Hunting Safari in Lake Mburo National Park

In 2001, private sport hunting was re-introduced in private lands around Lake Mburo National Park after 2 decades when it was banned by the government. This was aimed at providing economic value which would act as an incentive for the community to manage and protect the wild animals on their land. Sport hunting has the advantage of increasing habitat for wildlife species, besides controlling the number of wild animals in the park. This plays a significant role in reducing human-wildlife conflicts. Sport hunting also helps to reduce the number of ill or weak animals to maintain a healthy population in the national park. Animals hunted for sport in Lake Mburo National Park include Uganda kob, Nile buffalo and Jackson’s hartebeests, sitatunga, bushbuck, reedbuck among others.

While planning your guided hunting safari in Lake Mburo National Park, you should keep in mind that this adventure is dangerous and may result in illness, death, or accidents. Therefore, even if your safety is largely guaranteed, you should be extra careful. Ensure to follow the rules and guidelines of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the experts. These will guide you as you hunt for the game. The skilled and experienced PH’s, trackers and support staff bring you closer to the animals to be hunted yet without compromising on your safety.

The Firearms and Ammunition

If you are to engage in a successful hunting safari in Lake Mburo National Park, you are required to bring 2 rifles with you. These should be accompanied by an unstipulated quantity of ammunition. However, you should consult with Standard Safaris for more information on the minimum number of ammunition you can travel with. This is because different airlines have their regulations regarding its transportation. Additionally, certain rifles are prohibited from traveling with to Uganda. For example, the semi-automatic, automatic, and handguns. Additionally, you should not travel with silencers or suppressors to mount on your rifle to reduce noise levels while shooting. The recommended caliber of ammunition ranges between .270 to .300 for most of the game while .375 to .416 specifically for the buffaloes.

In case you do not come with your rifle, camp rifles, and ammunition are available but at an added cost. Therefore, you should discuss with Standard Safaris for more details before traveling. If you opt to travel with the rifles, endeavor to have full insurance for each of them. When applying to import your firearm into Uganda, it is much better to do that in advance to avoid any inconveniences during your safari. You will be charged a fee to get a firearm permit which is contained within royalties. Your permit will be processed and a softcopy will be sent to your email address. You must print the copy and travel with it since you will present this along with the firearm and ammunition to the police officer at Entebbe International Airport. The officer will then issue a temporary Licence for you to hunt in Lake Mburo National Park.

The daily conservation fee charged per hunter per day is USD 100. This can be paid through Standard Safaris who will conveniently make the payment to the concerned authorities on your behalf. In case you opt to book the hunting safari, you will receive confirmation only when you make a 50% non-refundable deposit of the provided rate. The balance of the package should be done 90 days before your safari and failure to do so causes a lot of inconveniences. There is no refund of the deposit you have paid within 6 months before your safari in Lake Mburo National Park. If you cancel your hunting safari in Lake Mburo National Park more than 6 months before the date, you will be refunded back 50% of the money you deposited.

Best Time to go for a Hunting Safari in Lake Mburo National Park

Hunting in Lake Mburo National Park for most of the species can be done throughout the year. However, buffalos and hartebeest can be hunted from December to April. Afterwards, the vegetation in the national park is denser thus making it difficult to hunt species such as buffalos.

What to pack

  • Waterproof hiking shoes strong enough to navigate on the rugged terrain of Lake Mburo National Park. Rubber boots.
  • Insect repellent since the area harbors malaria-spreading mosquitoes
  • Recommended firearms and ammunition
  • Documents such as hunting license and rifle import permit
  • Raincoat or poncho in case of showers while you are on the hunting safari
  • Wide-brimmed hat to cover your head and neck from extreme sunshine
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Small personal medical kit for headaches, burns, allergies, and other slight injuries. Malaria prophylaxis
  • Light long-sleeved shirt and trousers to protect against mosquito bites and also from scratches from thorns. Comfortable shorts. Clothing should be khaki, brown or green. Socks and undergarments.
  • Refillable water bottle to carry sufficient drinking water for rehydration
  • Camera or your smartphone to take photos, especially with a hunted animal
  • A hunting backpack
  • Binoculars
  • Ammo belt and knife
  • Flashlight
  • Emergency cash
  • Book and pen to record the number of animals killed and the spot
  • Travel documents such as visa