3 DAYS: MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK UGANDA SAFARI
3 DAYS: MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK UGANDA SAFARI
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A 3-days safari to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda offers a fantastic opportunity to explore diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the iconic Murchison Falls. Murchison Falls National Park is the largest conservation area in Uganda covering an area of over 3,840km deriving its name from its famous waterfall; the Murchison falls. These falls are formed when the Victoria Nile powerfully forces its way through a narrow cleft as it thrusts 43m down with a thundering cascade. The Park is home to a variety of wildlife including 76 mammal species and 451 bird species. Four of the big five can be found here and primates include patas monkeys and about 800 chimpanzees which live within Budongo forests and Kaniyo Pabidi. Bird species, On your Murchison, falls safari, you can also look forward to observing the magnificent falls from which the park obtains its name; here, the Victoria Nile plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall through an 8 meters gap, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, a thunderous roar and a signature rainbow – the centrepiece of the park and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids.
The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile from east to west for a distance of about 115 kilometres (71 miles). The park is the location of the Murchison Falls, where the waters of the Nile flow through a narrow gorge only 7 metres (23 feet) wide before plunging 43 metres (141 feet).
Also in the park, adjacent to the Masindi – Gulu Highway, are the Karuma Falls, the location of the 600 megawatts Karuma Power Station, which will be Uganda’s largest power station when it comes online circa 2018. The Murchison Falls Conservation Area and the adjacent Bugondo Forest Reserve have 76 species of mammals as well as Uganda’s largest population of Nile crocodiles. Roughly 450 bird species are present, including a variety of waterfowl such as the rare shoe-billed stork, Budongo’s 59 “restricted range” species, dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, white–thighed hornbill, and great blue turaco. Since 2005, the protected area is considered a Lion Conservation Unit.
Activities To Do In Murchison Falls National Park
Game Drive
Game drives offer a perfect encounter with huge volumes of savanna wildlife whether on a day or night game drive. There are many game trails designated for game viewing (they include Buligi, Queen, Albert, and Victoria tracks) and while on Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park, expect to get exposed to lions, African bush elephants, antelopes, birds, buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, warthogs and enjoy the scenic landscape of the park while in a 4×4 Land cruiser/safari van.
Bird Watching
One of the astonishing and exciting Uganda tour activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park is bird watching. Some of the amazing birds to identify while on Uganda birding safari in this park includes papyrus gonoleks, Northern red bishop, swamp flycatchers, Abyssinian ground hornbill, shoebill stork, Squacco heron, red-throated bee-eaters, goliath heron, Grey-crowned crane, nightjars, giant kingfishers, and many more.
Safari Boat Cruise
There is no better place to enjoy a boat cruise experience than Murchison Falls National Park. This is conducted towards the bottom of Murchison Falls and along the way, expect to catch a glimpse of hippos, Nile crocodiles, water birds including shoebill storks, African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, bee-eaters, and a lot more. There are 2 options to explore Murchison Falls National Park on a boat cruise; in the morning starting at 8:00 am and at 2:00 pm.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Budongo Forest Reserve which is part of Murchison Falls National Park is a perfect spot for chimpanzee tracking. Chimp treks are conducted in the Kaniyo-Pabidi forest which is part of Budongo Forest. Chimpanzees are closest relatives in the wild, sharing about 98 per cent of their DNA with humans. An hour with these primates in their natural habitat is exceptionally a lifetime experience. Other primates to enjoy the good sight in addition to chimpanzees include the red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, olive baboons and not to forget a variety of forest birds.
Hot Air Balloon Experience
Hot air balloon tour is a newly introduced experience in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. It offers an exceptional opportunity for tourists on Uganda safari to enjoy an excellent view of big game and other savanna wildlife while in a hot air balloon rather than being in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser/Safari Van with a pop-up roof.
Cultural Tour Experience
Murchison Falls National Park is a vibrant Uganda safari destination not only for game viewing but also for authentic African cultural experiences. Tourists can engage in cultural safaris in the nearby local communities where they can enjoy great dances, and music performances and also stand a chance to learn lots of amazing traditions, lifestyles, and cultures.
Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s most renowned wildlife reserves, offering a chance to see the Big Five and other fascinating species. Customise your itinerary based on your interests and the specific activities you wish to prioritise, as there are options for additional game drives, nature walks, birdwatching and more.
Please note that this is a general itinerary, and the actual duration, activities, and accommodations may vary depending on your preferences, available time, and the specific arrangements made with you. It is advisable to consult with us to customise your itinerary and make any necessary adjustments.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation
- 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel and Driver
- Professional Local english speaking Guide/Driver
- Full Board Meals Plan
- All park entry fees-Game drives, ranger and entry fees
- Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls
- All Local taxes
- Entry Visa Fees
- All Air fares
- Meals where not provided
- Alcoholic drinks
- Porter fees while hiking
- Personal Insurance
- Personal shopping bills
- Items of personal nature
Day 1: Pick-Up Transfer To Murchison Falls National Park
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala, Entebbe or the airport and transfer to Murchison falls national park. For early arrival, we can do some birding in the botanical areas look out for great Blue and Ross’s Turacos, Red Chested, Klaas’s and more. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 2: Game Drive, Safari Boat Cruise And Hike To The Top Of The Falls
Breakfast will be served early and go for a game drive in anticipation of seeing some of the big five including lions, buffaloes and elephants. Giraffes are a common sight including other small game like antelopes, impalas and primates like the baboons. Have lunch and in the afternoon, go for a boat cruise on the park’s unique Murchison falls where you will come up close with hippos and a serried range of giant crocodiles. The launch cruise also presents bird viewing opportunities. As you get to the bottom of the falls, you will get off the boat and take on the hike from the bottom to the top of the falls giving you the opportunity to view them at different stages and discover the Uhuru falls which can only be seen on this hike. Meet your driver/guide at the top and transfer back to the lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Transfer Back to Kampala City Or Entebbe Airport
Enjoy breakfast at leisure and a transit game drive as you exit the park and proceed with the drive back to Kampala arriving in the afternoon. Drop off at your hotel in Kampala City/Entebbe or at the airport for your onward flight marking the end of your Murchison falls safari. Or you will be dropped off at your hotel/lodge or at any place of your inconvenience