Lake Mburo National Park remains the only national park in Uganda where tourists can legally conduct horseback wildlife viewing safaris. This activity is offered exclusively through Mihingo Lodge, a private facility located just outside the park’s eastern boundary near the Nshara Gate.
The lodge maintains a fenced concession of land adjoining the park where horse safaris begin, later extending into park-managed savannahs under guided supervision. This partnership allows guests to ride safely through habitats where wildlife movement is uninterrupted.
The geography of Lake Mburo supports this kind of safari better than most Ugandan parks. The terrain consists of open grasslands, scattered acacia woodlands, and rocky ridges with minimal underbrush. These features provide clear sightlines, safe horse travel, and a higher likelihood of wildlife observation.
The park spans approximately 260 square kilometers and includes five lakes and numerous wetland valleys that support large herbivore populations, particularly in its western and central sectors.
Lake Mburo National Park is the only Park in Uganda where this fascinating adventure is conducted. It allows tourists to get up-close with the Wildlife species without necessarily startling them. At 260 square Kilometers, Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest savannah Park in Uganda. It is endowed with over 13 Lakes, breathtaking landscapes including rolling hills, deep valleys and varying vegetation types which are homes to 70 exceptional mammal species that include zebras, giraffes, Impalas and buffaloes among others and over 350 bird species likely to be encountered. This extraordinary safari is the only way that a tourist can experience the varying landscapes, vegetation types and most of the wildlife species found within the Park. What even makes Horseback riding worthwhile is the fact that it allows tourists to go off the usual game tracks into the Savannah plains and get up-close with the animals that in most cases feel relaxed and comfortable around the Horse than they would be with the Safari Vehicles.
This activity is only conducted by Mihingo Lodge-one of the luxury and more exquisite Lodges within Lake Mburo National Park. Mihingo Lodge currently manages a small stable of horses suitable for beginners, intermediate, and experienced riders. Most are former polo horses sourced from Kenya and trained to remain calm around wild animals. They are rotated based on rider weight and ride duration. The lodge’s concession includes watering points, salt licks, and open glades that frequently attract game, especially in the dry season between June and August.
For this reason, shorter rides sometimes yield more sightings than longer ones. Although horseback riding is not new to Lake Mburo, it remains largely undiscovered by mainstream safari operators.
The experience offers a rare combination of low-impact wildlife observation and physical engagement.
For guests arriving from Entebbe or Kampala, Lake Mburo is also the most accessible national park by road, requiring only 3 to 4 hours of travel along the Masaka-Mbarara highway. Perhaps this explains why Mihingo’s horse rides are popular among short-term safari guests and residents seeking weekend activities with minimal logistical strain.
The rates for the activity are charged based on the amount of time you wish to spend with the horse while in the wilderness. These include: $40 per person for 1 hour spent with the horse, $70 per person for two hours spent with the horse, $90 for 4 hours spent with the horse and also include a picnic breakfast and $200 per person for the whole day spent with the horse and includes a picnic breakfast and lunch.
- Horseback safaris in Lake Mburo National Park are exclusively conducted by Mihingo Lodge, a private facility located near the eastern boundary of the park.
- These rides occur on private land adjacent to the national park as well as inside the park itself, depending on the route selected.
- No other lodge in Uganda currently offers guided wildlife horseback experiences under UWA oversight.
Context and Operational Model
Mihingo Lodge introduced horseback safaris in 2008 under special agreement with Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The lodge maintains a trained stable of 12 to 15 horses including Boerperds and Thoroughbreds. Rides are escorted by experienced guides, many of whom have received first aid certification and defensive wildlife behaviour training. The terrain features rolling hills, light bush, and open grassland, which suits equine movement.
The lodge’s horses are habituated to wildlife and do not spook at the presence of zebra, warthog, or eland. However, guides adjust routes when large buffalo herds or giraffes are present.
Ecological Advantages
Horseback safaris allow near-silent movement through the savannah, minimising disturbance and offering closer observation.
The absence of engine noise improves wildlife sighting consistency. Birds remain vocal during approach and most mammals maintain routine movement unless provoked.
