Murchison Falls Safari Tours & Holidays
Murchison Falls National Park is undoubtedly one of Uganda’s most remarkable and diverse wildlife sanctuaries. Located in the northwestern part of the country, this national park is named after the breathtaking Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful cascade. The park covers an expansive area of 3,840 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in Uganda.
One of the major highlights of Murchison Falls safari tours is the park’s incredible landscapes. From vast savannah plains to dense forests and rolling hills, the park offers a diverse range of habitats for a wide variety of wildlife. The park is home to over 76 mammal species, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and buffalos. The birdlife is equally impressive, with over 450 species recorded, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
In addition to its diverse fauna, Murchison Falls National Park boasts an impressive array of flora. The park is characterized by dense forests, riverine vegetation, and extensive grasslands. Visitors can marvel at the sight of towering mahogany and fig trees, as well as colorful orchids and other unique plant species.
About Murchison Falls National Park
If you’re planning a Murchison Falls National Park Safari, it’s important to know some key details to make the most of your trip.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls National Park can be visited all year round, but the best time for Murchison Falls tours is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to February and from June to September. During this time, the wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making it easier to spot them.
Where to Stay?
When it comes to accommodation options, Murchison Falls National Park offers a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxury lodges overlooking the Nile to tented camps nestled in the wilderness, there is something for everyone. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance to secure your preferred choice.
Pakuba Safari Lodge
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
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
Paraa Safari Lodge
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
Nile Safari Lodge is a super luxury lodge in Murchison falls National Park 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
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 the Park?
In terms of transportation, Murchison Falls can be accessed by both road and air. By road, it takes approximately 5-6 hours from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Alternatively, you can choose to fly into the park’s airstrip, which is located near Paraa, the park’s main tourism hub.
By Air
Several top-notch chartered companies offer scheduled flights to Murchison Falls National park, among these is Aero link. Flights to Murchison Falls land fly to the two major airstrips; Pakuba and Bungungu.
By Road Drive
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.
Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park
There are plenty of activities to keep you engaged on your Murchison Falls tour; Game viewing is a popular activity, where you can embark on game drives to spot the park’s abundant wildlife. A boat cruise along the Nile is another must-do, offering a unique perspective of the park’s scenery and wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, chimpanzee tracking is available in the nearby Budongo Forest Reserve. Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is also a thrilling activity, allowing you to witness the sheer power of the Nile as it squeezes through the narrow gorge.Cultural visits to the nearby communities and nature walks to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems are also highly recommended.
Game 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.
Boat Safaris
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.
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
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
Bush Camping
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.
Why Choose Our Murchison Falls Safaris?
There are a number of reasons to choose Murchison Falls safaris and holidays; Firstly, the park’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes offer a truly immersive wildlife experience. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or a photography enthusiast, Murchison Falls safaris offer something for everyone.
Furthermore, when you choose Murchison Falls Safaris with our safari company, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands. At Masai Mara Holidays, we have a reputation for providing exceptional service and ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of our clients. Our team of well-trained guides are knowledgeable about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems, ensuring an informative and memorable experience.
We believe in providing personalized service to our clients. We understand that each traveler is unique, with different interests and preferences. That’s why we offer customized Murchison Falls safaris that can be tailored to suit your specific requirements. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group, we can create a safari experience that exceeds your expectations.
Popular Murchison Falls Safari Tours & Holidays
Our Murchison Falls tours are crafted to offer comfortable accommodations that cater to your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer luxury lodges or cozy tented camps, we have carefully selected accommodations that provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Check out our expertly designed Murchison Falls safaris and feel free to request for a quote
