Visit Lake Mburo National Park in southwestern Uganda to explore the Ankole long-horned cows. Though some of them are hornless, most Ankole long-horned cows have beautiful, long white horns. Other physical traits unique to them are their long legs, long navels, and small humps. Their color is mostly brown, with varying degrees of darkness. In Uganda, they are found in Nyabushozi, Karamoja, Nakasongola, Kiboga, Sembabule, Mbarara, Masindi, Nakaseke, and Luweero, etc.
The Ankole long-horned cows are quite hardy since they can survive on relatively little pasture compared to other cows in Uganda. But the best places for them to thrive are the low-lying areas, mostly the cattle corridors, in the districts mentioned. They are best seen in Nyabushozi, especially around Lake Mburo National Park. This is especially in the Kiruhura district in the Nkore region. The locals believe that Ankole long-horned cows were created by God, who allowed their ancestors, the Abachwezi, to bring them to Nkore.
The Ankole long-horned cows have numerous socio-economic benefits to the pastoralists. They can be used as bride price, payment of fines, and strengthening friendships. At the household level, they offer milk for drinking and use it as an expression of wealth. Ghee and ‘bongo’ or amakamo are used to supplement the diet of the Nkore people. The locals also claim that they derive medicinal value from the Ankole long-horned cows. For example, the urine, dung, horns, milk, and hooves are used to treat various ailments.
While exploring the Ankole long-horned cows, you will be informed by the pastoralist that these cows breed from February to March. Cows are ready to give birth from 2.5 to 4 years of age. Each cow/heifer produces one calf, or in rare cases, twins. They live for 10-30 years. The pastoralists/ranchers will also offer you insight about the challenges they face, especially the shortage of pasture and water during dry seasons. They claim that the need for water catchment and storage facilities is key to solving this problem.
You will witness how the Ankole long-horned cow is milked by the pastoralist. You will also be offered a chance to milk a cow and drink a cup of milk as your morning tea. You can also purchase some of the cow products to take while on a tour to other parts of Uganda.
About Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savannah park, covering only 260 square kilometers. With a diverse range of biodiversity, records show that Lake Mburo NP shelters at least 69 mammal species and 332 bird species. Unique mammals like Burchell’s zebra, impala, Rothschild’s zebra, and elands are found here. Other residents include cape buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, and hyenas.
Notable bird species sheltering in Lake Mburo NP include martial eagle, laughing dove, great egret, African thrush, and common reed warbler. These and other favorable factors, such as established birding trails, offer birdwatching excursions in the park. There are still numerous activities visitors can enjoy at Lake Mburo National Park. These are mountain biking, game drives, boat trips, nature walks, horseback safaris, night game drives, and salt lick walks, etc.
How to travel?
The best way of traveling to Lake Mburo National Park to see the Ankole long-horned cows is by road transport. This is because of the breathtaking views you will have while driving to Kiruhura district in Uganda’s western region. Traveling from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park covers around 230 kilometers via Masaka and Lyantonde. Duration on the road is around 5 hours.
If you want to reach Lake Mburo National Park relatively faster, travel by aircraft. Domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Mbarara Airport. Duration on this luxury flight is around 45 minutes. After arriving in Mbarara, we will organize ground transportation for you to Lake Mburo National Park. The drive takes almost an hour to Lake Mburo National Park.
When to visit the Ankole long-horned cattle?
The Ankole long-horned cows are available to visit throughout the year. Neither rainfall nor sunshine should stop you from traveling to Lake Mburo National Park to see these precious cows. But the dry season offers proper views of the Ankole long-horned cows to enhance your experience. This occurs from June to September and from December to February. Since the chances of showers are low, the sky is clear, thus offering clear views.
Also, with little to no rainfall during your visit, access to the ranch is less challenging since the ground is neither muddy nor slippery. If you want to witness their behavior during the wet season, visit from late February to late May and from October to November. During this time, their pasture is plentiful; therefore are mostly dispersed. Remember, this is when the cows are breeding. Nevertheless, you will enjoy this uniquely memorable experience.
