A boat cruise in Lake Mburo national park is one of the safari activities that allows you close interactions with wild game on your Uganda safari. Unlike conventional guided game drives, a boat cruise offers unique, relaxing, and surprisingly close interactions with the aquatic and land mammals by the banks of the river. Lake Mburo national park is Uganda’s smallest savanna park. Do let that deter you. This small ecosystem of lakes, grasslands, and woodland is a haven for some of Uganda’s best game. The reserve is famous for the vast herds of zebra and Impala. Topis, eland, Jackson’s hartebeests, buffalo, warthogs, giraffes, waterbuck, and leopards are some of the wildlife that calls this small park home. Although the park lacks some of the big game like lions, elephants, and rhinos, it makes up for it with the share volume of those that are present.
Boat cruise in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo national park offers boat cruises on Lake Mburo. This lake offers a lifeline to the wildlife during the rather brutal and harsh dry seasons of June-August and December-February. Long herds are seen heading to the Lake to quench their thirst. There are 2 scheduled boat cruises on the Lake. One at 11am and 2pm. These boat cruises last for 2 hours and are led by experienced rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. They mainly cruise close to the banks of the river for close encounters with the wildlife that is mainly found by the banks. Since hippos can’t swim, schools of hippos are some of the highlights on this cruise. Crocodiles and buffaloes are visible on the banks. Bird species like African Fish Eagle, Kingfisher, Papyrus Gonolek, and Egyptian geese can be spotted as they make an attempt at fishing.
Uganda Wildlife Authority is in charge of these boat cruises. There are 2 boats available for the cruise. A small 15-seater and a double-decker 45-seater are well maintained and piloted by expert staff. They are readily available to you in case you have any questions.
When to go for Boat cruise in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo national park is open to visitors all year round. However, some conditions offer better safari experiences. During the dry seasons, most of the watering holes in the park dry up and the wildlife becomes concentrated on the lake. This makes it the ideal time to embark on these cruises. More still, the afternoon heat coupled with the cool winds blowing across the lake offer a beautiful counterbalance. It is rather uncomfortable when it rains, making you weak and cold.
Other safari activities in Lake Mburo.
Game drives:
Game drives are the most convenient way on any African safari. These game drives are led by expert rangers who know the wildlife in the park and the best tracks to find them. These game drives are conducted in a customized safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, offering 360 degrees of the savanna plains. You will enjoy close interactions with the park’s residents in safety.
Nature Walks:
Nature walks in Lake Mburo are exceptional. Because the park doesn’t have a lot of predators, nature walks are simply stunning. You are led by an armed ranger who will take you closer to the docile game. The grazing zebras, giraffes, topi, and warthog are the highlights of your nature walk. However, the wind, blowing across the open grasslands, carrying with it the smell of fresh grass and game accompanied by the chirping of the birds is transcending.
Cycling:
Are you the adventurous one? Cycling on the tracks in Lake Mburo is both engaging but also gives one an opportunity to take in the views of nature. You are led by an armed ranger for protection. These tours are open to all ages and are mostly enjoyed as a family.
Horseback safaris:
Safari in style and ride across the savanna plains alongside the giraffes, buffaloes, and other wildlife in the park. This luxury safari activity is offered by Mihingo Lodge, a luxury safari lodge in the park. You don’t need any level of experience.
