Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park : Murchison Falls National Park is found in northwestern Uganda and is Uganda’s biggest and oldest protected area. It features large avenue natural representations such as the Nile River, which flows through the park and produces Murchison falls. This beautiful place is also famous for many animals and kinds of landscapes, the perfect place for going on a boat ride and having wonderful times during the Uganda safari.
Location of Murchison falls National Park
Murchison Falls National park has an area of about 3,893km² and it has ecological features which include the savannah type of vegetation, dense vegetation, riverine type of vegetation and wetland. This ecological diversification makes the country habitat a cross section of many wild animals making it more or less a reserve for those interested in sighting wildlife. The park is divided into two main sections by the Nile River; the northern bank and the southern bank. The northern bank is especially famous for presenting a large amount of animals and vast territories for car safari.
There is a list of over 76 species of mammals and 451 birding species. The five most sought after and widely known as the “Big Five” missing only the rhinos are; lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards as well as numerous other wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles among others. Murchison Falls National Park has one of Uganda’s most diverse biomes and boasts in stunning expansive views of the countryside.
The Game Drive Experience at Murchison Falls National Park
Safari game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are commonly in the morning or evening because most of the animals are most likely to be seen at these times. These are also the most appropriate times for shooting since the light of the sunrise and sunset creates a magical feeling and sight on the savannah.
Morning Game Drives
Taking game drives early morning is perhaps one of the safest and recommended techniques of visiting the park. The most appropriate time is morning, cool morning air together with the rising sun contributes to tranquility. Terrapin inhabitants are depicted having cattle or flock to water sources and carnivores such as lions or leopards may be out scouting for their sites after hunting at night. Early morning game drives usually start around 7:00 am.
Evening Game Drives
Another good time to be out looking for the animals is in the late afternoon or evening since they are up and about at this time after the hot morning sun has gone down. The evening game drive usually begins around 4:00 pm and extends just up to sunset. It also presents another opportunity to watch the animals such as buffaloes, antelopes as they graze and stunning sun sets over the plains and basically it is an end to an exciting day.
Duration of game drives at Murchison falls National Park
A number of game drives last between 2 to 4 hours, however, this will depend with the specific routes planned of the day and the number of wildlife spotted. They are conducted in special built 4 x 4 vehicles with adjustable roof hatches for easy and perfect view and photography. Fully understanding guides attend to every drive with full information regarding the animals, their actions and the ecosystem prevalent in the park. These guides are experienced in wildlife tracking and possess substantial knowledge of how best to approach the park so that there will be high chances of getting those special moments.
Wildlife Encounters at Murchison Falls National Park
This park is most popular for the show of tourist attractions with the best wildlife being found here in great numbers. Here’s a closer look at some of the animals you might encounter on your game drive:
African Elephants: African elephants are in large numbers found in Murchison Falls National Park, spread out in the grasslands and around water sources. These majestic animals always attract a vivid interest and watching them up close while on a game drive is one of the best experiences.
Rothschild’s Giraffes: Fortunately, the park is home to one of the biggest herds of the rare Rothschild’s giraffe, which may be identified by pretty face patterns and really long necks. These graceful animals are relatively easy to spot on the northern side of the reserve as they feast on the leaves of trees or take royal walks in the plains.
Lions and Leopards: These big cats are easy to encounter in Murchison Falls National Park. They are nearly obvious and can be spotted frequently in the northern sectors of the park resting in the grass or hunting for prey. You might also be able to see a leopard if you are lucky enough; but these are relatively more hard to sight as they are mostly under the trees or hiding in the tall grass.
Buffalo and Antelope: The park has expansive plains that are home to herds of African buffalo the company with antelopes of differing kinds; Uganda Kobs, Oribis, waterbucks and hartebeests are among the most dominant antelopes found in Murchison Falls national park.
Hippopotami and crocodiles: While they may not be observed on game drives, hippos and crocodiles are perhaps the greatest attractions along the shores of the Nile. Daily, after your game drive, you may want to take a boat cruise on the Nile in order to be treatment to the site of these majestic creatures.
Birds
Any ornithologist or bird enthusiast will be pleased with a wide range of birds observed in Murchison Falls National Park. The park has some of the few shoebill storks but you will also see other birds of the African region, including the fish eagles, kingfishers, bee eaters and so much more. It is home to many habitats ranging from banks of streams to the savannah making it a good birding ground for both resident and migrant birds.
