At 260 sq KM Lake Mburo National park is small in comparison with the many other east African parks, but its mosaic of habitats – dry hillsides, rocky outcrops, busy thickets, open and wooded savannas, forests, lakes and swamps – are home to a surprising diversity of plants and animals.
At the centre of the park is Lake Mburo, which together with 14 other lakes in the area forms part of the wetland system. This system is linked by the swamp some 50kms long, fed by the Ruizi River on the western side. Five lakes, of which the largest is Lake Mburo, occur within the park’s boundary.
Lake Mburo harbours several species of mammals and birds which are found nowhere else in the country. Mammals – Zebra, Sitatunga, Roan antelope, bush rat, black-backed jackal, leopard, spotted hyena and Eland. Birds – Shoebill, papyrus yellow warbler, African finfoot, great snipe, Red faced Barbet, Tabora and Trilling Cisticola, Brown chested plover, Great blue eared starling, Brown Parrot, Brubru, Scimitabill and Wood hoopoes.
The Salt lick offers a great opportunity to see at least 4 different species of animals at any one time while they lick the salty soil. The observation point is strategically located in such a way that observation can be done without distracting the animals from their guide.
Accommodation in and around lake mburo national park
Acadia Cottages:
En-suite cottages designed with an African outlook, a dining and bar area overlooking
Lake Mburo, serving both local & international food.
Mantana Tented Camp
Located just outside the National park, individual tents with en suite facilities which are eco friendly , a central dining area under canvas with the bar facilities.
Mihingo Lodge
Mihingo Lodge is a peaceful and exclusive retreat adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. It features ten rooms which are built on wooden platforms with stilts, covered by a thatched roof. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent equipped with en-suite bathrooms with stunning views, including hot and cold running water, showers, and flush loos. The main dining area is a large thatched structure built of rocks, the wood of dead weathered olive trees found on the land, and native grasses. Below the dining area, an infinity swimming pool stretches out from the rocks and seems to disappear into the vast landscape beyond.
Camping/Budget facilities
These include 6 tents at the Rwonyo park headquarters and three public camp sites, all strategically located to facilitate and enhance scenic viewing and easy access to the to water. The Lakeside Restaurant located by 1km from Rwonyo provides meals on order.