Lake Mburo National Park is in Nyabushozi County, Kiruhura District, Western Uganda.

Understand

History

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo was designated as a controlled hunting area in 1933 and later upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. The region was initially inhabited by Banyankole Bahima pastoralists who traditionally herded Ankole cattle and continue to do so today. The local population maintained their practice of grazing their cattle within the reserve, a situation that drew criticism from western conservationists who referred to them as "invaders" in 1981. However, their presence within the reserve was challenged when the area was upgraded to national park status in 1983, which ultimately resulted in their expulsion from the land. This decision was influenced by political factors, as the Obote government intended to weaken the Banyankole, who supported anti-Obote rebels at the time. The upgrade also coincided with the Operation Bonanza massacre of 300,000 people during the Ugandan Bush War. Despite not receiving compensation for lost grazing land or assistance with resettling, many of the displaced pastoralists remained resentful of the upgrade and continued to view the park as a site of loss and displacement. The surrounding rangeland was subsequently subdivided into smaller ranges and subsistence farming plots. In 1985, the second Obote regime fell, and the former residents of Lake Mburo regained access to the park, expelling park staff, destroying infrastructure, and killing wildlife. As a result, only about half of the park's original land area was eventually re-gazetted by the National Resistance Movement government in 1986.

Despite these events, some culturally significant locations remain within the park, such as Rubanga, where sacrifices were once made to the gods; Ruroko, where the semi-mythical Bachwezi lived; and Kigarama, where the servants of the king used to stay.

Flora and fauna

Fish Eagle, Topi, Impala, Warthog, Vervet Monkey, Plains Zebra, Crocodile, Hippo, Lion, Oribi, Lelwel Hartebeest, olive baboon, leopard

Get in

Private vehicle is the only reasonable way to reach the park. To reach your accommodation outside the park, you can take a matatu taxi or bus from Kampala to Sanga (USh40,000). Then a private hire will take you the rest of the way (USh50,000).

Fees and permits

Entrance fees are required and can only be paid electronically, i.e. either by online reservation or at the entry gate with credit card. Cash is not accepted any more since 2021.

See Uganda Wildlife Authority for more information.

Do

Besides classical game drives, it is also possible to do safaris on foot or with a bicycle.

Eat

There are very few places to buy food. It would be wise to bring some supplies.

Sleep

Lodging

Some limited cabins and dorms exist. Try to book ahead.

Mhingo Lodge is a comfortable safari camp, built just on the edge of the park. Deluxe safari tents with thatched roofs, attached bathroom with shower and toilet. Central dining room and bar. Swimming pool. Horse-back safaris.

Hyena Hill Lodge has beautiful lodges overlooking the national park. They offer mountain bike tours inside and outside the park.

Camping

There are designated spots for camping

Backcountry

Trekking into the backcountry will require the hiring of a guide.