, by Rwobuyenje Family Resort
Lake Mburo National Park lies in western Uganda, close to Mbarara, and is roughly an hour's drive from the city depending on which gate you use. It is Uganda's smallest savannah park, which makes it a manageable day trip as well as a good place for a night or two.
The park is at its easiest during the dry seasons, roughly December to February and June to August. Tracks are firmer, the grass is shorter and animals gather near the water, so game drives tend to be rewarding. These months are also the busiest.
The wetter months, roughly March to May and September to November, bring green landscapes, fewer visitors and excellent birdwatching. Some tracks can turn muddy after heavy rain, so ask the park rangers about conditions before you set out.
Lake Mburo is best known for zebra, impala and eland, animals that are hard to see in most other Ugandan parks. You may also see buffalo, warthogs, topi and hippos, and the lakeside wetlands are rich in birds.
Besides game drives, visitors can take guided walks, cycle on selected routes and go on boat trips on the lake. Park fees and rules are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, so check the current details before you travel. Bring water, sun protection and clothes in neutral colours.