Horse riding safari in Lake Mburo National Park

Horse riding safari in Lake Mburo National Park: Lake Mburo National Park is located in the western part of the country in Kiruhura district. It was gazetted as a national park to protect different wildlife species in 1983. It’s the smallest savannah park, and, being so close to the capital city, Kampala, most tourists visit the area to encounter the different wildlife hosted there. The park is one of the safest tourist destinations in the country, with unique wildlife species.

Lake Mburo National Park wildlife can be spotted by taking part in the different tourism activities that are organized within the park. Among the activities are horse riding, which is not common in all parks within the country. It’s one of the most epic activities tourists can do while on a safari within this park, while appreciating what the park has to offer.

The horse riding experience in Lake Mburo National Park

Horse riding in Lake Mburo National Park offers a unique experience that allows riders to get so close to the nature and wildlife species of the park. The activity starts with a briefing where participants are taught how to ride the horses as well as the dos and don’ts of the activity. Riders are given helmets, riding chaps, and stylish saddles for safety during the activity.

With a well-experienced rider guide, tourists are taken around the park using different trucks, and this comes with an opportunity to spot several wildlife species. Animals to look out for include the zebras, giraffes, elands, impalas, duikers, topis, bushbucks, and waterbucks, to mention but a few. On a lucky day, there are chances of seeing the leopards, and even some of the animals may come close to the horses.

What is the required weight for a horse-riding safari in Lake Mburo National Park?

Tourists who are interested in horse riding safaris in Lake Mburo National Park should know that the required weight is 80 kg to 95 kg. Only 2 hours can carry up to 95 kg, while the rest carry 85 kg or less. All tourists are first weighed before being given a horse, and this is done to make sure that the backs of the horses are not damaged.

What to wear during horse riding in Lake Mburo National Park

To have the best horse riding in Lake Mburo National Park, you need to use the right gear. Tourists are given helmets, riding chaps, and stylish saddles for safety. Tourists need to wear long trousers and very strong shoes with a heel of possible. With the help of well-trained riders, you will be guided on how to handle and ride a horse safely around the park.

What is the cost of a horse ride in Lake Mburo National Park

The costs of horse riding in Lake Mburo National Park depend on how much time a person spends with the horse. 30 minutes is 50 USD, 1 hour is 80 USD, 2 hours is 120 USD, and 3 hours is 140 USD. Tourists staying at Mihingo Lodge get to enjoy horse riding at a very low price. For just 30 minutes, they pay only 25 USD; 1 hour is 50 USD, 2 hours is 80 USD, 3 hours is 100 USD, and 4 hours costs 120 USD. The fee paid to Mihingo Lodge excludes park entrance fees inside Lake Mburo National Park.

What other activities can be done in Lake Mburo National Park

Game drives

The game drives carried out in Lake Mburo National Park are divided into three: morning game drives, evening game drives, and night game drives. With a well-informed driver safari guide, tourists are able to explore the diverse ecosystems and discover different wildlife species that live within the park. Lake Mburo National Park has more than 68 mammals that tourists have a chance to see during the game drives.

The day game drives around the park will come with an opportunity of seeing animals such as zebras, impalas, Defassa waterbucks, cape buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, spotted hyenas, side-striped jackals, elands, topis, oribis, and bushbucks, to mention but a few. Tourists who don’t have driver guides hire rangers to protect and guide them around the park.

Boat cruises

Lake Mburo National Park hosts over 7 lakes in different locations in the park. Among these is Lake Mburo, where the park gets its name, and it is the largest lake in the park. Boat cruises are carried out on this lake, enabling tourists to enjoy the cool breeze while spotting different wildlife species.

While on the boat, tourists will be able to encounter park animals like zebras, antelopes, giraffes, buffaloes, and much more around the showers, drinking water, or trying to feed on fresh vegetation. Tourists will also be able to watch the hippos and water birds such as the African finfoot, papyrus gonolek, and African fish eagle, to mention but a few.

Walking Safaris

Lake Mburo National Park is one of the national parks where tourists get an opportunity to explore the park on foot. With the help of armed ranger guides, tourists are safe while moving on foot around the park, searching for different animals. The walking safari gets tourists closer to animals like zebras, giraffes, and different antelope species. With a pair of binoculars, good birders are able to see species such as the grey-crowned crane, yellow-rumped tinkerbird, red-faced barbet, and more.

Best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park for a horse safari

The driest months of the year, which occur from June to September and December to February, are the best for horse riding safaris in Lake Mburo National Park. The weather is perfect for the activity, as it’s characterized by little rainfall and plenty of sunshine, which leaves the tracks dry and easier to pass through, making the activity successful.

Tourists may still visit Lake Mburo National Park for horse riding safaris in the months of March to May and October to November. The park is always open for all activities; however, tourists need to know that when it rains, the game tracks tend to be muddy. The vegetation is also tall during the rainy season, which may lead to unclear views of some of the park attractions.