Lake Mburo Safari & Wildlife from Kampala with Boat Ride

Summary

Lake Mburo National Park Game Drives & Equator Stop

Step into Uganda’s wild side on this Lake Mburo safari from Kampala: cross the Equator with locals, spot zebras and hippos on game drives and a boat ride, share meals by the lake, and wake up surrounded by savannah sounds—moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely out of Kampala when our driver-guide, Moses, pulled over at a cluster of stalls in Kayabwe. “This is the Equator,” he grinned, handing me a cup of sweet ginger tea from a woman who’d been laughing with her friends nearby. I tried to say “webale” (thank you) — she just smiled and corrected me gently. There’s something about standing right on that painted white line, the sun already warming up the red dust underfoot, that makes you feel both tiny and oddly important at the same time. We took the classic photo — I look half-awake in mine — and then Moses explained the water experiment with such patience that even the kids next to us stopped fidgeting for a minute.

The drive west felt longer than four hours but not in a bad way; there’s always something happening along the road — goats darting across, people waving bunches of bananas for sale, clouds shifting over endless green. Lunch by Lake Mburo was simple but good (tilapia fresh from the lake), and I could hear hippos grunting somewhere close by while we ate. The boat ride after lunch was quieter than I expected; we drifted past crocodiles sunning themselves and watched fish eagles swoop low over the water. At one point I nearly dropped my camera when a zebra herd appeared at the shore — their stripes almost glowing against all that green. Moses pointed out birds I’d never heard of before; he seemed to know every call.

I’m not sure what I thought a game drive would be like, but it’s nothing like TV. The air smells different out there — dry grass mixed with something sweet from the acacia trees. We saw warthogs trotting with their tails up (Moses called them “Ugandan taxis”), buffaloes half-hidden in tall grass, and more zebras than I could count. At Hyena Hill Lodge that night, dinner was noisy with stories from other travelers and staff — someone tried to teach me how to say “good night” in Luganda but honestly I forgot it by morning.

The next day started early, mist still hanging over the savannah as we bumped along park trails again. There’s this quiet you get just after sunrise when even the birds seem to pause; it made seeing antelopes leap through golden grass feel almost private somehow. On our way back to Kampala after breakfast (and one last look at those rolling hills), I kept thinking about how much life fits into two days here — not just animals or landscapes but all these small moments with people who actually live it every day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Lake Mburo and Boat Ride

• Pick up and drive to Equator stop at Kayabwe
• Lunch by the lake and boat ride to see wildlife
• Evening game drive and overnight at lodge

Day 2 — Morning Game Drive and Return to Kampala

• Morning game drive in Lake Mburo Park
• Drive back to Kampala with lunch stop

Top questions

How far is Lake Mburo National Park from Kampala?

It’s about 240 km west of Kampala by road—roughly a 4-hour drive depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included for this safari?

Yes, private transportation with hotel or home pickup in Kampala is included.

What animals can I expect to see in Lake Mburo?

You might see zebras, buffaloes, bush pigs, leopards, elands, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, topis, waterbucks, and many bird species.

Does this tour include meals?

Yes—lunch by the lake on arrival day plus dinner and breakfast at your lodge are included.

Is there an overnight stay inside Lake Mburo National Park?

You’ll spend the night at Hyena Hill Lodge near or inside the park area.

Are children allowed on this safari?

Yes—infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are possible and infant seats are available if needed.

Do we stop at Uganda’s Equator during this trip?

Yes—there’s a stop at Kayabwe for photos and a water experiment at the Equator line before reaching Lake Mburo.

Is public transport available nearby if needed?

Yes—public transportation options are available near pickup points in Kampala.

What’s included

Your two days include private transportation with pickup from your hotel or home in Kampala, all meals (lunch by Lake Mburo plus dinner and breakfast at Hyena Hill Lodge), an expert local guide throughout your journey—including stops at Uganda’s Equator—a boat ride on Lake Mburo itself to spot wildlife up close, guided game drives through savannahs and woodlands teeming with animals and birds before returning comfortably back to your starting point in Kampala.