Uganda safari Murchison falls National Park takes you to the largest National Park in Uganda also known to be home to the worlds second most powerful falls, Murchison falls. With the big five present, safari Murchison falls tours offer world-class game viewing with various wildlife species including; lion prides, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, water bucks, Cape buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, leopards, a few spotted hyenas and over 460 bird species including the area shoebill stocks. Murchison Falls was first discovered by Sir Samuel Baker who also named it after the president of the Royal Geographical Society. On top of the spectacular wildlife drives, Safari in Uganda Murchison falls also offers other activities to include; launch cruise to the bottom of the falls, hiking to the top the falls, nature walks, hot air balloon safaris, chimpanzee tracking and the magnificent rhino tracking at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary that can be added on to your Murchison falls safari itinerary.
Murchison Falls Tours
Safari in Uganda Murchison Falls
Murchison falls Uganda is an all-rounder Park with various wildlife and the raging Murchison falls which is a thrilling sight to see. The concentration of wildlife to be explored on Murchison falls National Park tours is average so do not visit expecting a scene from Tanzania’s Serengeti although we have never registered any visitor that leaves disappointed. The Nile River bisects through the Park as it deposits its water into Lake Albert. Along the journey is where Might Murchison falls is situated; famously described as the most spectacular thing to happen to the Nile along its 6700 km length where the 50m wide River squeezes through a 6m gap and crushes through this gorge with unbelievable power. This journey takes this river takes through the park offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities while on your Uganda safari Murchison falls National Park explored on a launch cruise.
Attractions in Murchison falls National Park
From the hikes to the top of the falls, magnificent wildlife drives, hot air balloon safaris, launch trips, to chimpanzee tracking; Safari in Uganda Murchison falls offers some of the best attractions to be explored. The minimum number of days advised from a Murchison falls tour is 3 days although if you are to explore more with the park you can extend your visit to 4 or 5 days.
Murchison falls Wildlife Drives
Uganda Murchison falls safari is highlighted with wildlife watching which is majorly done in the Buligi sector situated between Lake Albert and Victoria Nile. Another game viewing can be done in the parks Savannah sectors on the Albert, Queens, and Victoria tracks. The best time of the day to view wildlife on your Murchison falls safari tour is earning the morning as early at 7 am while wildlife seeks to start the day and in the afternoon or evening as they draw near the river to drink water. Resident wildlife includes the big five; lion prides, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, waterbucks, Cape buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, leopards, a few spotted hyenas, and over 460 bird species including the area shoebill stocks. South of the river has few wildlife which you will notice on your visit to Murchison falls Uganda as you approach the park from Masindi. In this section, you are likely to only see lots of balloons and warthogs also some antelopes also come out here to play.
Launch Trips
Murchison falls tours also feature a three-hour trip from Paraa along the Victoria Nile upstream to the bottom of the mighty falls. This activity has been reviewed to be the major highlight of a Murchison falls safari tour for most visitors. The boats sail daily at 9 am and 2 pm regardless of the numbers. This cruise brings you to a close encounter with abundant hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and Buffaloes; a variety of bird species including many fish Eagles.
Delta launch trip
Safari in Uganda Murchison falls also offers an alternative delta cruise that journeys downstream to the Victorian Nile Delta where the Nile empties into Lake Albert. Just the upstream cruise to the falls, the wildlife viewing is fantastic also the delta cruise offers more birding opportunities as shoebill sightings are very common.
Top of the Falls Hike
This adventure follows a launch trip to the bottom of the falls as the boat cannot get too close to the base of the roaring falls. This two-hour hike on a Uganda safari Murchison falls National Park takes you through a fairly challenging experience to the top of the falls viewpoint. The walking route is beautiful and spectacular of birders, these trails also offer you views of the adjacent Uhuru falls. Should find this a challenging way to visit the top, there is an alternative through a track that leads off from Sambiya River Lodge, and from there it is a 30-minute drive to the top of the falls viewpoint which is also the departure route is taken after the hike.
Chimpanzee tracking in Murchison Falls Uganda
Chimpanzee tracking in Murchison falls Uganda is done in Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forest which are officially part of the park also operated separately. Tracking thes chimps is a spectacular experience that requires you to get a chimpanzee permit which is your ticket to visiting the primates. The walks are scheduled for mornings only and take about two houre, the trekkers are required to be 15 years old
Accommodation lodges and Camps in Murchison falls National Park
Accommodation in Murchison falls is planned both in and outside the Park ranging from bush camping, budget, mid-range to luxury accommodations.
Bush Camping in Murchison Falls
This option for your Uganda Murchison falls safari is offered on request for a fantastic night in the wild and an early start on your morning game drive. Camping offers the opportunity to sleep with wildlife out at the delta point overlooking Lake Albert in the Buligi sector of the park, a compulsory armed guard who accompanies you is required.
