Night game drive safaris in Lake Mburo National Park
Night game drive safaris in Lake Mburo National Park: Embark on a thrilling adventure through the shadows of African night during a night game drive safari in Lake Mburo National Park. This unique experience allows you to witness the nocturnal activities of the park’s wildlife, offering a different perspective on the natural wonder after dark
Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda. The park is situated in the western region of Uganda, Lake Mburo is a relatively young lake that was formed around 10,000 years ago, it covers an area of approximately 260 square kilometers. Lake Mburo National Park is teeming with diverse wildlife, including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, hippos, and over 300 bird species. The park is known for its population of zebras, making it one of the few places in Uganda where you can see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Visitors to Lake Mburo National Park can embark on exciting night game drives to spot a number of nocturnal wildlife or experience the thrill of a nocturnal safari accompanied by an armed ranger. As the sun sets over the park, a sense of anticipation builds as you board an open-sided safari vehicle, equipped with powerful spotlights to illuminate the creatures of the night. The expert guide, with their keen eyes and knowledge of the park, will lead you through the darkness while pointing out the hidden gems and explaining the behavior of the animals you encounter.
One of the highlights of a night game drive safari in Lake Mburo National Park is the opportunity to see predators. The activity begins at 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm and takes like 2 to 3 hours escorted by a ranger guide. During a night game drive in the park, you will have the opportunity to spot the amazing nocturnal animals that call the park home such as leopards and hyenas on the prowl. With heightened senses and stealthy movements, these elusive carnivores come alive in the cover of darkness, making for an exhilarating viewing experience. In addition to predators, the night game drive safari also offers the chance to spot smaller nocturnal creatures that are rarely seen during the day such as bushbabies, genets, black galago, porcupines and white-tailed mongoose. The sounds of the night from the hunting calls owls to the rustling of grass as animals move through the undergrowth, add an atmospheric element to the adventure.
Night game drive safaris in Lake Mburo National Park is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world after dark, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wildlife that calls the park home. Whether you are a seasoned safari traveler or a first-time visitor, this experience is sure to leave you in awe of the beauty and diversity of Uganda’s wilderness.
Tips and Essential items to carry for a night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
To make your night game drive safari in Lake Mburo National Park an unforgeable experience, there are essential items you should move along with such as;
Dress warmly; bring layers of clothing and a warm jacket to keep you comfortable during the cooler evening hours
Bring binoculars; while spotlighting illuminates the path ahead, binoculars will help you get a closed look at the distant animals
Respect the wildlife boundaries; remember to maintain a safe distance from animals at all times and follow your guide’s instructions.
Listen carefully; pay attention to the sounds of the night including the animals’ calls and rustling leaves.
Stay alert; keep an eye out for any sudden movement or changes in animals’ behavior.
Cost of a night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
A night game drive safari in Lake Mburo National Park costs US$ 30 per person for foreign non-residents, US$ 15 per person for foreign residents, and UGX 50, 000 per person for East African citizens including Ugandans. Night game drive safari is only restricted to tourists staying within the park and the use of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guides is mandatory for a night drive.
A night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park when using UWA is a game drive vehicle that costs US$ 40 per person for foreign non-residents, US$ 35 per person for foreign residents and UGX 40,000 per person for East African community citizens. UWA vehicles are only allowed equivalent of 3 persons for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and 5 persons for East African community members.
The best time to do a night game drive safari in Lake Mburo National Park
The best time to go for a night game drive safari in Lake Mburo National Park is during the dry seasons from June to August and then December to February. During these months, the weather is more predictable, and the animals are often more active during the cooler night hours. It is also important to check with the park authorities or us at Achieve Global Safaris for any specific guidance or restrictions on night game drives before planning your safari.
Activity to do in Lake Mburo National Park besides night game drive
Guided nature walks; Lake Mburo National Park offers guided nature walks where visitors can explore the hidden treasures of the park on foot with an experienced park guide. This is a great way to get up close to the wildlife and learn about the flora and fauna of the park
Boat safari; the park offers the most fascinating boat cruise safari to its visitors, this is a unique opportunity to see the wildlife from different perspectives and spot animals such as hippos, crocodiles and a variety of bird species that stay along the water shores.
Bird watching; Lake Mburo National Park is home to over 350 different colorful bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot a wide variety of bird species including the rare African finfoot, shoebill stork and papyrus yellow warblers.
Horseback riding; Lake Mburo National Park is one of the few national parks in Uganda where visitors can go in a guided horseback riding safari. This is a great way to explore the park and get closer to the wildlife.
Cycling; visitors can rent bicycles and explore the park on their own or take a guided cycling safari with a park ranger. This is a fun and eco-friendly way to see the park and its exceptional wildlife including the zebras.
Cultural visit; Lake Mburo National Park is surrounded by several local communities, and visitors can take a cultural visit to learn about the traditions and way of life of the local people. This can include visiting traditional homesteads, meeting with community members and participating in cultural activities among others.
Where to stay while on a night game drive safari in Lake Mburo National Park
There are quite a number of accommodation safari ranging from luxury, mid-range and budget where you can stay while on a night game drive safari in Lake Mburo National Park such as Arcadia Cottages, Mburo Safari Lodge, Eagle’s Nest Lodge, Mantana Tented Camp, Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock, Hyena Hill Lodge, Mpogo Lodge, and Rwonyo Rest Camp.
