Nshara Gate is one of the entry points into Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah park in Uganda situated in the western part of the country. This gate is found in the eastern side of this protected area, about 10 kilometers south of the main road, Mbarara-Lyantonde road. This is where visitors branch off towards the park, through a dirt road of only 500 meters west of Akagate Trading Center.
Accommodations close to Nshara Gate
While there are other different gates in Lake Mburo National Park, Nshara Gate is the perfect one to use when staying at Rwakobo Rock – which is only one Kilometer away. There is Leopard Rest Camp, Mburo Safari Lodge, Arcadia Cottages, Mihingo Safari Lodge and Kimbla-Mantana Tented Camp among others.
Besides Nshara Gate, depending on the location of the lodge, visitors can access Lake Mburo National Park through other different gates. These include Sanga gate which is about 13 kilometers on a dirt road from Sanga Trading Center (Mbarara-Masaka highway), 13 kilometers from Akagate Trading Center and over 27 kilometers from Lyantonde Lodge. This gate is perfect for visitors staying at Eagle’s Nest, Hyena Hill Lodge, and Rwonyo Rest Camp.
Guests can also use Kanyanshara Gate especially if booked to stay at the luxurious Mihingo Safari Lodge. This gate is about 18 kilometers South of Akagate Trading Center and only 14 kilometers west of Lyantonde.
Sprawling about 370 square kilometers in the western side of Uganda, Lake Mburo is the smallest National Park in Uganda with about 20% of its surface covered by wetland habitats. This gem-packed natural wonder is conveniently close to the Mbarara-Masaka highway. This makes it the perfect stop point for travelers heading to Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
The Park is endowed with over 70 mammal species that include Burchell’s Zebras, Rothschild’s giraffes, Topis, impalas, giant elands, vervet monkeys, and Cape buffaloes. Others include bushbucks, spotted hyenas, Defassa waterbucks, jackals, leopards, Olive baboons, and hippos among others.
Best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is open throughout the year to travelers but unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences are achieved during the dry seasons. This is when vegetation is shorter thus providing clearer visibility of animals or when watering points are reduced. Wildlife, therefore, converge around the few watering points because the park gets hotter than usual during those months. Expect the best viewing opportunities during these months.
For other best birding spots in Uganda, don’t miss out Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Semuliki National Park – the birders’ paradise. In Rwanda, you can consider visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park.