Budget Accommodations in Murchison Falls Uganda
Pakuba Safari Lodge Murchison falls Uganda
Pakuba Safari Lodge is nestled on the Eastern Bank of the Albert Nile in Murchison Falls National Park overlooking the spectacular River Nile. The lodge location affords panoramic views of the mighty River Nile, sweeping vistas of the surrounding riverine forest below, and captivating surrounding wilderness where travelers get the chance to sight Giraffes, Elephants, Antelopes, and occasionally Leopards that pay regular visits to the lodge. The lodge consists of tastefully furnished rooms that offer comfort, style, and serenity.
Fort Murchison Lodge Murchison falls Uganda
Set on the Eastern banks of the slow-flowing Albert Nile, Fort Murchison revokes the idea of a well-maintained isolated outpost from times where Arab traders frequented the African hinterlands and legendary explorers led expeditions in search of the source of the Nile. Built-in the right spot and inspired by the historical background, Fort Murchison is unlike any other in Uganda. Fort Murchison consists of 12 en-suite units comprising of a spacious bedroom with comfortable beds, bathrooms with countersunk basins, and showers with plenty of hot water from solar heaters. All rooms boast a writing desk and a private balcony with its own sofa. The atmosphere is a mix of African luxury with a touch of Swahili style.
Fort Murchison also offers non-self-contained tents. These are comfortably furnished with 2 single beds with mosquito nets, a bedside table, and a power outlet for charging your electrical equipment. All tents are placed under a grass thatched roof which creates your private terrace and provides some welcome shade. The tents share a communal ablution block with showers and flushing toilets
Mid range Accommodations in Murchison Falls Uganda
Baker’s Lodge Murchison falls Uganda
Baker’s Lodge is situated on the South Bank of the mighty Nile River which transects Murchison Falls National Park. This intimate, safari-style lodge is set within a large private area with direct river access, large shady trees, and wetland areas hosting abundant birdlife along the water’s edge. Each of the individual thatched safari suites is raised from the ground on supporting pillars with its own deck overlooking the river. Care has been taken to ensure each of the ten suites has privacy as well as excellent views either up or downstream. The large, airy facilities are fan-cooled, have netted windows with opening options, customized solid wooden furniture, hanging mosquito nets, and especially selected locally crafted items for the accessories.
Luxury Accommodations in Murchison Falls Uganda
Paraa Safari Lodge Murchison falls Uganda
This luxury hotel-style lodge is located within the park on the northern bank of the Nile River. The accommodation has a great location overlooking the river with excellent facilities including a swim-up bar, rooms that are a 4-5 star standard. Each of the rooms is a haven of style and serenity, complete with a balcony and private bathroom.
Nile Safari Lodge Murchison falls
Nile Safari Lodge is elevated on a riverbank of the mighty River Nile. There are endless opportunities of game viewing, and discovering the region. The lodge offers breathtaking views of the River Nile from every corner of our lodge. In the heart of Murchison falls national park; Nile Safari Lodge also offers a magical escape in the most luxurious, tranquil, and eco-friendly setting Uganda has to offer.
Chobe Safari Lodge Murchison falls
Located in the Murchison Falls National Park, this Five Star lodge is undoubtedly the gem in Uganda’s crown of tourism destinations. The breathtaking panoramic views, coupled with the sounds of the River Nile’s magnificent rapids, sets the scene for an adventure that will impress even the most discerning of visitors. Chobe Safari Lodge offers a unique opportunity to sample the wildlife, birds, flora, and fauna; all in an area of the park that has yet to be discovered. This area of Murchison Falls National Park is ideal for fishing and will revive this newly refurbished lodge to become one of the best fishing destinations in Africa.
How to get to Murchison falls National Park
Murchison falls Uganda can be accessed both by air and by road transfer depending on your budget and preference. A flight to Murchison falls National Park can from Kajansi Airstrip is a 1-hour flight whereas a drive to the part is 4 to 5 hours by road.
By Air
Several top-notch chartered campaniles include scheduled flights to Murchison falls National park, among these is Aero link. Flights to Murchison falls land at two major airstrips; Pakuba and Bungungu.
By Road
Accessing the park by road for your Murchison falls tour starting from Kampala is about 4 to 5 hours. From Kampala you drive along Hoima road highway to reach Masindi Town, from Masindi, there is an option of a direct route via Kichumbanyobo gate or the longer but more scenic route, which heads west to Lake Albert and enters the park via the Bugungu gate. A route trip is always best as it offers you experiences with both routes, arriving in one and departing with the other. Both routes go through the magnificent Budongo Forest to the park at Paraa. At Paraa, a new ridge has been built that connects the southern bank of the park to the Northern bank which has eased movement with the park to replace the service of the ferry.