Murchison Falls National Park

Top things to do in Murchison Falls National Park

Nile Launch Cruises 

A 3-hour launch trip from Paraa to the base of the falls offers amazing views of wildlife and the frontal part of the waterfalls. The Delta Cruise down Lake Albert is a rewarding experience for bird watchers and offers a chance to view the rare shoe bill stork.

The sundowner cruise offers magnificent views of the equatorial sunset reflected on the river. Most launch rides start at the Paraa ferry base and take you along the river to the foot of the breathtaking Murchison Falls, in the Fajao Gorge. 

Birdwatching

This can be done during the game drives, nature walks, and launch trips along the Victoia Nile and Lake Albert Delta. Over 451 bird species are recorded in the park and they include Albertine rift endemic birds, water birds, and savannah birds.

The area around the delta has a walking trail that can be explored in two to four hours.  Look out for bird species such as Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Long-toed Plover, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Saddle-billed Stork, Spotted Morning-Thrush, Spotted and Verreaux’s Owls, Long-tailed and Pennant-winged Nightjars, standard-winged Nightjar, White-backed Night Heron and Pel’s Fishing Owl.

As the placid Victoria Nile merges with Lake Albert in the western sector of Murchison Falls National Park, it spreads out to create a fabulous delta that abounds with papyrus reeds and a striking variety of avian life. The best spot for sightings of the elusive shoebill stork is along the delta cruise. 

Sport Fishing 

Fishing expeditions from the shore or boats are also done along the mighty Nile River upon acquiring a fishing permit. Murchison Falls’s turbulent waters are famed for its large Nile Perch as well as several species of catfish and tigerfish.

A catch-and-release method is used with the help of experienced guides for day or multi-day excursions. The recommended months are from December to March and June to October.

Game viewing / Wildlife Drives

The northern region that borders the Victoria Nile from the Paraa region leading to Lake Albert is a superb game drive destination, boasting lush acacia forests, riverside vegetation, savannah grasslands, and various other trees and undergrowth.

Expect to see elephants, buffalo, antelopes giraffes,  lions, and leopards. The game track network converges at Delta Point where the Nile flows north out of Lake Albert. 

Game tracks include the Queen Track 10km and Albert Nile Track which passes through dense acacia forest patches and is ideal for birding. There is the 13km Victoria Nile Track towards the delta that supports a high concentration of game as well.

Towards the eastern Chobe section, about  2 hours away; there are chances of a game safari though the habitat is denser and wildlife is skittish due to the alternate Karuma tarmac road running through the northeastern section of the park with more human activities and settlements.  

Hot Air Ballon Safaris

 This activity starts at 05:00 am with pick-up places at Paraa entrances in the north and the south using UWA speed boats to transfer guests to the northern bank where they are picked up at the river where they are taken to the takeoff position.

The 1-hour balloon safaris accommodate 8 passengers and can fly up to 10,000 ft. above sea level. Bush breakfast may be provided at the end of the trip after that guests are transferred back to their pick-up locations.

Community-Based Tourism – Boomu Women’s Group 

was formed in 1999, in the village of Kihaguzi, to fight poverty in the area by creating economic and social development. This was done by starting a community tourism project through the help of the Uganda Community Tourism Association that involves; handcraft production, cultural performances, accommodation, and guided walks that are showcased to visitors.

Budongo Forest Reserve – Southern part of Murchison Falls National Park

Budongo Forest Reserve is a 793 sq km classified as a medium-altitude semi-deciduous tropical rainforest in the southern part of Murchison Falls National Park.

The reserve has a high biodiversity with 24 species of small mammals; nine being primates; 465 species of trees and shrubs; 359 species of birds; 289 species of butterflies; and 130 species of moths.

Top things to do in Budongo Forest

Chimpanzee Tracking

These hikes take about 2 to 4 hours daily on both morning and afternoon sessions depending on the movement of the chimpanzees. You get to spend one hour with the chimps upon sighting them.

Chimpanzee Habituation 

Get to spend the entire day with the chimpanzees from nesting to de-nesting.

Learn how to identify the chimps as individuals by their markings, sometimes scars, and other unique features that make them stand apart from rest.

The best months for habituation are March, April, May, and November (low season) when there is less tourist congestion.

Nature walks/forest walks 

The reserve has well-developed forest trails offering chances to explore the tropical rainforest. Learn more about the ecosystem, the large Mahogany trees, and different bird species, about 359 bird species are recorded in the reserve on half or full-day excursions guided by keen birding guides.

