National park
National park
Lake Mburo National Park
Zebras, impalas and lakes, 3½ hours from Kampala.
- Western Uganda
- Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
- Entry from US$40
Overview
- Area
- 370 km²
- Altitude
- 1,220 – 1,828 m
- Lakes in the park
- 5
- Bird species
- 315+
- From Kampala
- About 228 km
- Headquarters
- Rwonyo
Lake Mburo is Uganda's smallest savanna park and the closest national park to Kampala, just off the highway to the west. Wetlands cover a fifth of the park and link five lakes.
There are no elephants, so woodland thrives. The park is the best place in Uganda for zebras and the only home of impalas; elands, buffaloes, topis, warthogs, hippos and crocodiles are common.
More than 315 bird species have been recorded, especially acacia birds around Rwonyo. UWA reinvests 20% of entrance fees in neighbouring communities.
- Walking and cycling safaris
One of few Ugandan parks where you can explore among zebras on foot or by bike.
- Lake Mburo boat trip
Hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles.
- Night game drives
Look for leopards, hyenas and bushbabies.
Things to do
- Guided game driveFrom US$20
Day drive.
- Night game driveFrom US$30
Per person.
- Boat rideFrom US$30
On Lake Mburo.
- Birding and nature walkFrom US$25
Guided.
- CyclingFrom US$30
Guided rides.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Open all year and easy to reach. Game viewing is best in the dry months (December–February, June–September).
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA Conservation Tariff, July 2024 – June 2026). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free. | US$40 | US$30 | US$25 | UGX 20,000 |
| Guided game drive (day)per guide | US$20 | US$15 | — | UGX 20,000 |
| Night game driveper person | US$30 | US$15 | — | UGX 50,000 |
| Boat rideper person | US$30 | US$25 | US$20 | UGX 30,000 |
| Birding and nature walkper person | US$25 | US$20 | — | UGX 20,000 |
| Cyclingper person | US$30 | US$25 | — | UGX 30,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$40
- Foreign resident
- US$30
- Rest of Africa
- US$25
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
Children 5–15: US$20 / US$10 / US$5 / UGX 5,000. Under 5s enter free.
- Guided game drive (day)per guide
- Foreign non-resident
- US$20
- Foreign resident
- US$15
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
- Night game driveper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$30
- Foreign resident
- US$15
- East African citizen
- UGX 50,000
- Boat rideper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$30
- Foreign resident
- US$25
- Rest of Africa
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 30,000
- Birding and nature walkper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$25
- Foreign resident
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
- Cyclingper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$30
- Foreign resident
- US$25
- East African citizen
- UGX 30,000
- UWA runs bandas, tents and a guesthouse at Rwonyo (UGX 130,000 per double room with breakfast).
Getting there
- By roadFrom KampalaAbout 3½ hours
About 228 km towards Mbarara; turn off to Nshara Gate or Sanga Gate, both about 2 km from Rwonyo.
- By airFrom Entebbe or KajjansiAbout 1½ hours
Charter flights to Mbarara airstrip, then a short drive.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- A good first or last stop on a western Uganda circuit.
- Walking safaris always go with an armed UWA ranger.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do Lake Mburo as a day trip from Kampala?
It is possible but long; at least one night lets you enjoy an evening or morning game drive.
Are there lions in Lake Mburo?
Lions are rarely seen. The park is best for zebras, impalas, elands, hippos, leopards and birds.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority park page
- UWA Conservation Tariff 2024–2026
- UWA tariff changes, 26 February 2026
Combine your trip
Places to pair with Lake Mburo National Park
National park
Lake
Capital city