Uganda Wildlife Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda Wildlife Safari In Murchison Falls Park
Are you looking to embark on a Uganda wildlife journey? Are you searching for the best destination to embark on your wildlife safari? Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most sought-after destinations for wildlife safaris in Uganda. The park is situated in northwestern Uganda in the districts of Kiryandongo, Masindi, Nwoya and Buliisa.
The park was established in 1952 and is the largest park in Uganda, covering an area of 1,503 square miles. It is endowed with several attractions, including over 76 mammal species, with four members of the big five: the lions, the leopards, the elephants, and the buffalo.
Other species include bushbucks, Uganda kobs, waterbucks and warthogs, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, and hyenas, among others. Moreover, the park is home to over 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. Murchison Falls National Park largely consists of savannah grasslands, woodlands, open plains and wetlands. The park is part of the wider Murchison Falls Conservation area that also includes Karuma Falls and Bugungu Wildlife Reserves
Amazing wildlife safari activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is also one of the most popular activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park. The park is home to about 500 bird species, and more are still being discovered by tourists. Who comes for birdwatching in this beautiful park? Birdwatching can also be done at the Kaniyo Pabidi forest area.
During your birdwatching tour in Murchison Falls National Park, you will have the chance to see a variety of bird species, such as Abdim’s Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African Darter, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, African Quail-Finch, African Skimmer, Bar-breasted Firefinch, Beautiful Sunbird, Black Crake, Black Scimitarbill, Black-billed Barbet, Black-billed Wood-Dove, Black-faced Waxbill and Black-headed Batis, among others.
Game drives.
One of the main highlights of visiting Murchison Falls National Park is embarking on a guided game drive. They take place either in the morning, afternoon or evening. Game drives are guided and done from a 4 x 4 WD safari vehicle, or a traveller can opt for a guided walking safari with an armed ranger guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Game drives are the main activities that entice tourists to come on Uganda wildlife safaris.
Game drives in this park can last for about 3-4 hours, depending on your starting point. During your game drive safari, you’ll have the chance to see animals, for instance, buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses, leopards, lions, monitor lizards, side-striped jackals, spotted hyenas and warthogs.
During a night game drive, you’ll also have the chance of spotting nocturnal species such as leopards, hyenas, lions, and serval cats, and the anticipation is palpable. The night game drives start late in the evening or when it gets dark.
Boat cruise experience to the Bottom of the falls
The boat cruise is an exciting way to explore while on a Uganda wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park. There are two sessions, namely the morning session and the afternoon session, and you can opt for your best choice. Gliding along the River Nile toward the base of the majestic falls offers an unforgettable experience. The cruise lasts about 3 hours, starting and ending at the bottom of the falls.
You’ll have the opportunity to see hippos lounging in the water and along the banks, crocodiles basking in the sun and a variety of birds and other wildlife that come to drink or rest by the rivers. You’ll also be delighted with the sights of the stunning water birds like bee-eaters, cormorants, ducks, fish eagles, herons, kingfishers and shoebill storks. Upon reaching the top of the falls, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the waterfall and the roar coming from the water rushing down to the river.
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is one of the standout experiences you can have at Murchison Falls National Park, and it’s something you shouldn’t miss. This exciting adventure takes place in the Budongo Forest Reserve, which is part of the park. You can choose to trek in the morning or in the afternoon, and we can help arrange everything for you, including securing the necessary permits.
Budongo Forest Reserve has about 700 chimpanzees, and these have been conserved for years; and steadily, the groups are growing and increasing in numbers. The chimpanzees were first studied here back in 1960, and ongoing conservation has been going on to sustain the chimpanzees in the forest, thus attracting more visitors to come and see them.
While on your chimpanzee tracking tour here, you’ll also have the chance to encounter other wildlife species such as black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey and olive baboon, duikers, waterbucks and antelopes. On your trek, you will sight the lions, buffalo and elephants, among others. Once you have allocated them, you’ll be allowed one hour of interaction as you observe how they do with their daily activities, such as feeding, breastfeeding, play and interaction with each other, among others.
Hike and visit the top of the falls
Visiting the stunning falls should definitely be on your bucket list when on a Uganda wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park. You’ll start your adventure with a boat ride that takes you to the trailhead for your hike to the top of the falls. The hike itself is about an hour long, and it offers some breathtaking views along the way. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to the amazing falls from a great viewpoint and have clear pictures of the Murchison Falls as well as the Uhuru Falls. It’s a wonderful experience that combines the beauty of nature with a bit of adventure!
Rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is tucked along the route to Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala. Once, Uganda’s national parks were home to thriving rhino populations, but due to rampant poaching, these majestic creatures have vanished from their wild habitats. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established to protect the remaining rhinos and increase the numbers through careful breeding before reintroducing them to the larger parks once their numbers reach 20.
The highlight of a visit to the sanctuary is tracking rhinos on foot, an experience guided by the dedicated rangers who work here. These knowledgeable rangers share fascinating details about rhinos, the sanctuary’s history, and the vital breeding efforts underway, as well as broader conservation initiatives. They lead visitors to see the large mammals up close as they feed
In addition to rhinos, the sanctuary is home to various small primates and a diversity of bird species. Nature walks are also available, offering the chance to spot unique birds like the shoebill stork. Visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is best done before or after exploring Murchison Falls National Park
Best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is open for tourism activities throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is June to September and then December to early March, which is perfect for game viewing. Animals gather at the water sources. Note that the worst time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is April and May, which are the wettest months of the year.
Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park has affordable accommodations that cater for a large group of individuals. The accommodation facilities range from budget to mid-range to luxury levels. Some of these include Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge and Baker’s Lodge. Kabalega Wilderness Camp, Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Pumba Safari Lodge and Red Chilli Hideaway Lodge, among others.
Conclusion
Going on a safari in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, turns out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience where one gets the thrill of spotting the famous wildlife of Africa and also gets to see the stunning Nile River and its magnificent waterfalls. The wild beasts, such as lions, elephants, and hippos, along with beautiful bird species, are what make the park a go-to place for nature lovers. Moreover, the pristine nature, boat trips, and guided game drives are the right mix of fun, leisure, and cultural experience. Thus, if you are looking for the real African safari, Murchison Falls National Park is the place to be.
