Lake Mburo National Park

The park’s story is closely tied to the local Banyankole people. Traditionally, this area was grazing land for their famous long-horned cattle. In 1963, it was first gazetted as a controlled hunting area, then upgraded to a game reserve, and later became a national park in 1983.
That transition wasn’t smooth. Some local communities resisted losing access to grazing land, and for years there were tensions, encroachment, and even loss of wildlife. Over time, however, conservation efforts and community involvement improved, and today Lake Mburo stands as an example of how wildlife and local culture can coexist—especially with controlled grazing still visible in surrounding areas.

One of the most distinctive features of this area is the presence of Ankole cattle—with their wide, sweeping horns. These cattle are part of the identity of the Banyankole people and still graze in areas surrounding the park.

Their presence is closely linked to the absence of lions. Protecting these herds was one of the reasons predators were pushed out in the past. Today, the cattle remain a cultural symbol and a visual reminder that this landscape is shared between people and wildlife.

Seeing zebras grazing in one direction and Ankole cattle in another creates a unique blend of wildlife and pastoral life that you won’t find in most national parks.