trips on lake are available
- Good accommodation options
- Guided walks and horseback riding for beginner and experienced riders
- Easily accessible, close to Kampala and en route to the western parks
- No elephant or rhino in the park
- The park has a limited wildlife-viewing circuit
Wildlife
Most of the typical safari animals are resident – excluding elephant and rhino. Leopard are sometimes spotted on night drives. Highlights in the park include impala (which isn't found in any other Ugandan park), eland, the endangered Rothschild's giraffe and Burchell's zebra (which is only found here and in Kidepo Valley). Other animals regularly seen are Defassa waterbuck, oribi and warthog. Hundreds of hippo are found in the lake.
Scenery
The main feature of the park is Lake Mburo and four other lakes, which form part of a 50km-long wetland area. They are best viewed from the impressive Kazuma Lookout. The main vegetation is open savannah, but the park is becoming increasingly covered by woodland due to the absence of elephant. The savannah is interspersed with patches of forest and rocky outcrops. Papyrus swamp and woodland surround the lakes.
Weather & Climate
Two Wet seasons give Lake Mburo a good soaking from March to May and September to November. The rainfall tends to peak in April and lessen in the second half of the year. The drier periods of the year (June to August and December to February) barely qualify as Dry seasons – they’re just less wet.
Best Time to Visit
The mid-year dry period (June to August/September) brings the best weather. However, it also brings more visitors keen on exploring Uganda, and high-season prices. Don’t discount a visit during one of the two Wet seasons (March to May and September to November), when the park’s valleys turn green and the air loses its dry-weather haziness. Just be prepared for slippery hiking and unrelenting drizzle.
