Safari activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park, located in northwestern Uganda, is a captivating and diverse wilderness area that boasts breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Covering an extensive area of approximately 3,893 square kilometers, the park is named after the impressive Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile dramatically plunges through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular cascade of water.
Established in 1952, Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s oldest and most iconic protected areas. Its diverse landscapes encompass vast savannah plains, lush forests, and meandering waterways, providing a perfect habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna. Visitors to the park can expect to encounter 4 of the famous “Big Five” (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard), as well as a host of other animals such as giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species.
Beyond the enthralling wildlife encounters, the park offers a myriad of exciting activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Game drives, boat safaris along the Nile, and guided nature walks are just a few of the ways to explore this captivating landscape and witness its diverse inhabitants up close.
Our Top experiences
Game Drives:
Game drives are one of the best ways to explore the park and encounter a wide variety of wildlife. You can go on game drives in specially adapted safari vehicles, accompanied by experienced guides. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, leopards, antelopes, and many other animals. The northern bank is the most popular and accessible area for game drives. You can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, and sometimes leopards. The game drives usually take place in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. The Albert track, Delta track, Pakuba track and Commonwealth tracks traverse the savannah plains and offer great opportunities for wildlife sightings. The Buligi area is known for its concentrations of wildlife, making it a prime location for game drives. The delta area is a habitat for various bird species like shoebill and aquatic wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles. Game drives venture to this area to explore its unique offerings.
Boat Safaris:
 A boat safari on the Nile River is a must-do activity in Murchison Falls National Park. You can take a boat cruise to the base of the majestic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging into the Albert Nile. Along the riverbanks, you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, and various bird species. The most famous boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is the one that takes visitors from Paraa to the bottom of Murchison Falls. The cruise usually takes about a 3-hour round trip. It’s a thrilling experience as you get to see the powerful Nile River surging through a narrow gorge and creating the spectacular Murchison Falls. During the boat cruise, you’ll have the chance to spot various wildlife species that come to the riverbanks to drink water and cool off. Common sightings include elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and a wide variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle. Murchison Falls National Park is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Keep your binoculars ready as you may spot kingfishers, herons, cormorants, and many other beautiful birds. Boat cruises usually take place in the morning and afternoon when the weather is cooler, and wildlife activity is higher.
Birding:
Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda, boasting a diverse range of avian species due to its varied habitats. These include savannas, woodlands, riverbanks, forests, and wetlands. Here are some of the bird species you may encounter during your bird-watching adventure in Murchison Falls; Shoebill Stork, Goliath Heron, Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary birds, African fish eagle, malachite kingfishers, African skimmer, yellow-billed oxpecker, red-throated bee-eater, and many more. Remember to bring along a good pair of binoculars, a bird field guide specific to the region, and comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions. It’s also advisable to hire a knowledgeable local guide to enhance your bird-watching experience and increase your chances of spotting some of the rarer species
Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
For the more adventurous, you can take a hike to the top of Murchison Falls to witness the mighty Nile squeezing through the narrow gorge and plunging down with tremendous force. The hike offers spectacular views and an up-close experience with the falls.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris:
For a unique and breathtaking experience, you can opt for a hot air balloon safari over the park. This activity allows you to see the wildlife and landscapes from a different perspective, and the views are simply stunning.
Chimpanzee Trekking:
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest is an incredible wildlife experience that allows you to observe and interact with man’s closest relatives, the chimpanzees, in their natural habitat. The trek usually starts early in the morning from the Budongo Eco Lodge or Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and trackers who are well-versed in the behavior and habits of the chimpanzees. The trek can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on the location of the chimpanzee groups.
Once the chimpanzee group is located, you’ll have an hour to observe them. You’ll be asked to maintain a safe distance and to keep relatively quiet to avoid disturbing the primates. During the encounter, you can witness various behaviors of the chimpanzees, such as grooming, playing, hunting, and caring for their young. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about their social structure and communication. The forest is home to other primates like olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and many bird species.
When is the best time to visit Murchison falls national Park
The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda is during the dry season. The dry season typically runs from December to February and from June to September. During these months, the weather is generally more pleasant, and the wildlife is easier to spot as they congregate around water sources. Wildlife viewing: With less vegetation and water sources shrinking, animals tend to gather around the remaining waterholes, making it easier to spot them during game drives or boat safaris.