How to get to  Murchison Falls National Park

By Road 

From Kampala, it takes approximately 4-6 hours (305 km) to drive to Murchison Falls National Park headquarters at Paraa (85km from Masidi).  The park can be accessed through the northern and southern gates. 

The most direct route to Murchison National Park from Kampala is through the southern gate Kichumbanyobo gate that passes through Budongo Forest.  

The Northern gates are the Chobe, Wankwar, Mumbako, and Tangi Gates which are across the River Nile. These are ideal if you are transferring from Gulu or Kidepo Valley National Park. 

By Air

Murchison Falls National Park can also be accessed by air through Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu Airfields. Bugungu is a few kilometers from Paara and the most convenient then transfer by road to your accommodation preference.

There are domestic scheduled daily flights operated by Aerolink that depart Entebbe Airport at 12:00hrs and arrive at 13:00hrs in the park. They depart the park at 13:15hrs and arrive at the airport at 16:25hrs. 

Where to stay in  Murchison Falls National Park

Nile Safari Lodge

The lodge is located on the south bank on an elevation above the iconic Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park. There are 8 traditional luxury bandas constructed using naturally occurring materials categorized into 6 Deluxe Bandas,  1 Family Villa, and 1 Exclusive Banda. The Bandas can host up to 3 people and the family villa has 2 bedrooms and hosts 8 ( 4 adults and 4 children).

Each banda is composed of a thatched roof, a spacious seating area, a day bed, a generous mosquito net, en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private viewing deck with a swing chair and deck chairs.

Other facilities include private pools, a floating dhow (boat) massage, a bar and lounge area, a dining room, and a gift shop,

Paraa Safari Lodge

The lodge is located inside the park and features 54 rooms at Paraa Safari Lodge complete with a balcony and en-suite private bathroom.

The rooms are categorized into 25 Classic Guest Rooms, 26 Deluxe Guest
Rooms, 2 Wheelchair Guest Rooms (Including classic rooms), 2 Suites, 3 Safari Tents, and the Queen’s Cottage.

Other facilities include a captain’s table restaurant, a Nile Terrace Restaurant a business service center, an explorer bar, a poolside bar, a Swimming pool with views over the Nile River, a Spa and fitness center, and bush dining along the shores of the Nile.

Chobe Safari Lodge

The lodge is located on the majestic River Nile and features 30 Classic Guest Rooms, 6 Deluxe Guest Rooms, 2 Wheelchair Friendly Guests, Rooms (Included Classic rooms), 3 Suites, the Nile suite, 21 Safari Tents, Florence Baker Family Cottage, and the Presidential Cottage.

Other facilities include  3 3-tier swimming pool with views over the Nile River,  Marasa Africa Spa & Fitness Centre, and a Pool Bar with views of rapids on the Victoria Nile.

There is a Gift Boutique Store, a Business Centre, 2 Conference rooms, a Karama Restaurant and
Terrace, Karuma Bar, Poolside Bar,  Bush Dinning in Murchison Falls National Park, and Viewing deck dining.

Murchison River Lodge

Murchison River Lodge is situated directly on the southern bank of the River Nile overlooking Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls. The lodge features 4 en-suite thatched cottages that are open plan with two single beds downstairs and a double bed on a mezzanine floor. There are also 13 en-suite thatched safari tents nestled amongst the trees and bush around the lodge grounds.

The tents are twin-shared – although a third bed or a baby cot can be added – and have their own porch with a table and chair set. The en-suite River Tents have a view that sets them apart from the rest.

They are located close to the River Nile in a beautiful setting with their own private porch area. There are also 3 comfortable tents and camping grounds with facilities. Other facilities include a restaurant and bar area, a swimming pool, and a campfire area.

Best time to visit  Murchison Falls National Park

The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is December to February when it’s easy to spot animals as they congregate around water source areas though temperatures can be high. 

June to September is still one of the most popular times to visit as well and is considered a high season as temperatures are low and there is less rainfall.  

The wet/ green season is from early March to mid-May and October to November and is ideal for birding safaris in the park as most migrant bird species are evident in the park. Most accommodations offer discounted rates for this season. 

However, these months are not the most ideal for game safaris as the tracks can get slippery due to heavy rainfall.  The wet seasons bring new plant life to the park attracting lower accommodation room rates for travelers.