The activity is low-emission and operates entirely without fuel combustion, making it one of the few carbon-minimal safari formats in Uganda.
Ride Options and Duration
The lodge offers the following packages:
- 1-Hour Ride: Suitable for beginners; focuses on acclimatisation and horse handling
- 2-Hour Ride: Covers the savannah periphery, often includes eland and zebra sightings
- 3–4 Hour Ride: Advanced option extending into deeper grazing zones; includes a snack break
- Half-Day Safari: Reserved for experienced riders; traverses long stretches of private and park-adjacent rangeland
- Children’s Rides: Ponies available for guests under 12, with handlers walking alongside
Guests are assigned horses based on weight, experience, and comfort level. The maximum allowable rider weight is 95 kg.
Health, Safety, and Booking Conditions
Riders must wear helmets (provided). Long trousers and closed shoes are required. Booking is done through the Mihingo Lodge front office or via email at reservations@mihingolodge.com. Advance notice of 24 hours is advised. Prices range between USD 40 and USD 120 depending on duration and route.
Participation in these safaris does not exempt visitors from UWA conservation fees. Park entry fees apply for routes conducted within the national park boundaries.
What to Expect on a Horseback Safari
Wildlife Viewing from Horseback
Riders move through low-canopy acacia zones, grass-covered hills, and open glades where animals gather without heavy vehicle disturbance.
Horse presence rarely alarms ungulates. As a result, riders observe species from closer distances than is typically possible during game drives.
Common sightings include impalas, topis, bushbucks, warthogs, waterbucks, and zebras.
Elands, the largest antelopes in Africa, are occasionally found on the higher plateaus. Masai giraffes, introduced in 2015, have increased in number and now roam freely across Mihingo’s adjacent concession.
Buffaloes remain present but require caution due to their unpredictable behaviour. Park guides carefully select routes to avoid areas with recent predator activity.
Riding in the early morning or late afternoon improves your chances of spotting. Game movements peak during these hours, especially in the dry season when water sources are limited.
Physical Setting and Visual Context
The riding zone consists of lightly sloping ridges, ephemeral valleys, wetland edges, and open parkland.
Riders move at a walking pace, with occasional trots permitted in clear zones. The terrain lacks the dense thickets found in Queen Elizabeth or Kidepo, reducing the risk of collisions or obstructions.
From higher ridges such as the one west of Mihingo’s lookout point, it’s possible to view large sections of Lake Mburo and Lake Kigambira.
These elevated points also function as rest stops during longer rides. Most rides avoid the central park interior, focusing instead on concession areas bordering active wildlife corridors.
Soil conditions fluctuate by season. During the rains, some trails become slick and are excluded from the rotation. Rides are suspended during lightning storms for safety.
Ride Categories and Duration Options
Mihingo Lodge offers four main categories of rides.
- Short Introductory Ride (30–45 minutes): suited to children and first-time riders.
- Standard Loop Ride (1–2 hours): covers high-probability zones for zebra, impala, and warthog viewing.
- Half-day Advanced Ride (up to 4 hours): includes ridgeline viewing and descent to water points.
- Custom Long Rides (on request): require booking and fitness screening.
All rides are privately guided. Weight limits apply: guests over 100 kilograms may not be eligible to ride due to saddle and horse health limits.
Riders are matched to horses based on weight, experience, and comfort level. Children under five are not permitted.
Support, Safety, and Guiding Personnel
Each horse ride is accompanied by a professional guide employed by Mihingo Lodge. Guides undergo first aid certification and field wildlife training.
They carry mobile radios and basic medical kits. On longer rides, a support rider may join to assist with emergencies or to help avoid animals.
Before departure, guests receive a safety briefing and equipment check. Helmets are provided and required.
Riders are expected to maintain a single file unless instructed otherwise. Loud sounds, rapid dismounts, or close animal approaches are prohibited.
Guests are reminded that horseback riding in a park with free-roaming wildlife is a controlled but inherently physical activity. The lodge maintains a log of all rides and routes for tracking and reporting purposes.
