A Complete Guide For Murchison Falls National Park Safari

Do you know which is the largest national park in Uganda? Then welcome to Murchison National Park Uganda. This is recognized as the largest national park in this country and owns many wildlife animals that you might haven’t seen in real life.

Put this travel guide in your pocket because we will help you to have an overview of from the Victoria Nile to the Karuma Bridge and Lake Albert, to the jointly administered Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserve, Budongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism Site.

With this article, you will discover Murchison Falls National Park Safari, finding where to stay, what to do and how to get there.

Why Visit Murchison Falls National Park?

In addition to being one of the biggest conservation areas, Murchison Falls National Park Uganda is a popular safari destination in this country. The park, which was designated a national park in 1952, is among the oldest in Uganda. Statesmen like Sir Winston Churchill, who called the park the Kew Gardens in his book My African Journey, have visited it frequently.

Together with a wide range of exceptional landscapes, natural features and plant and animal populations, the park is home to the breathtaking Murchison Falls.

With a wealth of species, including lions, leopards, giraffes, crocodiles and hippos, this national park is the biggest conservation area in Uganda.

This guide has all the information you need to organize a Murchison Falls National Park Safari, including maps, information on what to see and do and information on how to get there. You will undoubtedly find something genuinely remarkable.

Murchison Falls National Park Safari

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park Safari

Murchison Falls National Park is located approximately 305 kilometers northwest of Kampala. Travelers can get to this park by:

• By Road: The drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park takes about 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey offers picturesque views of Uganda’s countryside. On the way to the park, you might stop over the Masindi, this is the popular stopover point for any drivers who are driving a long way to the park. The distance from Masindi to Murchison Falls National Park Safari is estimated at about 85 kilometers.
• By Air: For a quicker option, you can book a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba Airfield, which is within the park.
• By Water: Some adventurous travelers opt for boat rides along the Nile, entering the park through its water routes.

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls Safari Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park Safari is open year-round for any visitors who can participate in this exciting activity at any time. However, the best time for a game drive at the national park is in the dry season. This season usually runs from December to February and June to September, you can easily spot animals gathering around the water source. Moreover, you can drive easily in the dry climate.

When visiting in the wet season, the road is more difficult to drive; however, this is not something that prevents you from admiring the wildlife.

Travelers can visit Murchison Falls National Park at any time of the year

Top Activities in Murchison Falls National Park Safari

Game Drives

The north bank of the Victoria Nile River has a number of circuits. The Queen and Albert Nile paths, which are located immediately west of the Pakwach Road, are the greatest places to see animals. Amazing sights of giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas and herds of buffaloes and elephants are common in the region.

Game drives are the popular way for travelers to see around the National Park. The most satisfying game drives are in the morning, when guests can see the animals at their most active. During the morning game drive, guests can see big cats like lions and leopards that are hunting in the morning, observe various bird species and keep an eye out for animals like elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, Jackson's hartebeest, bushbucks and oribi, among others, that will be grazing in the Savannah plains.

Boat Safaris

A boat cruise on the Nile is an iconic experience. Visitors can choose from two types of cruises:

• Upstream to Murchison Falls: This cruise takes you closer to the base of the falls, offering stunning views of the cascading water and an opportunity to see crocodiles, hippos and a variety of birds.
• Downstream to the Nile Delta: Ideal for birdwatchers, this route explores the tranquil delta area where the Nile meets Lake Albert.

Take a boat safari to enjoy the wildlife of the National Park

Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park Safari

More than 450 bird species have been identified in Murchison Falls National Park, including migratory, savannah, aquatic and Albertine Rift unique species.  Game drives, nature walks and boat cruises to the base of the falls and along the Victoria Nile delta are all opportunities to see birds. The Abyssinian ground hornbill, the grey-crowned crane, the pied kingfisher, the weaver birds, the silver bird, the martial eagle, the giant kingfisher, the shoebill stork, the black-headed lapwing, the yellow-fronted tinkerbird, the black-billed barbet, the long tales nightjar, the veracious dove, the long-toed plover and the Abyssinian ground hornbill are just a few of the various bird species that visitors should keep an eye out for while bird watching.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzees can be seen at Budongo Forest, which is managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA). Murchison Falls National Park offers chimpanzee visitation at a lower cost than Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kibale Forest.

Depending on where the chimpanzees spent the night before, this walk might take anything from thirty minutes to four hours. Along the way, visitors can see various plant and tree types, birds, butterflies and other primate species. Following their discovery, guests will have the opportunity to spend an hour with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, learning about their habits and behaviors while taking pictures and films and observing how they play, feed, nurse, hunt and fight.

You can have the chance to witness the Chimpanzee

Where to Stay for Murchison Falls National Park Safari

Budget lodges, midrange lodges and luxury lodges like the Chobe Safari resort are all available here. Regardless of your safari budget, this enormous diversity provides lodging possibilities for all visitors.

Other luxury accommodations include the Paraa and Nile Safari Lodges; mid-range accommodations include Pakuba, Murchison River and Fort Murchison Lodge Uganda; and affordable accommodations include Boomu Women's Group Bandaas, Red Chilli Uganda Murchison Falls (Red Chilli Rest Camp), Yebo Safari Camp and Parkside Safari Lodge. Don't be misled, though, for there are also inexpensive safaris available at Murchison Falls National Park.

Cost For The Murchison Falls National Park Safari Trip

The cost of a safari to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of safari, the duration, accommodation preferences and the tour operator.

Entrance Fee

• Adults: Foreign Non-Residents: $40 | Foreign Residents: $30 | East African Community: 20,000 UGX ($6)
• Children: Foreign Non-Residents: $20 | Foreign Residents: $10 | East African Community: 5,000 UGX ($1.37)

4 WD Safari vehicle

• Foreign Residents: $15
• East African Community: 20,000 UGX ($6)

Ferry Crossing per head: UGX 5,000

For any activities in the Murchison Falls National Park Safari trip, the cost for each activity is about $15 to $50. If you visit with a tour operator, they will offer different packages based on the specific interests and needs of the traveler.

Conclusion: Murchison Falls National Park Safari

A Murchison Falls National Park Safari is a journey into the heart of Uganda’s natural beauty. From the thundering falls to the open savannahs teeming with wildlife, this park offers an adventure like no other. Whether you’re exploring the Nile by boat, tracking lions on a game drive or marveling at rare birds, Murchison Falls promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Embark on your safari to this remarkable destination and discover why it remains one of Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. The magic of Murchison Falls awaits!