Masaka, Uganda: a stopover on the way to the park
Masaka lies in central Uganda, on the main road that leads southwest from Kampala. The distance from the capital is about 130 km. It is a trading and transport town, and it sits on the route that most visitors drive to Lake Mburo National Park. The park lies between Masaka and Mbarara.
That makes Masaka a natural place for a meal, fuel and cash before the park. Many visitors also link Masaka with the ferry to the Ssese Islands, which we cover below. If you are still choosing how to travel, read our Lake Mburo tours from Kampala first.
Masaka in practice
A working town. Most visitors stay a few hours.
The centre
The main street has shops, and the central market stands in a building with covered arcades. It is a good place to buy water and snacks before the park.
Money and fuel
Sort out cash and fuel here or in Mbarara. Do not count on finding either inside the park.
The surrounding land
The hills around town are farmland, with banana plants and trees on the slopes. Views from the higher streets show the red roofs of the town.
Buses
Coaches run on the route from Kampala through Masaka to Mbarara. Check the current timetable and where the stop is before you plan around it. There is no direct scheduled bus from Masaka into the park.
Lake Mburo tours and day trips from Kampala
Safaris and transfers that pass Masaka, with live prices and availability.
Masaka and the ferry to the Ssese Islands
The ferry to Bugala Island does not leave from Masaka itself. It leaves from Bukakata on the mainland and crosses to Bugoma or Luuku on Bugala in about 30 minutes. It carries vehicles and foot passengers.
Check the current prices, the timetable and any cancellations before you travel. If you want to combine the park with the lake islands, plan Masaka as the town where you prepare for the drive to the ferry. For the islands themselves, see the guide to the ferry to Kalangala and the Ssese Islands.
How to use a Masaka stopover
Three common patterns.
| Plan | What to do in Masaka | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Drive to the park in one day | Short break for food, fuel and cash | Keep the stop under an hour; the full drive is about 3½ hours before breaks |
| Split the trip over two days | Sleep in town, reach the park the next morning | Gives you a relaxed start for an early game drive |
| Add the Ssese Islands | Use Masaka as the base before the drive to Bukakata | Check ferry details before you go |
For most travellers a short break in Masaka before the park works well. If you land late or want an early game drive, sleeping close to the park is better than driving the last stretch in the dark. Official travel advice asks visitors to avoid driving outside Kampala at night; read more on the Kampala to Lake Mburo route.
Beyond Masaka: the Equator stop
Before you reach Masaka from Kampala, the road passes the two concrete rings at Kayabwe. Read the Uganda equator guide for what to expect.
Before you leave Masaka
Check these before the last stretch.
Know your fees
Entry is $40 per foreign non-resident adult per 24 hours, with a vehicle fee on top if you drive. The amounts come from the UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026. See park fees.
Watch the gate hours
Gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00. Leave Masaka with enough daylight to reach your camp.
Confirm your transfer
If a driver meets you, confirm the pick-up point and the drive time to your gate before you set off.
Check the season
Rain affects the tracks inside the park. See Mbarara weather and the best time to visit Lake Mburo for the seasons.
Plan the rest of your trip
From Masaka onward.
Masaka: frequently asked questions
How far is Masaka from Kampala?
About 130 km by road. Allow extra time for traffic and breaks.
Is Masaka close to Lake Mburo National Park?
The park lies between Masaka and Mbarara, so Masaka is the last big town before it when you drive from Kampala. Ask for the current drive time to your gate when you book.
Can I take the Ssese Islands ferry from Masaka?
Not from the town itself. The ferry leaves from Bukakata on the mainland and takes about 30 minutes to Bugala.
Is there a bus from Masaka to the park?
Coaches serve the route through Masaka to Mbarara, but there is no direct scheduled bus to the park. Plan a pre-arranged transfer for the last stretch.
What is Masaka?
A trading and transport town on the main road southwest from Kampala, about 130 km from the capital.