Murchison Falls National Park Safari

Murchison Falls National Park – Safari Overview

Murchison Falls National Park, located in northwestern Uganda, is one of the country’s most iconic and diverse safari destinations. The park is especially famous for the Shoebill stork, a rare and prehistoric bird that draws birdwatchers from around the world.

Named by Sir Samuel Baker in the 19th century, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area. It supports nearly every major African wildlife species and is recognized as a lion conservation unit with one of Africa’s largest populations of Rothschild’s giraffe. The park’s landscape features open savannah, woodland, and Budongo Forest, which is ideal for chimpanzee trekking.

Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park

1. Wildlife Viewing
Guided game drives are the most popular activity in the park. Visitors can expect to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, and chimpanzees. White rhinos can also be seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located nearby.

2. Visit Murchison Falls
The park is named after its dramatic waterfall, where the Victoria Nile forces through a narrow 6-meter gorge before plunging down a steep cliff. The falls are an unforgettable natural spectacle and are best viewed either by hiking to the top or taking a boat cruise to the bottom.

3. Nile River Boat Safaris
Boat safaris on the Nile are a highlight of the Murchison Falls experience. From Paraa landing site, you can enjoy views of animals like elephants and hippos, and spot bird species such as kingfishers and the Shoebill stork. Boat cruises are offered upstream to the base of the falls or downstream to the Nile Delta.

4. Explore the Nile Delta
The delta, where the Victoria Nile meets Lake Albert, is a top spot for birdwatchers. Visitors may see African Fish Eagles, Goliath Herons, Great Egrets, and the rare Shoebill stork. Wildlife like giraffes, elephants, and lions may also be spotted.

5. Budongo Forest
Located near the park, Budongo Forest is a biodiversity hotspot. It is a popular location for chimpanzee trekking and supports over 24 mammal species, 465 plant species, 289 butterfly species, and over 360 bird species.

6. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Located 125 km from the park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos in the wild. It’s a great stopover en route to the park.

Safari Itinerary Sample: 4 Days Murchison Falls Safari

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala or Entebbe
Your safari begins with a pick-up by a Monumental Expeditions and Safaris driver-guide. The journey to Murchison Falls National Park takes 5–6 hours, with a lunch stop in Masindi. On arrival, you may enjoy an optional game drive before checking into your lodge.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Start with an early morning game drive through areas like Buligi and Victoria tracks. Expect to see a range of animals including lions, elephants, giraffes, and various birds. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. Spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, and aquatic birds before returning to your lodge.

Day 3: Visit Top of the Falls
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views of the cascade and surrounding landscapes. The rest of the day is for leisure and relaxation at your lodge.

Day 4: Return to Kampala with Rhino Tracking at Ziwa
After breakfast, check out and travel back to Kampala. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. Enjoy lunch en route and proceed to Kampala, where the safari ends.

Additional Activities

• Sport Fishing: Enthusiasts can try their luck catching Nile Perch, catfish, tilapia, and more. A permit is required: $50 per day or $150 for four days.

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Guided treks are available to the top of the falls, and in Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi Forests, where you may encounter red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, and medicinal plants.

• Bird Watching: Over 450 bird species inhabit the park. Birding is best from January to March. Notable species include the Shoebill stork, Marabou stork, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and kingfishers.

• Cultural Tours: Visit local communities such as the Mubako Village or Boomu Women’s Group to experience traditional dances, crafts, and Ugandan hospitality.

Best Time to Visit

The dry seasons, from December to February and June to September, are ideal for wildlife viewing. Birding is best from January to March, when many migratory and resident birds are present.

Accommodation Options

Murchison Falls National Park offers a variety of lodges and camps to suit every budget:

• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge

• Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Murchison Safari Lodge

• Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Shoebill Campsite, Yebo Safari Camp, UWA Campsites

• Nearby Options: Budongo Ecolodge, Masindi Hotel, Boomu Women’s Bandas, New Court View Hotel

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park

By Road

• Southern Gate (via Masindi): Access through Kichumbanyobo or Bugungu gates. This route includes stops at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or Budongo Forest.

• Northern Gate (via Pakwach): Suitable for visitors coming from Gulu or Kidepo Valley National Park. Offers scenic views and access through Chobe, Tangi, Mubako, or Wankwar gates.

By Air

• Charter flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu airstrips within the park.

In Conclusion
A safari in Murchison Falls National Park with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris promises an unforgettable experience filled with dramatic waterfalls, diverse wildlife, rich birdlife, and cultural encounters. It is a must-visit destination on any Uganda safari itinerary.