Yes, most visitors need a visa, which is best arranged in advance through Uganda’s official online e-visa portal. If you are also visiting Kenya and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers all three countries on a single application. We guide you through the process as part of planning your trip.
National Park
lake mburo national park
Western Uganda, East Africa
Western Uganda, East Africa
Lake Mburo is the perfect introduction to the Ugandan safari and a rewarding stop for seasoned travellers too. Compact and richly varied, this small savannah park packs wildlife, prolific birdlife, shimmering lakes, open plains and patches of forest into one easy-to-explore setting — and is home to much of Africa’s most iconic safari wildlife. Its location makes it an ideal pairing with Uganda’s other parks. Pure African WildlifeFor its size, Lake Mburo is remarkably rich, with wildlife concentrated in a compact area so sightings come thick and fast. It is one of the best places…
Lake Mburo is the perfect introduction to the Ugandan safari and a rewarding stop for seasoned travellers too. Compact and richly varied, this small savannah park packs wildlife, prolific birdlife, shimmering lakes, open plains and patches of forest into one easy-to-explore setting — and is home to much of Africa’s most iconic safari wildlife. Its location makes it an ideal pairing with Uganda’s other parks.
Pure African WildlifeFor its size, Lake Mburo is remarkably rich, with wildlife concentrated in a compact area so sightings come thick and fast. It is one of the best places to catch some of Africa’s most sought-after species.
A Chance to See Numerous Feathered BeautiesA true birder’s haven, the park records over 350 bird species — roughly a third of all the species found in Uganda.
Easy to AccessShort travel times and well-maintained tracks — passable even by ordinary vehicles — make Lake Mburo one of the simplest parks in Uganda to reach.
Photographic OpportunitiesThe park’s varied scenery of rolling hills, forest, open grassland, wetlands, lakes and acacia woodland offers endless opportunities for memorable photography.
Can Easily Be Combined with Other DestinationsThanks to its position, Lake Mburo pairs effortlessly with other parks in western and southwestern Uganda, and with onward travel into Rwanda.
Family-Friendly SafarisLake Mburo welcomes visitors of all ages, with activities ranging from game drives and guided bush walks to relaxed boat cruises — ideal for families.
More About Lake Mburo National ParkSet between Masaka and Mbarara, Lake Mburo was gazetted in 1986 and covers about 370 km² of lakes, wetlands, forest, savannah and woodland.
Luxury AccommodationMburo Safari Lodge, Mpogo Safari Lodge, Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Arcadia Cottages and Mantana Tented Camp.
How to Get ThereBy road: About 270 km from Kampala — the easiest of Uganda’s national parks to reach. The usual route is Kampala–Masaka–Lake Mburo, entering via the Nshara or Sanga Gates, roughly 3 hours’ drive. From Mbarara city, it’s about 30 minutes.
By air: Chartered flights run from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Mbarara airstrip in 33–45 minutes, with the park under 45 minutes further by road.
The best time to visit Uganda
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
- Recommended
- Transitional
- Challenging conditions
Uganda is a year-round destination, lying on the equator with a warm, temperate climate and no true off-season. The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are the most popular, offering firmer forest trails for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking and easier wildlife viewing. The wetter months bring lush, green landscapes, lower rates and fewer visitors, and gorilla trekking continues all year. The guide below shows what to expect month by month.
- January
- Dry season; warm, clear days and excellent conditions for gorilla trekking and savannah game viewing.
- February
- One of the driest months, with firm trekking trails and superb wildlife viewing across the parks.
- March
- The long rains usually begin late in the month; early March is still dry and green, with fewer travellers.
- April
- The height of the long rains. Forest trails are muddy and trekking is more demanding, though landscapes are vivid and low-season rates apply.
- May
- The long rains continue, with the wettest conditions of the year; lush scenery, quiet parks and the best value.
- June
- The rains ease and the long dry season begins — prime time for gorilla trekking and wildlife.
- July
- Dry, reliable weather and excellent trekking and game-viewing conditions; a popular month, so plan early.
- August
- Continued dry season, with firm trails and strong wildlife sightings across the country.
- September
- Dry and rewarding, with good trekking conditions and thinner crowds than mid-year.
- October
- The short rains arrive, bringing afternoon showers, green landscapes and fewer visitors.
- November
- The wettest of the short-rains months; trails can be slippery, but birding is excellent with migratory species present.
- December
- The dry season returns from mid-month, bringing clear, festive-season conditions ideal for trekking and safaris.
Wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park
- Leopard
- Cape Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Hippopotamus
- Hyena
- Warthog
- Crocodile
- Crowned Crane
- Impala
- Eland
- Waterbuck
- Topi
- Bushbuck
- Monitor Lizard
- Shoebill
Frequently asked questions
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda. Anti-malarial precautions are strongly recommended, and we advise consulting your doctor or a travel clinic well before departure for the most current personal advice.
Gorilla permits are limited and in high demand, so they should be booked months ahead — especially for the dry season. As your operator, we secure your permits for you and build your entire itinerary around your confirmed trekking dates.
Lightweight, long-sleeved layers in neutral colours, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, gardening-style gloves for gripping vegetation, and a daypack for water and your camera. Mornings can be cool and trails wet, so come prepared for mud and sudden showers.
Mountain gorillas live in two southwestern parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half the world’s population, and the smaller Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the Virunga volcanoes.
Yes. Uganda is the best country in the world to combine the two. Chimpanzee tracking is superb in Kibale Forest — the primate capital of East Africa — and also possible in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth and the Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls.
Uganda’s savannah parks hold elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and hippo, along with zebra, giraffe and many antelope. Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions, while Kidepo Valley in the northeast offers cheetah and vast herds in a remote, untouched setting.
Exceptionally so. With over 1,080 recorded species across 33 Important Bird Areas, Uganda is one of Africa’s finest birding destinations, home to the rare shoebill, the great blue turaco, and countless Albertine Rift endemics.
The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the easiest trekking and game viewing, but Uganda is a rewarding year-round destination, and gorilla trekking continues through every month.
Most journeys are by private 4x4 with a driver-guide, with scheduled and chartered flights linking Entebbe to park airstrips for longer distances. We also arrange private helicopter and flying safaris for a faster, more scenic way to travel.
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Join us on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Africa, where you'll encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
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