Lake Mburo accommodation: inside and outside the park
You can sleep in three places: in the park at Rwonyo, at a campsite, or in a lodge or tented camp outside the gates. The park itself offers a guesthouse, tents and a dormitory at rates set in the UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026. Private lodges and camps around the park set their own prices.
The most important difference is the night drive. It is open only to guests who sleep in the park, and it must be done with a UWA guide. A lodge outside the boundary does not qualify, however close it is. If you plan a night drive, read our Lake Mburo walking safari and night drive guide.
Types of stay near the park
What each option gives you.
Guesthouse at Rwonyo
A room in the park near the headquarters. Breakfast is included, and local levies are extra. You are inside the boundary, so the night drive is open to you.
Tents and dormitory at Rwonyo
The lowest-cost park beds. A tent for one or two people and a dormitory bed for adults are priced separately in the UWA tariff.
Campsites
UWA offers wilderness, private and public camping. Book in advance, and expect local levies on top. Check which category is open when you plan.
Lodges and tented camps outside the park
Private lodges and camps around the park cover a wider range of comfort. Prices are set by each business and change by season, so ask what the rate includes and whether meals and transfers are extra.
Our pick: a safari with a lodge stay
This three-day trip includes a lodge stay together with a game drive, cycling, a boat trip and a walking safari.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lake Mburo safaris with accommodation
Safaris and overnight trips to the park, with live prices and availability.
UWA accommodation rates
From the UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026. Check the current amount before you book; tours state whether the park permit and park fees are included.
| Type | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse, double room | UGX 130,000 | Breakfast included; local levies extra |
| Guesthouse, extra person | UGX 65,000 | Added to the room price |
| Tent, single | UGX 35,000 | At Rwonyo |
| Tent, double | UGX 60,000 | At Rwonyo |
| Dormitory, adult | UGX 25,000 | At Rwonyo |
| Wilderness camping | $40 | Per person per night; book ahead |
| Private camping | $30 | Per person per night; book ahead |
| Public camping | UGX 40,000 | Per person per night; book ahead |
Camping categories are general UWA categories, so confirm which ones are open at Lake Mburo. Park entry is separate; see Lake Mburo park fees.
Lake Mburo lodge: choosing by plan
If your priority is a night drive or a boat trip early in the day, sleep in the park. If you arrive from Kampala and want a gentler first day, a lodge near the gates or a stop in a town can work.
Park gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00, and the speed limit is 40 km/h. Plan to be inside before the evening gate time. Staying in Mbarara or Masaka puts you on the highway, but leaves you a transfer each morning. See Mbarara and Masaka for the towns.
Which stay fits your trip
A quick comparison.
| Stay | Night drive | Travel each day | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse at Rwonyo | Yes | None | Comfort with direct park access |
| Tent or dormitory at Rwonyo | Yes | None | Lowest cost inside the park |
| Campsite in the park | Yes | None | Self-reliant travellers |
| Lodge or camp outside the park | No | Short transfer | Comfort with private services |
| Town stay in Mbarara or Masaka | No | Longer transfer | One-night stopovers |
For most visitors a night or two inside the park gives a good mix of access and value. If comfort matters more, choose a lodge outside the gates and accept the morning transfer.
Booking tips for Lake Mburo accommodation
What to ask before you pay.
What the rate includes
Ask whether breakfast, meals, transfers and activities are in the price. The UWA guesthouse rate includes breakfast; local levies are extra.
How the entry fee counts
Park entry runs for 24 hours from the time you enter. A longer stay counts as another day, so check how your arrival time fits.
Book camping ahead
UWA camping needs advance booking, with local levies on top. Confirm which category is open before you travel.
Check the drive in
From the gate to your bed the tracks are slower than the road. Ask how long the drive takes after the gate.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pair your stay with the other pages.
Lake Mburo accommodation: frequently asked questions
Where can I stay inside Lake Mburo National Park?
UWA offers a guesthouse, tents and a dormitory at Rwonyo, plus camping by category. Availability changes, so ask when you book.
Can I do a night drive if I sleep outside the park?
No. The night drive is open only to guests who sleep in the park, and it must be done with a UWA guide.
How much does a room in the park cost?
A guesthouse double room with breakfast costs UGX 130,000 in the UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026, plus UGX 65,000 for an extra person. Local levies are extra.
Are private lodge prices given here?
No. Private lodges and tented camps set their own prices, which change by season. Ask each one what the rate includes.
Do I need to book camping in advance?
Yes. UWA camping needs advance booking, and local levies are extra.