Murchison Falls National Park Safaris, Activities & Lodges: A Travel Guide

This page is a travel guide to Murchison Falls National Park it talks about; Murchison Falls National Park safaris, accommodations, activities, animals & location.

Murchison Falls National Park in northwest Uganda is best known for hosting the most powerful waterfall in the world. Every second, the equivalent of 200 bathtubs full of water is forced through a gorge less than seven paces wide.

The Murchison Falls National Park, which is located in undulating grassland 1,483 square miles (3,840 square kilometers) east of Lake Albert, is under such intense strain that the ground trembles all around it.

The park, which is a part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), has fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing, and the Victoria Nile that cuts through it allows breathtaking boat cruises to the Murchison Falls.

Why visit Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park safari;

This Murchison Falls National Park, which is the most visited in Uganda and is run by the Uganda Animal Authority, attracts the greatest number of tourists each year since it offers everything a nature and wildlife enthusiast could want.

Game drives, night safari drives, boat cruises to the delta and the waterfall at Murchison Falls, nature walks, bird viewing, and monkey tracking are among the activities available.

On a safari in the Murchison Falls National Park, you can view over 70 different kinds of African mammals, including chimpanzees, crocodiles, elephants, and hippos. At the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which was established next to the park, you may also view White Rhinos.

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Safaris in Murchison Falls National Park to get you dreaming

Our favorite safaris showcasing the best of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.

Landscape views of Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo and Murchison safari takes you through rugged and semi-arid terrain with a rewarding experience of beautiful landscapes, and wildlife. You will enjoy wildlife game drives, community visits, a walk to Sipi Falls, and a coffee experience in eastern Uganda.

Kidepo National Park Safari

This 4 Days Kidepo Safari is the finest wildlife viewing experience that takes you to Kidepo valley national park Uganda’s most picturesque game park that offers the best savannah experience. Wildlife species that can be seen during a tour around Kidepo.

A game Drive in Kidepo National Park

This 5 Days Kidepo Safari offers three days of experiencing Kidepo Valley National Park via game drives and nature walks to take in the wildlife and sceneries this park has to offer. It is perfect for African fans. There are many opportunities for wildlife photography.

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Responsible travel and Vacations are part of Kabira Safaris‘ DNA. Since the beginning, we’ve strived to work with local people and businesses in our destinations. We believe that this not only gives you the finest experience possible, but it also benefits nearby communities. Locals are therefore driven to protect whatever attracts tourists, be it their culture, fauna, or environment. In contrast, we actively steer clear of “tourist traps.” Responsible Travel Policy.

Animals in Murchison Falls National Park

Only rhinos are missing from the Big Five, leaving four in the Murchison Falls National Park. Elephants and buffalo are very prevalent. The numerous Uganda kob are a favorite meal for the lions, who have a highly healthy population.

Oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, defassa waterbuck, grey duiker, and bushbuck are more antelope found in this area. Crocodiles, hippos, and gorilla trekking are all abundant in the Victoria Nile.

The Rothschild’s giraffe can be found in large herds throughout the park, and although they are not common, leopards are most likely to be spotted close to Pakuba Lodge.

On occasion, patas monkey troops have been seen on the grassy plains, while chimpanzees have been located in the nearby Budongo Forest.

Birds

One of the greatest places in Africa to find the shoebill stork, which has a prehistoric appearance, is Murchison Falls National Park. Seeing this bird when traveling by boat along the Victoria Nile towards the Lake Albert delta is practically inevitable.

This boat journey is actually excellent for checking off numerous water-associated birds, as is the more well-known “launch” trip to Murchison Falls. More than 450 species are represented on the excellent park species checklist. From November through April, migratory birds can be found here.

Trees

At an elevation of more than 600 meters, the 39,000-hectare Murchison Fall National Park contains a variety of grasslands, forested savannahs, tropical woods, wetlands, and open water.

The park is home to 109 different kinds of mammals, including giraffes, hartebeest, oribi, and Uganda kobs, as well as 145 different tree types and more than 451 different bird species. One of the best places in Africa to see the shoebill stork is Murchison Falls National Park.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Other Ugandan activities that tourists to Murchison Falls National Park can look forward to on their vacation include the following:

Cruises on the River Nile: One of the highlights is the 2-hour UWA boat trips or launch cruises, which cost $30 per person. Expect to observe elephant herds arriving for baths and water, as well as Nile Crocodiles lying on the banks with their mouths open.

