Lake Mburo National Park lies in western Uganda, about 240 kilometres from Kampala. At around 260 square kilometres, it’s one of the country’s smaller parks – and one of the most varied: acacia woodland, wetlands, and the lake that gives the park its name shape the landscape. It’s home to zebras, impalas, buffalo, hippos, and leopards. Lake Mburo is considered one of the best places in Uganda to see leopards in the wild.
We leave Kampala early in the morning to avoid the traffic and head west. The route passes through Masaka – the main hub in this direction – and through rural areas. On the way we stop to see Isaac, a farmer and project partner, on his pasture. We film there for a video about the project and his work with cattle. After a warm welcome and a break with the family, we continue towards Lake Mburo.
We reach the national park in the afternoon. At the gate we sign in and book a night inside the park so we can stay on site. That same evening we set out on a game drive at dusk. The aim: to try our luck at seeing a leopard. With an experienced driver and a guide we head into the bush in an open vehicle. A spotlight helps us spot animals in the dark.
At first we only see eyes glowing in the distance. Then word comes in: a leopard has been spotted elsewhere. We drive over – on the way we see hippos and buffalo in the night. When we arrive, a few safari vehicles are already parked at the edge. In the undergrowth sits a leopard, pregnant and completely at ease. Our vehicle edges closer; we’re perhaps ten to fifteen metres away. She barely notices us and seems focused on hunting. Being that close to such a rare animal in its own habitat is a special feeling.
Happy and still taking it all in, we head back to the lodge. The evening at Lake Mburo ends with those impressions – and with looking forward to the next day.
Lake Mburo Nationalpark
