Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is located in the North Western Part of Uganda and prominently known to offer amazing Wildlife Safaris in Uganda to travelers interested in watching Africa’s BIG Five animal species.

Murchison Falls National Park was named after the prominent Murchison Falls where the Victoria Nile squeezes through a 7-meter wide gorge before plunging 43 meters beneath. The Park includes various wildlife species, verdant vegetation, stunning scenery which make it stand out from the rest of the National Parks in Uganda.

The Park is the largest covering an area of about 3,840 kms2 and was primarily referred to as Kabalega National Park. In the park are wildlife animals like lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and rhinoceros at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which is located a few kilometers off the Park. The Park includes Chimpanzees that are watched in the thick green forest of Budongo as well as more than 450 species of birds.

Savannah Grasslands and woodlands are found in the park as well as the Victoria Nile which bisects the Park and a very ideal habitat for many wildlife species i.e hippos and crocodiles.

Things to do in Murchison Falls National Park

There are lots of things travelers can do in Murchison Falls National Park and these include;

Game Drives

Murchison Falls inhabits Africa’s BIG Five animal species hence a very ideal safari destination for travelers interested in Game Drives as they get an opportunity to watch many wildlife animals wander around their natural vegetation habitat.

Game Drives in the Park are scheduled to take place three times a Day i.e Morning Game Drive starting at 6:30 am to Mid-Day, Afternoon Game Drive from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm then the Night Game Drive from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm giving you an opportunity to watch the nocturnal wildlife animals.

While on the Game Drives, you shall watch man y wildlife animals as the driver guide transfers you along varying tracks traversing from pone point to another and the wildlife animals you watch include; Giraffes, Elephants, Hippos, Buffalo, Wart Hogs, Bush Buck, Duiker, Water Buck, small antelope, and bird species like the Eagles, Hamerkop, guinea fowl.

With your Camera/ binoculars with no flash, take many photos to keep with you after your adventure. After the Game Drives, you shall return to lodge/ hotel.

Boat Cruise

Boat Cruises along the stunning Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park are exceptional to do on holiday. Boat Cruises give you an opportunity to watch various wildlife animals along the banks breaking thirst as well as hippos and crocodiles beneath the waters,

Boat Cruises along the Victoria Nile are done in company of a ranger guide who informs you about Murchison Falls National Park as well and the various safari adventures you can do ion the Park.

Boat Cruises are done in boats that are privately owned and those under the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The costs of transferring with either of these varies as well as the capacity of people they carry.

The Cruises along the Victoria Nile are scheduled into varying sessions which include; Morning session from 6:30 am to Mid-Day, Afternoon Game Drive from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm and the sunset Cruise that gives you an opportunity to view the sun set beneath the vigorous water falls.

When you get to the bottom of the falls, takes many photos to keep about the adventure then after you shall proceed back to the banks where you leave from to your hotel/ lodge.

Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls

For the adventurous traveler, a hike to the top of Murchison Falls is a must-do as you get a chance to trek through verdant lush green forests and rocky terrain from the bottom of the Falls upwards to the beautiful viewpoint facing the cascading waters beneath. On your hike/ trek, feel the mist on your face witnessing the power of nature. View the panoramic vistas of the surrounding terrain and on reaching the top, take many photos to keep about the adventure.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

Murchison Falls National Park also offers remarkable Chimpanzee Tracking Adventures at the Budongo Eco Tourism Site situated at the center of the vast green Budongo Forest Reserve.

On reaching the Forest headquarters, you are briefed precisely about tracking the Chimpanzees and the rules and regulations to follow to enjoy the Best.

Later you are allotted into groups of 8 with lead ranger guides into the forest to tack the Chimpanzees as you follow varying trails for a period of 2 to 4 hours depending on their current location then after a while, you shall meet them and take many photos to keep.

In the presence of the chimpanzees, listen to them echoing through the trees then watch them swing effortlessly from branch to branch. After tracking the chimpanzees get back to headquarters for your certificate then lead to lodge/ hotel.

Birdwatching

Murchison Falls National Park is a paradise for avid bird watchers as the park comprises of more than 450 bird species. You shall get your binoculars and spotting scope to watch many bird species like colorful kingfishers, majestic African fish eagles, elusive shoebills, and a host of other avian treasures etc. Take many photos of the birds you watch to keep.

Cultural Encounters

Cultural Encounters at Murchison Falls National Park are exceptional as travelers get to visit the local communities to learn about their traditions and customs as they engage in unique cultural ceremonies, and interact with community members eager to share their way of life. The adventure vary from traditional dances and storytelling sessions to craft demonstrations and home-cooked meals.

How to get to Murchison Falls National Park

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda requires you to choose from a variety of options as chosen by the travelers on holiday.

By Air

Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed by use of Air as you catch domestic flights after landing at the Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba Airstrip, Gulu Airstrip and Masindi Airstrip where our driver guide meets you and transfers you to the Park. Alternatively, you can fly from Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba.

By Road

By Road, you can transfer from Kampala or Entebbe Airport for a period of 5 to 6 hours via the Kampala-Masindi-Gulu Highway till you reach Murchison Falls National Park.

From Masindi Town, drive for a period of 2 to 3 hours to the southern entrance gate of the park at Kichumbanyobo.

From Gulu Town while from the Northern region of Uganda, drive for a period of 3 to 4 hours to Murchison Falls National Park.