We have prepared a detailed list for climbing Mt. Meru

First of all: What sets Mt. Meru apart from Mt. Kilimanjaro? Here are the most important differences: – Mt. Meru is located inside Arusha National Park, so spotting animals is very likely – Mt. Meru is a very steep hike and therefore not to underestimate – Mt. Meru receives quite a lot of rain and can therefore be very challenging – Mt. Meru offers well-established huts (so you will not sleep in tents) – Mt. Meru offers fewer routes & receives less crowds than Kilimanjaro As there is a great deal of rain on the mountain, please bring a waterproof jacket and pants to carry in your day pack. A good pair of waterproof hiking shoes is also necessary for each day of hiking and most importantly, the final summit day. Although our head guides carry first aid kits, we recommend that each person has their own personal medical kit. Because of weight restrictions on porters’ bags, we ask each climber to keep their individual bag under 15 kilograms (33 pounds). Please pack your gear in a duffel bag or large backpack. We recommend packing your sleeping bag and clothing inside dry bags in case of heavy rains. In addition to your duffel bag, please pack a small day pack (30 to 36 liters, 10 kg maximum) to carry during the hike each day. We recommend carrying the following items in your day pack: rain gear, 4 liters of water, snacks, fleece jacket). You will not have access to the luggage carried by the porter until you reach the hut each evening.

Lake Mburo National Park

Discover the Hidden Gem of Uganda – Lake Mburo National Park with Uganda Horizon Safaris

Welcome to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s most accessible and underrated safari destination, where golden savannahs meet shimmering lakes and wildlife roams free in a peaceful and scenic landscape. Located just a 4-hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, this compact park is the perfect introduction or relaxing conclusion to your Uganda safari adventure.

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we love sharing Lake Mburo with travelers who want to experience a more intimate, relaxed, and activity-filled safari in one of Uganda’s most charming national parks. Whether it’s your first visit to East Africa or a return journey, Lake Mburo National Park offers a refreshing and rewarding wildlife experience without the crowds.

This is not your typical game park—it’s a place where you can walk among zebras, ride through acacia woodlands, sail across papyrus-fringed lakes, and truly feel part of nature.


Why Visit Lake Mburo National Park?

Lake Mburo National Park may be smaller than other Ugandan parks, but it’s packed with unique wildlife, beautiful scenery, and adventurous activities. Covering about 370 square kilometers, it’s the only park in Uganda where you can enjoy walking safaris, horseback safaris, and cycling safaris—making it one of the most interactive parks in the country.

Lake Mburo is also the only national park in Uganda where you can find impalas, and it’s a stronghold for Burchell’s zebras, which are not present in most other parts of the country. With no elephants and only a few predators, it’s an ideal destination for up-close encounters with wildlife, particularly for families, first-time safari-goers, and nature lovers.


Wildlife & Safari Highlights

Game viewing in Lake Mburo National Park is surprisingly rewarding. Though it lacks the “big five” (no elephants or lions), the park boasts an incredible diversity of species and peaceful, unspoiled landscapes.

You’ll find:

  • Zebras (the highest population in Uganda)

  • Impala antelope (found only here in Uganda)

  • Eland (Africa’s largest antelope)

  • Topi, bushbucks, waterbucks, warthogs

  • Buffalos, giraffes, and hippos

  • Leopards (seen mostly during night game drives)

  • Over 350 bird species, including the African finfoot, bare-faced go-away bird, and papyrus gonolek

The absence of heavy predator populations means walking and cycling safaris are safe and incredibly rewarding, giving you the rare chance to experience Africa on foot or two wheels.


Top Experiences with Uganda Horizon Safaris

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we curate your Lake Mburo experience to maximize adventure, connection, and tranquility. Here are the top highlights and activities we offer:

1. Game Drives

Enjoy morning or late afternoon game drives through rolling hills, wooded savannahs, and open plains. Sightings often include elands, zebras, impalas, and sometimes the elusive leopard.

2. Boat Safari on Lake Mburo

Cruise on the calm waters of Lake Mburo, watching pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and waterbirds. You’ll spot fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and possibly the rare African finfoot. Sunset cruises are especially magical.

3. Guided Walking Safaris

Explore the park on foot with an armed ranger guide. Follow animal tracks, discover hidden corners of the bush, and observe wildlife up close in a peaceful, low-impact way.

4. Horseback Safaris (Optional)

For a truly unique safari, go on a horseback ride through the bush. Offered at Mihingo Lodge, this activity brings you side-by-side with zebras, impalas, and buffalo—an unforgettable, silent safari experience.

5. Cycling Safaris (Optional)

Cycle through the savannah plains and forested trails, accompanied by a ranger. This active option is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to feel the rhythm of nature.

6. Night Game Drives (Optional)

Discover the park’s nocturnal life on a guided night drive. Look out for leopards, hyenas, genets, bush babies, and other creatures that come alive after dark.

7. Birdwatching Tours

Lake Mburo is a birdwatcher’s haven. From the papyrus swamps to open grasslands, spot everything from shoebills and African wattled lapwings to green wood-hoopoes and crested francolins.

8. Visit to the Salt Lick Viewing Platform

Watch animals congregate around a natural salt lick from a raised wooden observation platform—perfect for photography and peaceful animal viewing without disturbance.


Combine Adventure with Tranquility

At Uganda Horizon Safaris, we recommend Lake Mburo as the perfect stopover between Entebbe/Kampala and southwestern Uganda, especially en route to Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, or Mgahinga. It’s a wonderful destination for first-night acclimatization, last-night relaxation, or even a full 2-day adventure escape.

Whether you’re riding beside zebras, paddling past hippos, or relaxing at a lodge with panoramic views of the savannah, Lake Mburo offers a sense of serenity and authenticity that few places can match.


Let Uganda Horizon Safaris Show You a Different Side of Uganda

We specialize in curated safari experiences that combine wildlife, culture, comfort, and sustainability. At Lake Mburo National Park, we offer flexible itineraries, experienced local guides, and hand-picked accommodations to ensure your visit is safe, smooth, and memorable.

 

Book your Lake Mburo safari with Uganda Horizon Safaris today—where Uganda’s wild beauty meets unforgettable adventure.

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