A Comprehensive Guide To A Safari In Murchison Falls National Park: An Africa safari to Uganda calls a trip to Murchison Falls National Park – a magical gem found in the northwest Uganda. The park is not only one of the most visited destination in Uganda but in the entire African continent.
The name Murchison was given by Sir Samuel Baker during his explorations in Uganda during the 19th Century, he named the Mighty Falls – Murchison Falls from which the park gets its name. As the largest park in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park has almost all of Africa’s major mammals. It is a Lion Conservation unit and has one of the largest populations of Roskilde Giraffes in Africa.
There’s plenty to keep you busy during your Uganda Safari to Murchison Falls National Park, but the most popular activity by far is game viewing safari. Wildlife in the park includes everything from elephants and hippos to chimpanzees and Nile Crocodiles. You can also see White Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which is situated close to the park.
About Murchison Falls
Once you see the might Murchison Falls – the most powerful falls in the world, you will understand why the entire vast area of 1,500 square miles of the park is named after the cascading falls. The water comes from the Victoria Nile River, but it is not like the waterfalls you are probably used to. The water surges through a narrow gorge that stretches about 6 meters, pushing onwards before it makes its way down a massive drop.
The Murchison Falls is constantly compared to the waterfalls found in Canada’s Nahanni National Park, only Murchison is more magnificent. The local people of Uganda sometimes even say that “these falls are defined by external war between the rock and the water”. Once you see the sheer force involved in pushing the water through the earth, you will completely agree with this description.
There are two options for viewing the Murchison Falls, the first is to make your way to the top where you can actually see where the water makes its way through the gorge. This gorge is often called the “devil’s cauldron”, the hike takes about 45 minutes from the bottom to tip and can be completed by anyone who is able to walk as it is not strenuous.
Another option is from a boat safari, which will take you as close to the falls as possible from below. It is recommended that you view the falls from both perspectives since each offers an entirely unique experience. However, if you must choose one, then it is recommended to make the short hike to the top.
How to Reach the Park
Flying into Entebbe International Airport situated close to Uganda’s capital, Kampala is the easiest way to get to Murchison Falls National Park. Depending on the time your flight arrives, you can either stay in Kampala overnight or make the 5-hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park that day. Be sure to get your Uganda Visa before beginning your travelers. Remember to use a tour operator, a good 4×4 vehicle with a good air-conditioning to deal with dust (during the dry season) and mud (during the rainy season). Visiting Murchison Falls National Park can be arranged using the services of a tour operator especially if you are not sure of the roads, your tour operator will arrange for accommodation, transport, meals and activities before you arrive in Uganda for the safari.
Main Activities and Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park
The Murchison Falls are definitely the main attraction in Murchison Falls National Park, also there is plenty of other attractions to keep you busy. During your safari, you will get the chance to see over 70 African mammal species and 4 of the Big Five including lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. Murchison Falls National Park is a great place to do bird watching, there are nearly 450 recorded bird species found throughout the park. Chimpanzee trekking is another popular Uganda Safari activity.
Most of travelers plan 3 Days in Murchison Falls National Park to explore the park, the best way to do this is by booking a Uganda Safari. Also, you can choose between 2 and 10 day safaris to see all that Uganda has to offer including gorilla trekking and visiting many of Uganda’s leading national parks.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
The best months to visit Murchison Falls National Park are from December to February since the weather is mild during this time of the year. The peak tourist time is from June to September, so be aware that the park will be crowded during these months. There are two low seasons due to heavy rainfall, from March to May and October to November. For those interested in birding, the rainy (low season) may be the best time to go. During this time, the birds in the par are very active. It is the breeding season and migratory birds escaping harsh winters in Europe can also be sighted in the African savannah.
Unfortunately, the low season is characterized by heavy rains that leave the roads in the park impassable in some sections. Viewing the animals becomes more difficult because they scatter in smaller groups as food is in plenty.
Lodges and Hotels
There are several accommodation options in Murchison Falls National Park ranging from budget, midrange to luxury. These including GeoLodges Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, and Murchison Safari Lodge.
The Ultimate Packing List for a tour of Murchison Falls National Park
Packing for a safari in Murchison Falls National Park is fairly standard, and you should pack light as you would for any other adventure travel experience. Try to pack clothes that are lightweight for any other adventure travel experience. Try to pack clothes that are lightweight yet provide coverage from the sun, also you will want to bring waterproof gear for your hike to the top of Murchison Falls.
If you have a dry bag, bring this along for your non-waterproof electronics like your phone and camera. Pack a comfortable pair of hiking boots, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Other than that, just remember to pack light and that less is more. You won’t need much for your trip here, just protection from the African elements and an adventurous spirit.