Cycling is one of the most exciting safari activities in Uganda, giving the chance to mingle with Mother Nature, have physical fitness, and take stunning photos. It is an experiential activity, which involves all visitors having bikes and cycling in the open savannah grassland in the company of an experienced ranger guide who will ensure a memorable adventure.

Cycling gives more than the nature tour. As one rides across the terrain, meet the Banyankole people who live outside the park and discover their unique lifestyle. Watch the large herds of the long-horned Ankole cows.

Lake Mburo National Park is one of the 10 national parks in Uganda in East Africa. It is the smallest savannah park and the nearest to the capital city, Kampala, located along the Kampala-Mbarara Highway in the western region. 20% of it is a wetland habitat with about five lakes within the park’s Boundary. The park features the ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks.

There are over 350 bird species and several antelope species, such as the impalas, reedbuck, Defassa waterbuck, elands, topis, hippos, hyenas, buffalos, zebras, oribis, and warthogs.  The western part of the park is comprised of rocky ridges, patches of papyrus grassland, and riparian woodland.

Cycling circuits or tails in Lake Mburo National Park

Impala circuit

The cycling tour takes place along the approximately 33km impala circuit, through the park’s savannah grassland, to see the zebras, elands, Uganda Kobs, and the giraffes, among others. You get to have a clear view of Lake Mburo and its surrounding acacia woodland. In the 1-2 hours of the ride, a break is at the lake shore to have a scenic view and photo moments.

Zebra circuit

This is an 8 km circuit through the acacia woodland and open savannah grassland. It offers the opportunity of encountering, among others, the zebras and topis.

Kazuma trail:

This is a three-kilometer circuit that ushers cyclists to a wider range of flora and fauna through the karuma hill. It is an exhausting trail but offering a panoramic view of the lake. It is a shorter ride with a variety to look out for.

Ruroko Trail

This is a 5km trail through savannah grassland and woodland. Cyclists are drawn to the sight and sound of the giraffes, impalas, buffalos, elands, zebras, waterbucks, and more. The trail passes through the lake shores with stunning scenery.

Other activities in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park has other activities to add to your cycling safari around the open savannah park. Those include a boat cruise at Lake Mburo, offering a chance to watch the aquatic birds and animals such as hippos, crocodiles, and lots more. A game drive that takes you around the savannah park, bird watching with over 350 birds present, guided nature walks, sport fishing, and cultural tours around the communities surrounding the park. En route to the park, you visit the equator for a photo moment at the latitude line that divides the earth between the northern and southern hemispheres.

The best time to go cycling in Lake Mburo

Cycling safari is an all-year-round activity greatly affected by the weather pattern of the area. The dry months are the most convenient months and the best for outdoor cycling activity. June through to August and December through to early March offer favorable conditions. The experience is best in the morning and afternoon hours with favorable conditions. No interference with abrupt rains that can lead to a halt of the activity. It is advisable to book your safari early for proper planning purposes.

What to Park for Cycling Safari

The size of your packing should be determined by how long you intend to stay at the park and other add-on activities. Bikes and helmets are present at the park, though one should carry personal effects, and the other as shown below.

• Travel documents
• Insect repellent
• Sports trousers for biking
• Sports shoes
• Sunscreen
• Cycling jersey
• Long stockings
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Raincoat
• Backpack
• Cycling gloves, etc.

In conclusion, cycling safaris near Lake Mburo National Park is a rewarding activity done all year round at the Eland cycling trail. It draws you closer to Mother Nature, where you get to mingle with the botany and see the animals in a closer range.