Horse Back Riding in Lake Mburo National Park.

Horse Back riding in Lake Mburo National Park offers a unique and exciting way to experience Uganda’s wildlife and scenic landscapes. It is one of the few places in the country where you can enjoy horseback safaris, allowing you to get up close to animals in a quiet and eco-friendly way.

Why Horseback Riding in Lake Mburo?

• Non-Intrusive Safari: Unlike vehicle safaris, horses allow you to approach wildlife without the sound of an engine, offering a more intimate and peaceful experience.
• Unique Experience: Lake Mburo National Park is the only park in Uganda where horseback riding safaris are available, providing a unique way to explore the park.
• Close Wildlife Encounters: You can ride among zebras, impalas, buffalo, warthogs, waterbucks, and sometimes even giraffes. Predators like lions are not common in Lake Mburo, making horseback safaris safer compared to other parks.

Horseback Safari Highlights

1. Zebra Encounters: One of the highlights is riding alongside zebras, which are common in Lake Mburo. You’ll feel an incredible connection as these animals move around you.
2. Varied Terrain: The park features a mix of open savannah, acacia woodlands, rolling hills, and lakeshores, all of which you can explore on horseback. The views from the higher areas are stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset.
3. Close to Nature: On horseback, you can quietly observe wildlife without disturbing them. This allows for more natural interactions and the chance to witness behaviors up close that you might miss in a vehicle.
4. Guided Rides: The horseback rides are led by experienced guides who not only ensure your safety but also provide insights about the park’s flora and fauna. The guides are skilled at reading the animals’ behavior to keep a safe distance when needed.

Horseback Safari Options

Rides are available for both beginners and experienced riders, and durations can range from a few hours to full-day excursions. Horse Back Riding in Lake Mburo National Park.

• Short Ride (1-2 hours): Ideal for beginners or those with limited time, this option allows you to explore the immediate surroundings of the park and encounter wildlife.
• Longer Rides (3-5 hours): These longer safaris take you deeper into the park, allowing for more extensive wildlife viewing and the chance to visit viewpoints overlooking Lake Mburo or even some of the park’s other lakes.
• Overnight Horseback Safaris: For adventurous travelers, some operators offer multi-day safaris that include camping under the stars, providing a truly immersive wilderness experience.

Best Time for Horseback Safaris

• Dry Season: The best time for horseback riding in Lake Mburo is during the dry seasons (June to August and December to February), when the terrain is easier to navigate and wildlife is more concentrated around water sources.
• Early Morning and Late Afternoon: These times are ideal for rides, as temperatures are cooler and animals are more active.

Where to Go for Horseback Riding in Lake Mburo

The horseback riding safaris in Lake Mburo National Park are operated by Mihingo Lodge, which is renowned for offering these unique experiences. The lodge organizes both short and long rides, with a focus on sustainability and wildlife conservation.

What to Expect

• Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, waterbucks, and warthogs up close. Giraffes have also been reintroduced to the park and may be encountered.
• Scenic Views: The park’s hilly landscape provides excellent views over the savannah and the lakes, particularly from the viewpoints that you can reach on horseback.
• Safety: Trained guides accompany all rides, and they are equipped to handle different skill levels. Helmets are provided, and safety briefings are given before the ride.

Conclusion

Horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park offers a one-of-a-kind safari experience in Uganda, allowing you to connect with nature in a peaceful and adventurous way. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, the chance to explore the park’s rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes on horseback is unforgettable.