Practical Information for Planning a Horseback Safari
Booking and Accommodation
Horseback safaris are booked exclusively through Mihingo Lodge, located near the Nshara Gate on the eastern edge of Lake Mburo National Park. The lodge coordinates all ride logistics, including horse selection, guide assignment, and access permissions.
- Bookings should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Longer rides require a 48-hour notice.
- Riders not staying at Mihingo may be accommodated for an additional access fee, subject to availability.
- Contact: www.mihingolodge.com, bookings@mihingolodge.com, +256 772 404 583
Accommodation is not required, but staying at Mihingo simplifies scheduling and provides early-morning ride access. The lodge also offers secure storage, post-ride showers, and access to the viewing tower.
Nearby alternatives include:
- Rwakobo Rock (budget to mid-range, 15 minutes’ drive)
- Arcadia Cottages Mburo (mid-range, lakeside location)
- Eagle’s Nest Lodge (budget option, elevated views)
Riders staying offsite must arrange their own transport to the lodge by the designated ride time.
Ride Fees, Packages, and Terms
Prices are set per person and vary with ride duration. Rates may change without prior notice and should be verified directly.
| Ride Type | Approx. Duration | Rate (USD) | Eligibility/Notes |
| Introductory Ride | 30–45 minutes | 40–50 | Suitable for beginners and children |
| Standard Safari Ride | 1–2 hours | 60–90 | Ideal for general wildlife viewing |
| Half-Day Ride | 3–4 hours | 180–240 | Intermediate to experienced riders only |
| Long Ride (Custom) | 5+ hours | Quote-based | Advance vetting required |
Additional details:
- Weight limit: 100 kg maximum.
- Payment: cash, Visa, or mobile money; no AMEX.
- Cancellations within 12 hours may attract a 50% fee.
- Helmets and safety gear are included in all packages.
Park entry fees apply separately and are payable to Uganda Wildlife Authority:
- Foreign non-residents: USD 40 per adult
- Foreign residents: USD 30
- East African citizens: UGX 20,000
Entry is valid for 24 hours from the time of issuance.
Seasonal Conditions and Ride Viability
Horseback safaris in Lake Mburo operate year-round, but weather affects route access and wildlife visibility.
- Dry seasons (June to August, December to February): optimal for long rides. Trails remain dry, and animals concentrate at salt licks and watering points.
- Rainy seasons (March to May, September to November): slippery trails, lower visibility, and increased insects. Shorter rides are prioritised for safety.
Rides are suspended in case of:
- Lightning or thunderstorms
- Trail flooding
- Park-wide closure notices issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority
Clients should confirm weather conditions with Mihingo Lodge if booking within 24 hours of a planned ride.
What to Prepare – Gear, Expectations, and Safety
| Packing & Gear | Physical Expectations | Safety & Conduct |
| – Long trousers (preferably jeans or riding pants) to prevent saddle chafing | – Riders will sit upright for extended periods with minimal breaks | – Helmets are mandatory and provided by Mihingo Lodge |
| – Closed shoes or ankle boots with a heel (avoid sandals) | – You will use core balance, especially when descending ridges or moving through uneven surfaces | – Do not dismount without the guide instructions |
| – Light gloves for grip and rein control | – Rides operate at walking pace; trotting is allowed only under instruction | – Maintain a safe distance from wild animals, even if they approach out of curiosity |
| – Sunglasses with straps to prevent loss | – In warm weather, dehydration is a concern. Riders are advised to hydrate before departure | – Loud noises and sudden gestures are discouraged. Wildlife must not be startled intentionally |
| – High SPF sunscreen and lip balm | – No prior riding experience is required for shorter rides, but honesty about skill level is expected | – Follow formation order as set by the guide (single file unless stated) |
| – Insect repellent, especially in wet months | – Riders over 45 should disclose any recent back or joint problems when booking | – Guide decisions are final regarding route changes or ride cancellations |
| – Water bottle (in soft holster or side pouch) | – Horses are matched based on weight and rider confidence | – Mobile phones must be on silent mode throughout the ride |