Murchison falls park safari is an experience that involves visiting one of the oldest national parks of Uganda located in the north western part of the country. This national park is known for the Murchison falls which are said to be the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Many other attractions are found in Murchison falls national park including wildlife and bird species, budongo forest among others.
Activities to do during Murchison falls park safaris include the following
Game drives
Murchison falls national park is among the most visited wildlife viewing destinations in Uganda and game drives around the national park re very exciting as many wildlife species can be spotted around the savannah and different parts of the park.
Game drives in Murchison falls national park are carried out in the morning as well as during the afternoon. Sometimes tourists have a whole day dedicated to exploring the national park in search of wildlife species such as elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks, buffalos, hippos, impalas, elands, oribi and many other wildlife species.
4×4 safari vehicles are used during game drives around Murchison falls national park and these game drives can be group safaris as well as individual safaris. It is also important to stay on the game viewing tracks during the search for wildlife species around the national park. The tracks followed during game drives in Murchison falls national park include the Buligi track, Victoria trail and the Albert trail.
Many other rules are to be followed during wildlife viewing around Murchison falls national park such as avoiding noise during game drives, avoiding littering, no feeding the animals, avoiding over speeding while in the national park.
The best time to see the wildlife species around Murchison falls national park is during the months around June to October and also from December to February. Wildlife safaris can also be done at anytime of the year. Wildlife species during the dry season are easier to see due to the thin vegetation and also because they gather around water sources.
Bottom of the falls boat cruise
Murchison falls national park is also a place to take part in the bottom of the falls cruise which is a boat ride that can be done in the morning or afternoon hours.
This boat cruise takes about 2 to 3 hours and is offered by different companies. Some of the boats are private while others are used by groups of people on safari around Murchison falls national park.
Wildlife species like elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos as well as crocodiles can be seen during the boat ride to the bottom of the Murchison falls. Different bird species are also seen during the boat cruise. Safety gears are provided during the boat cruise to the bottom of the waterfalls.
A boat cruise in Murchison falls national park organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) costs 30 USD for foreign nonresidents, 30000 Uganda shillings for East Africans and residents are charged 25 USD for the bottom of the falls boat cruise.
Top of the falls hike
This activity starts from the same point as where the viewing of the top of the falls is done and follows a trail that leads to a point where you are able to see the rest of the national park and also the Murchison falls below.
Hiking to the top of the Murchison falls costs 15 USD for foreign nonresidents, 10 USD for foreign residents and 10,000 Uganda shillings for East Africans.
Viewing of top of the falls
Those who visit Murchison falls national park for safari and are unable to hike to the top of the falls can take part in the viewing of the top of the falls. The falls can be seen from a close distance during this activity.
Viewing of top of the falls costs 10 USD for both foreign residents and foreign nonresidents while East Africans are charged 10,000 Uganda shillings to take part in the activity during a safari.
Birding
Murchison falls national park is home to over 350 bird species and bird watching is an activity that can also be done at this destination.
The best time to see these birds is during the months of November to April when migratory bird species can be seen during a safari. When engaging in activities around Murchison falls national park, birds can also be seen.
Some of the bird species found in Murchison falls national park include bee eaters, fish eagles, grey crowned cranes, herons, king fishers, king fishers among others.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is carried out in Budongo forest during visits to Murchison falls national park.
This activity starts with birding at the park headquarters before proceeding into the forest to search for the chimpanzees which takes about 3 hours. There are many birds as well as other primates like black and white colobus monkeys as well as baboons around the forest.
Hot air balloon safaris
Another activity to do during Murchison falls park safaris is hot air balloon safaris. This activity is unique and also gives an aerial view of Murchison falls national park.
Hot air balloon safaris start with a briefing at the landing point and after this the guests start their experience floating over the savannah plains. The activity takes 1 hour and after landing the guests enjoy a bush breakfast.
Other activities which can also be done around Murchison falls national park include canopy walks as well as zip lining.
Gates used to access Murchison falls national park during safaris include Kichumbanyobo gate, Chobe gate, Wankwar gate, Mubako gate. The drive to Murchison falls national park from Kampala takes about 5 to 6 hours via Masindi. A stop can also be made at the Zziwa rhino sanctuary to take part in rhino tracking.
Another way to get to Murchison falls national park is by flying to Pakuba airfield and Bugungu airstrip. Airline companies which offer the flights to Murchison falls national park include Aerolink and Bar Aviation.
Visit Murchison falls national park and enjoy amazing wildlife viewing during a Uganda wildlife safari.
