Lake Nakivale is a spectacular lake in western Uganda which is part of the Lake Mburo-Nakivale wetland system. The inland waterbody is only 6 kilometers west of Isingiro town and thus is one of the main water supplies for the district.
Lake Nakivale sits on an area with an altitude of 1,249 meters above sea level thus the vast wetland system that surrounds it.
The Lake Mburo-Nakivale wetland system is about 26.8 square kilometers with a system of permanent and seasonal wetlands that surround this lake. There are open and wooded savannah, 5 lakes of which Lakes Nakivale and Mburo are part of, but the latter is by far the largest of them.
This vast wetland system boasts an exceptional natural habitat that lies at the center of two incredible biological zones, thus contributing to high biological diversity.
Lake Nakivale and the surrounding wetlands are home to unique globally threatened bird species that include the elusive shoebill storks and Papyrus yellow warblers. There are also over 22 bird species of Afro-tropical and Palearctic migrant species that visit the area during adverse weather conditions. This area is also known for sheltering two of the endangered species of cichlid fish that are known to have completely become extinct in the larger lakes.
More about Lake Mburo National Park and Lake Nakivale
Lake Mburo National Park is known as the smallest savannah national park in Uganda with an area of only 370 square kilometers. This protected area is a treasure trove with over 70 species of mammals to look out for. The commonly spotted animals include bushbucks, olive baboons, impalas, cape buffaloes, hippos, topis, giant elands, vervet monkeys, oribis, Rothschild’s giraffes, leopards, duikers, Burchell’s zebras, spotted hyenas, to mention but a few.
Lake Mburo National Park has over 350 species of birds that occupy the diverse ecosystems – lakes, wetlands, woodlands, savannah grasslands, and forests. These are Papyrus gonolek, Bare-faced go-away bird, Blue-headed coucal, Malachite and Pied Kingfisher, Black-bellied Bustard, shoebill storks, and African Wattled lapwing. Don’t miss the saddle-billed storks, African finfoot, Red-faced Barbets, Hairy-breasted barbets, Southern ground hornbills, Papyrus yellow warbler, Yellow-rumped tinkerbird, Tabora Cisticola, and so much more.
When to visit Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is open all year round for tours, but the best experiences are achieved during the dry months – June to September and December to February. During these times, travelers are provided wonderful game viewing and walking safari conditions marked by lower and sparser vegetation cover that make it less stressful and distractive to sight wildlife as well as reduced watering points where animals converge hence best views.
Getting to Lake Mburo National Park
Situated in western Uganda, about 230 kilometers/4 hours by road from Kampala, Lake Mburo National Park is the most accessible national park in the country thus making it perfect for short tours. Besides the road, there is another faster way to get to this safari destination and it is by air – the 30-minute flight from Entebbe to Mbarara airstrip, followed by the one-hour drive to the national park. Activities that await you in this park include safari game drives, guided bush/forest walks, birding tours, horseback rides, cycling tours, and cultural tours.
Besides Lake Nakivale, other Lakes in the area of western Uganda are Lake Mburo, Lake Kibigwa, Lake Kigambira, and Lake Nakivali among others. In other parts of the country are the more famous like Lake Victoria, Lake Edward, Lake Albert, Lake George, and Kyoga among others. Some of these lakes are known for sport fishing, boat cruises, and beach tours, to mention but a few.
After Lake Mburo, you can opt for an amazing game safari in search for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Or go for the lifetime gorilla tracking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.