Lake Mburo National Park tour: Wildlife & boat safari

Zebras, hippos and crocodiles share the same water you'll cross by boat.

A full-day tour from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park combines a 3-4 hour drive west through Savannah grasslands with three wildlife experiences: a game drive across the plains, a two-hour boat launch on the lake, and a guided nature walk. You'll see zebras, impalas, elands, topi, buffaloes and hippos, plus bird species including the rare Shoebill stork.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Mburo wildlife and nature tour

• Depart Kampala at 6:30am
• Stop at the Equator line
• Drive through Savannah grasslands
• Game drive in Lake Mburo NP
• Lunch break
• Boat launch on Lake Mburo
• Guided nature walk
• Return to Kampala

The experience

The drive starts at 6:30am and takes you through the Savannah dotted with Ankole cattle herds and local settlements. A stopover at the Equator lets you stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres before continuing to the park. Once there, a game drive puts you in search of plain game (zebra, hippos, crocodiles, eland, antelope and impala), across the grasslands where they graze and move.

After lunch, a two-hour boat launch on Lake Mburo itself becomes the day's centerpiece. The water holds hippos, crocodiles and several bird species, and the boat is how you reach them. A guided nature walk follows, moving through the park on foot before the drive back to Kampala ends the tour.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• National Park fees.
• driver and live guide.
• lunch.
• fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by East African Jungle Safaris ltd

Is this one for you?The 14-hour day (including the 3-4 hour drive each way) leaves little room for other activities in Kampala on the same day, so plan this as your main outing. It suits anyone who wants to see large mammals and water birds without splitting the experience across multiple days.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Arabic.

What animals will I actually see on the game drive at Lake Mburo?

Lake Mburo holds zebras, impalas, elands, topi, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles. The park is also known for its bird population, including the rare Shoebill stork, which is one of the main draws for bird watchers.

How much time do I spend on the water during the boat launch?

The boat launch lasts two hours and covers Lake Mburo itself, where you'll see hippos, crocodiles and water birds from the water rather than from shore.

What's the Equator stop like on the drive out?

The Equator stopover gives you a chance to stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time, a brief pause during the 3-4 hour drive to the park.

Will I have time to eat during the tour?

Yes. Lunch is included and served during the day, breaking up the game drive and boat launch.

Is the tour suitable for someone who isn't very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to the length of the day and the activities involved.