Murchison Falls Boat Cruise

Murchison Falls Boat Cruise : Uganda’s biggest and most popular park is the Murchison Falls National Park that is a perfect birding destination and a perfect ground for adventure. Regarding tourist activities which makes this an extremely stunning place, the Murchison Falls Boat Cruise is among the most unique and exciting. Sailing down the Nile to see the park’s diverse wildlife and fauna and to have a vantage position to appreciate the unquestionable force of Murchison Falls. Here is a great source of resource where you will be getting all information you need about this one and only lifetime opportunity.

The Mighty Nile River

The river Nile is a great divide in Murchison’s fall separating it into the northern part and the southern part. River Nile plays an important part in sustaining the park’s ecosystems ranging from woodlands, wetland to the open savanna. The importance of Nile River is not only limited to its function in the natural system but it holds a history as it has been a source of supply for many ancient East African societies that had habitated along the river.

Though many other waterfalls are found in the park, Murchison Falls is the most spectacular; here, the Nile, after a long run from the southern part of Uganda, measuring fifty meters in breadth, squeezes through a rocky gorge a distance of 7 meters before dropping 43 meters below the pad and gushing forwards in a churn commonly referred to as the Devil’s Cauldron. The flow of the water through the gorge, falling in a great murmur and whitish spray, is one of the most magnificent and elemental things in Africa to witness.

The Boat Cruise Experience at Murchison Falls National Park

Boat ride in the Nile is among the important exercise that every visitor to the Murchison Falls National Park must undertake. This ride moves you, from the Paraa region in the direction of the base of Murchison Falls through one of the most vulnerable but densely populated regions by wildlife. Lasting between 2 to 3 hours the boat ride gives participants great opportunity to observe animals of the park up close.

The boat cruises start from Paraa which is within easy reach from most of the lodges and camps within the park. It is possible to choose the morning and afternoon tours, however, they are different from one another. Sailing in the morning is perfect since it is cool and animals are also seen hunting while doing the cruise. The evening is also beautiful, especially because by then there is the golden light from sunsets that makes it perfect for photos.

Upon arrival on the boat, there is a qualified nature guide entertaining you with information on the park’s plants, animals and the background of both the Nile River and Murchison Falls. Brilliant lighting, cushioned seats and appropriate shades, interesting foods and drinks enhance the sweetness of the experience.

Safari experiences on the Nile River

The nature of the Murchison Falls Boat ride makes it one of the best ways to explore the park and get up close view of the wildlife, this is true especially if you are a photographer. Nile’s margins are also flooded with life and the river couches many of the African big beasts.

Hippopotami and Crocodiles

Another exciting thing noticeable on the boat cruise is that you are almost guaranteed to see hippopotami and Nile crocodiles thrashing about in the waters. They are mostly seen in large pods which often lay half in the water to avoid the heat. These tremendous animals, despite their docile demeanor, are aggressive animals that kill more people in Africa than any large animal. Spectating from the boat is fun, at the same time, interesting because one gets to watch the animals.

Elephants and Buffaloes

Elephants and the Cape buffaloes are also common along the riverine forests mainly to water and wallow. What will make one’s hearts melt and their cameras clicked is to see a whole family of elephants swimming together and splashing on the water near the shore. The river supports large groups of buffaloes that are impressive to the sight. The appearance of these animals and their fearlessness reminds anyone that gives them the credit of the importance of the Nile, the source of life as pointed out above in as far as the parks fauna is concerned.

Bird watching on the Murchison Falls boat cruise

Bird watching is another specialty of Murchison Falls National Park. During the cruise, one gets a close view of birds in the park. The park is home to more than 450 bird species and some of the bird species can be found along the river. These are; the Africa fish eagle which is famous for its both loud call and expert fishing personality, the Goliath heron which is the biggest heron in the whole world. Other familiar birds that are easily spotted are the pied kingfisher, bee eaters and the peculiar looking shoebill stork. The latter are mainly seen in the wetlands of the Nile delta.

Murchison Falls up Close

When the boat draws closer to the base of the falls the sound of the water increases and the falls start throwing out a mist and a very strange experience is thus seen. The Nile river hiking through this tight gorge and gushing out into the Devil’s Cauldron is truly stunning. Just the force and amount of the water absolute breathtaking sights which can be seen with the cliffs around and the rainbows created by the spray.

From this vantage point, you will have a different perspective on the fact that this area of Uganda is one of the most untouched natural sites that holds powerful geological features. The guides even maneuver the boat in such a way that the guests can take photos and just admire the views of Murchison Falls.

Best Time to Visit

The boat cruise runs throughout the year, it is recommended to visit Murchison Falls National Park during the dry seasons which are, December February and June, September. During these months you will find that the climate is much more enjoyable and many animals come closer to the river hence you will be able to view many of them