Nile Delta Boat Ride: Fewer people take the boat trip down the Nile to the Nile Delta, where the Nile River combines with Lake Albert than take the boat safari up to the fall every day. Enjoy amazing birds, wildlife, hippo, crocodile, and other sightings.

Top of the Falls Hikes: One of the most remarkable experiences is a 45-minute journey up along the falls on an adventurous trek where you can be refreshed by the mist and feel the ground vibrate and shake.

Nile Delta Boat Ride: Fewer people take the boat trip down the Nile to the Nile Delta, where the Nile River combines with Lake Albert than take the boat safari up to the fall every day. Enjoy amazing birds, wildlife, hippo, crocodile, and other sightings.

How to get to Murchison Falls National Park?

By Plane

The majority of visitors enter Uganda through Entebbe International Airport (EBB), thus travelers should be informed of the most recent Uganda visa requirements. As part of your safari package, your local tour operator will often make arrangements for you to be picked up at the airport and will handle all subsequent transportation.

You can also take a scheduled or chartered flight to the park from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield in the Kampala area.

The most accessible place to arrive for the main group of camps and lodges centered on the park headquarters at Paraa is Pakuba Airfield. Chobe or Bugundu are more choices.

By Road

Murchison Falls National Park is located 305km/190 mi north of Kampala. The drive to the southern entrance gate takes 4 to 5 hours.

Coming from the southwest, the 280km/170 mi drive from Fort Portal takes at least 6 hours. Allow another hour or 2 from the entrance gate to most of the lodges.

Tariffs & Regulations

Entrance fee

All Murchison Falls National Park admission fees must be paid in full at the gate. The 24-hour validity of park fees.

  • Foreign non-residents: USD $40 per day
  • Foreign residents: USD $30 per day
  • Children foreign non-residents USD $20
  • Children foreign non-residents USD $10

Rules & Regulations

You can stay with the animals as long as you follow park regulations and do not disrupt them.

Accommodation at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

When considering where to stay while visiting Murchison Falls National Park, visitors have a variety of alternatives, with lodging options ranging from high-end safari hotels to more affordable campsites.

Lodges

The average cost of luxury accommodations such as Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, or Nile Safari Lodge is $500

Alternative lodge options include; Bwana Tembo Lodge or Murchison River Lodge is USD $350.

Useful information

Geography

Murchison Falls National Park is around 305 kilometers (190 miles) north of Kampala and can be reached on a safari tour of Uganda. It takes 4 to 5 hours to travel to reach the southern entrance gate.

Trips to the park can be combined with tours of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Kibale Forest National Park.

Weather

Murchison Falls National Park has a hot, tropical climate. The temperature is very constant throughout the year. It typically reaches daytime highs of around 31 °C (88 °F) and nighttime lows of about 18 °C (64 °F).

The dry season, from June to July, follows the wet season, which lasts from March to November. The Dry season has little rainfall (December to February).

Best time to go

Understanding the optimum time to visit Uganda is crucial since it affects lodging costs, flight costs, availability, and the weather visitors can anticipate while on their safari trip.

The greatest time to observe animals in Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry season, which runs from December to February. However, the weather is more picturesque from June to November, and January and February can get quite warm.

Health

It is advised to stay current on Uganda’s most recent immunization needs, be sure to take precautions against malaria, and get specific vaccinations (contact your local doctor or travel clinic).

Use mosquito repellent (those with DEET are the most effective), cover yourself in the evenings, and take antimalarial medication to reduce your chance of contracting malaria.

Visitors should also exercise caution by donning clothing in the evening and using insect repellent (those containing DEET are the most effective).

It is advised to see a travel medical facility before traveling to Uganda. When leaving a nation where there is a significant danger of transmission of yellow fever, you should get many vaccinations, which are often given before you leave.

Evenings are a wonderful time to cover up with long sleeves and pants. It’s also crucial to make sure you have the immunizations advised for Uganda.

FAQs About Murchison Falls National Park

Where is Murchison Falls National Park located?

Murchison Falls National Park is located 305km/190mi north of Kampala. The drive to the southern entrance gate takes 4 to 5 hours. Visitors can also charter flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to the nearby Pakuba Airfield.

What animals will visitors see at Murchison Falls National Park?

Visitors to Murchison Falls National Park will see four of the Big Five; only rhino are absent. Buffalo and elephant are common and other animals include lions, Uganda kob, antelope, oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, defassa waterbuck, grey duiker, crocodiles and hippos.

Other Uganda Safari Parks

The ten Uganda National Parks include Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki, Mgahinga Gorilla, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks.