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Welcome to Murchison National Park independent guide. This information will greatly assist you in your preparations to visit Murchison Falls, finding where to stay, safari companies, map, getting there, things to do and general information about Uganda safaris. Murchison Falls Conservation Area ( MFCA ) comprises of Murchison Falls National Park, Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves.
A complete Guide to Exploring Murchison Falls National Park with detailed information on Location and size of the park, animals in Murchison Falls Parks, how to get there, attractions and activities to do, when to visit, where to stay, safari tour packages, best recommended tour companies, map and so much more
Also known as the Kabalega National Park, the Murchison Falls National Park is popularly known for having the world’s most powerful waterfall that emits large volumes of water about 300 cubic meters per second or 11,000 ft³/s at a very powerful pressure that cause the surrounding to tremble. The park was first gazetted in 1927 and today is the largest park in Uganda covering an area of 3840 sq km / 1483 sq miles. It is commonly visited for Uganda Safari Tours because of its diverse safari activities and rich wildlife.
The location of Murchison Falls National Park is in northern Uganda, northwest of the capital Kampala, and extends its boundaries to a number of districts within and beyond the Bunyoro escarpment including Nwoya, masindi, Kiryandongo and Buyisa. It is found on the northernmost reaches of the Albertine Rift Valley with its terrain bisected by the Victoria Nile.
When we talk about Murchison Falls National Park animals, it is home to more than 73 animals species among which are four the ‘Big Five’ including buffaloes, leopards, lions and elephants (except rhinos), has three-quarters of the world’s population of Rothschild giraffes plus a healthy population of herbivores which has recently doubled including the Uganda Kobs all of which can easily be seen on the Wildlife Safari Tours here. There are various primates living within its verdant forests like the Budongo among are over 610 chimpanzees, in addition to 451 bird species including 23 Albertine rift endemics.
The Murchison Falls
the highlight of any itinerary in Murchison Falls National Park is visiting the falls to see how large volumes of water from the Victoria Nile forces its way through an approximately 7 meter wide gorge to plunge 43 meters below into a pool. this powerful water fall creates a thunderous noise with a splashing cloud of fog offering a very breathtaking view worth enjoying
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
This private non-profit project was established in 2005 to revive the population of the white rhino in Uganda following the intense poaching that happened during the 1990s that totally depleted this species from the Murchison Falls and Kidepo National parks where these animals previously lived. Today there are twenty two 22 southern white rhinos found at this sanctuary.
The Rich Wildlife
The diverse vegetation cover of the park which includes woodlands, savannah and riverine forests supports a great diversity of animals which can easily be seen in different safari itineraries like the 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari. These include the Uganda Kobs, Hartebeests, lions, elephants, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, and hyenas among many others. Birders as well the park has a diversity of species to see like the rare shoebill stork, the Goliath heron, the yellow footed fly catcher, African jacana, Abyssinian ground hornbill, pitta as well as the pied giant and malachite kingfisher among the over 451 species.
Launch Trip: This 2 hour launch trip begins at Paraa and offers holidaymakers an opportunity to see various wildlife including large numbers of giant crocodiles, hippos and various birds like the rare shoebill stork. This offers great photographic opportunities
Game Drives: These are conducted early morning as well as in the early evening offering you a chance to enjoy up-close views of the different animals. The Delta area, Buligi Penisular and the southern sector are the main game viewing areas. See our 3 Day Murchison Falls Safari.
Cultural Tours: Enjoy thrilling energetic cultural dances by the Mubako as you sit by a campfire, village tours to see the traditional lifestyle of the locals and the crafts shop by the Boomu Women’s Group
Chimpanzee Tracking: Within the verdant forest of budongo are some of the best Chimpanzee Tracking Tours conducted in Uganda. You will enjoy up-close encounters with these great apes.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: Enjoy an aerial view of the park’s beautiful landscape and large numbers of wildlife at day break. This ride costs between $380 and $400.
Bird Watching: With various species including Albertine Rift endemics, water birds and savanna forest birds. Birders will surely be well rewarded. Bird watching can be done during the launch cruise and game drives.
Nature Walks & Hikes: The park offers several trails that can be explored on foot through the Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests to see birds and primates
Although considered to be an all year-round destination, the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is in the dry season from December to mid-February, and June to July while bird watching can best be done in the wet season hen migrant birds have arrived
The park can easily be accessed easily by air and road. From Kampala to Murchison Falls it is about 4h 30 mins via Kampala – Masindi route (282 km) or 5h 30min via Kampala-Hoima. There are also charter flights from kajjansi Entebbe to chobe airstrip.
Here accommodation ranges from budget lodges, mid-range lodges and luxury lodges like the Chobe Safari lodge. This great diversity offers accommodation options for all travelers irrespective of your safari budget.
The Paraa Safari Lodge and Nile Safari Lodge are among the other luxury facilities, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge and Fort Muchison Safari Lodge are mid-range facilities while the Boomu Women’s Group Bandaas, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Yebo Safari Camp and Parkside Safari Lodge are the budget facilities. So don’t be misinformed as budget safaris in Murchison falls national park are also possible
Cost of a Murchison Falls Safari
There are a number of factors that affect the overall cost of a safari in this park, these include the park entrance to Murchison Falls National Park which is $40 and $20 for foreign non-residents, the cost of accommodation, transport and additional activities you will be engaging in
3 Days Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhino Safari
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Explore Murchison Falls NP
Day 3: Departure
Cost: $620 for budget Accommodation
3 Days Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhino Safari
Day 1: Ziwa Rhino
Day 2: Explore Murchison Falls NP
Day 3: Departure
Cost: $790 pp for Mid-range Accommodation
Cost: $1000 pp for Luxury Accommodation
5 Days Murchison Falls & Jinja Rafting
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2-3: Murchison Falls NP
Day 4: Rafting in Jinja
Day 5: Departure
Cost: $1,000 pp for budget accommodation
Popular Safari Packages
2 Days Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari
3 Days Murchison Falls Safari
4 Days Murchison Falls Tours
Because of its ideal location, most of the visitors to this great park often come from other destinations say Bwindi after a Gorilla Trekking Tour, or while going to enjoy the beautiful islands on a Ssesse Island Beach Holiday, or after visiting the capital of primates on a 3 Days Kibale Chimpanzee Safari. This can also be combined with safari to other neighboring safari options like Rwanda gorilla tours, or Kenya and Tanzania safari.
What to pack for a Safari to Uganda
All holidaymakers visiting the Murchison Falls National Park are advised to pack a number of things however, a valid passport with visa and a yellow fever vaccination certificate, camera, comfortable safari clothing that are not brightly colored, long sleeved shirts, scarfs, trousers, sunscreen, sunglasses, caps, a hat, evening wear, durable waterproof shoes with ankle support especially when going on nature walks or chimpanzee trekking.
For a more memorable safari experience you are advised to book your tour through a Tour Operators who will help you handle all your necessary reservation. Check out our list of Safari Tour Operators to see some Uganda’s highly recommended Tour Operators.
See Budget Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Murchison Falls National Park is featured in African Tour Safaris, CNN, Huffington Post, Newyork Times and so much.
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This Independent information portal and listing platform is here to aid you to explore, discover and learn about the African safari National Parks in Africa with a hope that you will indeed help to protect and conserve their beauty and resources.
Tanzania is a top choice for many safari-goers. The country’s Serengeti National Park is famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains. Visitors can witness this natural spectacle from safari vehicles or hot air balloons.
Besides the Serengeti, Tanzania boasts other notable parks like Ngorongoro Crater, home to a high concentration of wildlife within its volcanic caldera. Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees, adds variety to a Tanzania safari itinerary.
Botswana offers a different safari experience, focusing on low-impact, high-quality tourism. The Okavango Delta, a vast inland river delta, is a highlight of any Botswana safari. Visitors can explore its waterways by traditional canoes called mokoros, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Chobe National Park, another key Botswana destination, is known for its large elephant population. The Kalahari Desert, home to the San people and unique desert-adapted wildlife, provides a stark contrast to the lush delta regions.
For those interested in primate encounters, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a must-do experience. These countries are home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offer guided treks through dense forests to observe gorilla families in their natural habitat. The hikes can be challenging, but the reward of spending time with these gentle giants is unmatched.
Rwanda has become increasingly popular for gorilla treks due to its well-developed infrastructure and conservation efforts. The country’s commitment to protecting these endangered primates has led to a growth in their population.
Visitors to Rwanda can combine gorilla treks with other activities, such as visiting the capital city Kigali or exploring Nyungwe National Park, home to chimpanzees and other primates.
The Democratic Republic of Congo also offers gorilla trekking opportunities, though less frequently visited due to past instability. Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park, is home to mountain gorillas as well as lowland gorillas.
While gorilla treks in Congo can be more challenging to arrange, they offer a truly off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous travelers.
Often overlooked, Malawi is emerging as a safari destination. While its wildlife populations are still recovering, parks like Liwonde and Majete offer good game viewing opportunities.
Malawi’s main draw is Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s largest lakes. Visitors can combine wildlife viewing with relaxing beach time and water activities. The country’s friendly people and laid-back atmosphere provide a different pace compared to more popular safari destinations.
Each of these African safari destinations offers unique experiences. Whether it’s witnessing the vast herds of the Serengeti, paddling through the Okavango Delta, or coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas, Africa’s wildlife and landscapes continue to captivate travelers from around the world.
Visit Kibale Forest National Park Uganda
