Distance from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
Distance from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park : Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and first conservation area is an ideal park for anyone interested in the exotic beauty of Africa. From the waterfalls, savannah, forests especially the mighty River Nile. This park is a dream for the wildlife and bird lovers or even the adventurous spirit. However, as this exciting adventure begins it is obligatory to know the distance from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park as well as the route.
What is the Distance between Kampala and Murchison Falls National Park?
There are several routes to get to Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala, Uganda which is the country’s capital city and the distance in Kilometres is between 280 and 305 depending with the route chosen or entrance chosen to use. Main routes to the park are Kichumbanyobo Gate and Tangi Gate with a variation on the driving distance and experience.
The road transport from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park normally takes between 4 to 6 hours. The duration varies depending on; the mode of transport, specific route used, road network condition, and traffic jams common in or around Kampala. Though it takes a relatively long time in a car, the view and the anticipation of approaching one of Uganda’s most amazing natural gifts are worth the drive.
Transportation ways to Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala
There are two roads you can use to access the park from Kampala, both of which are long but each with unique views of the Uganda’s landscape. Here’s a closer look at these routes:
Self-drive trip from Kampala to Murchison Falls through Masindi – Kichumbanyobo gate
Distance: It is about 300km
Travel Time: 4 to 6 hours
It is the most common and most straight forward among all the options to reach Murchison Falls National Park. The tour commences by using the Kampala-Gulu Road by passing through Bombo, Nakasongola and finally arrive at Masindi. This part of Uganda’s roads for instance Kampala and Masindi road is well compounded and the road is fairly good for driving. Masindi, a beautiful and active town is the last major watering and provisioning point before getting into the park.
After Masindi, the drive to Kichumbanyobo Gate which is the major southern entrance to the park. The road from Masindi to the park is a gravel one and it passes through Budongo Forest Reserve, home to horizontal mahogany trees and other biological diverse species. Sighting of wildlife especially in the forested zones is prominent in ape like animals including baboons and Monkeys.
What to Expect on This Route
One of the attractions along this route is Budongo forest that contains probably more than 360 bird species not forgetting the various primates.
Scenic Countryside: The drive exposes you to beautiful sceneries, beautiful hills and Uganda countryside, beautiful villages and beautiful Countryside views.
Park Entry at Kichumbanyobo Gate: When you enter through the gate, it takes one approximately 20kilometers of drive to reach the Nile River and the other attractions in the park area.
This is a simple route from Kampala to Murchison Falls through the Karuma Tangi Gate.
Distance: About 300 kilometers
Travel Time: 4 to 6 hours
The second path leads you much deeper into the north where you only use the Kampala-Gulu Highway up to Karuma Falls. From there, you cross to the Nile River, and through Tangi Gate into the park. This route is longer as it covers most of the northern aspects of the Murchison Falls National Park.
What to Expect on This Route
Karuma Falls: The final attraction of the park is the Karuma Falls on the Nile River which you will cross just before entering the park area. The falls are a set of rapids and it is beautiful, so stop here for a picture.
Tangi Gate Entry: This entrance is suitable for those visitors intending to tour the northern shore of the park that boasts of great wildlife and awesome game driving areas.
How to Get There
Self-drive: This means is for the travelers who love to have more freedom and especially love exploring new destinations, it is always fun to seek a 4×4 car and personally drive to the park. Most of the rental companies in this part of the world provide good condition safari vehicle appropriate for the roads within the park. A self-drive safari gives the option to drive at any given pace, able to pull over and take photos at will and being able to roam in the park as wanted. But it is always advisable to carry a GPS or a map along because at some of the places fewer signs are provided.
In the case of Guided Tours and Uganda Safari Packages, the distribution policy should be aimed at providing the tourists with what has been earlier promised.
If you do not wish to drive then it is better to take a guided tour. Almost every recommended tour company in Kampala sells a number of packages to Murchison Falls National Park that involves transport, park fees, game drives and where necessary accommodation. These tours are usually conducted by professional guides who brief you on the best approach when viewing the wildlife within the park and more information about the park’s ecology hence making your tour more productive.
Public Transport: Buses and minibuses take the route between Kampala and Masindi, but it is possible to hire cars and information is available from your hotel or guidebook. Some of your potential audiences need to use public transportation, while others may take less comfortable and less reliable forms of transport than private ones.
Visit Murchison Falls National Park
The falls of the park are rather the central point of scenic attraction which the park received its name from. Here, River Nile cuts a seven meter wide gorge before cascading 43 meters to the river below. The actual water fall which can be visually seen and heard is excessively breathtaking. Murchison Falls can be viewed from the top through a short hike or from below on a boat cruise along the Nile River.
