Horseback riding at Lake Mburo.
Horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park on a Uganda safari is known as a breathtaking activity that can only be done in Lake Mburo National Park, among the other 9 Uganda National Parks. Riding on a horse allows you to enjoy the fresh breeze, the beautiful nature around you and the interest of Mburo.
Moreover, it’s an ideal opportunity to witness animals at close view, such as zebras and buffalo, which are far more relaxed around horses than around cars.
The Lake Mburo horseback safari is organised by Mihingo Lodge, which sits in the eastern part of the park. Offering a safe and comfortable night’s stay under the bright stars in the midst of wildness. Rides are managed according to individual experience and requirements.
Kids can also participate in horseback rides led by comfort-natured ponies, while at the other extreme, experienced riders can help them.
Travellers interested in horse riding must have a maximum weight of 100 kilograms. Note, most of the horses cannot carry more than 85 kg. During your riding experience, you will be accompanied by at least one or two skilled horse guides to make your experience worthwhile.
Cost of Horseback Safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Horseback fees for a day range from $40 to $60 per person for 30 to 60 minutes on the grassy valley floor below the lodge. Those who wish to experience a half-day excursion pay $240, inclusive of a picnic breakfast.
Visitors staying at Mihingo Lodge who wish to be part of a horse ride safari are offered a substantial discount of $25 for 40 minutes, $30 for 60 minutes and $150 for half a day.
Note that overnight, two-day and three-day rides are also available.
In general, Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest game park, offering a true hidden wildness, comprising wetlands, savanna and woodlands.
Moreover, the park is the most accessible savanna park, which sits close to Uganda’s main city, Kampala. Its unique habitat is home to wild animals not found in other Ugandan game parks.
Commonly spotted animals here are antelope species such as zebras, impalas, and elands. Other animals like buffaloes, Defassa waterbucks and reedbucks can be seen roaming the plain savanna. Hippos and crocodiles around the lake shores, among others.
More to that, Lake Mburo also boasts over 315 bird species, thus making it a stopping destination for bird lovers, and the best spot is around Rwonyo.
Some of the bird species to see include the Southern ground hornbill, Ruppell’s starling, Black-bellied bustard, Mosque swallow, White-winged Swamp Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, Lilac-breasted Roller, Shoebill, Black-throated Barbet, and Bare-faced go-away bird, to name a few.
Besides horseback riding, there is a list of unique activities such as boat tours, game drives, bird watching and guided walking safaris, offering unforgettable safari encounters.
Boat tour: This is an interesting activity which is conducted on Lake Mburo, one of the five lakes within the park. Offers water animal views, like hippos and crocodiles, as well as buffaloes, kobs, and warthogs along the lake shores. Also excellent for waterbirds like pelicans, finfoots, herons, and shoebills, among others.
Game drive: This is the main activity in the park. Allows you to explore acacia woodlands and savannah for wildlife encounters. Some of the animals to see are giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles, and on a lucky day, might spot leopards and spotted hyenas
Accessibility to Lake Mburo National Park
By Road
Lake Mburo National Park is the closest of all Uganda’s savannah game parks to Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, located in Mbarara and approximately 228 kilometres away. The journey covers about a 3-to-4-hour drive to access the park.
Travellers from Kampala can access the park through two gates, that is, Nshara Gate and Sanga. Both gates cover about 2 kilometres from the park’s headquarters at Rwonyo.
By Air
Alternatively, you can choose to use direct flights into the park or charter flights from either Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Mbarara Airstrip through one of the domestic carriers. The flight is estimated to take 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then, transfer by road to the park for a short distance.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park
The best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park essentially hinges on the kind of activities one is aiming for. The animals usually come together around water points during the dry season, which lasts from June to September and December to February. This, coupled with the fact that the grass is shorter, allows for easier spotting.
On the other hand, the wet season, which spans March to May and October to November, is characterised by a flourishing environment, a great variety of birds, and fewer crowds; thus, it is a good time for both photography and tranquillity lovers. In fact, each of the seasons has something special to offer; hence, tourists can make their choice based on their instincts for wildlife and their level of comfort.
Conclusion.
The experience of horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park allows riders to gain an intimate understanding of the natural beauty on offer, which includes the park’s undulating savannahs, acacia woodlands, and secret waterholes. Besides, horseback riding is one of those activities that, at the same time, gives you close sightings of zebras, impalas, and other wildlife, while it is also a great way to keep the environmental footprint at a low level. This fun and exhilarating activity is not only a great way to get to know the park, but also it is suitable for both beginners and advanced riders, a combination of adventure, nature observation and the serenity of the Ugandan landscape, making it an incredible experience.
What an experience that offers an up-close and personal Uganda safari experience! Take a step to book your next bucket list-inclusive safari, a ‘horseback safari’ in Uganda. Get started now!
