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Explore Uganda’s Top Wildlife Destination
Plan Your Murchison Falls Safari Holiday – Packages & Itineraries ⚡
Murchison Falls Uganda Safaris with Travelmonke Tours will get you discovering the unparalleled beauty of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s premier safari destination. Home to the world’s most powerful waterfall, Murchison Falls, this iconic park offers a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable Africa Uganda Safari experiences.
Why choose Murchison Falls Tours? Here, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Nile River squeezing through a narrow gorge and plunging into the roaring Devil’s Cauldron—a natural wonder that will leave you speechless. But that’s just the beginning. On a safari in Uganda Murchison Falls, you’ll come face-to-face with the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos—as well as giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.
Explore the park’s top attractions, from the thunderous Murchison Falls and serene Nile River cruises where you can spot hippos and crocodiles, to thrilling game drives that bring you up close with lions, elephants, and more on your Murchison Falls Tours. For safari Uganda Murchison Falls unique adventure, trek through the Kaniyo Padibi Forest to track playful chimpanzees or visit the Lake Albert Delta, a hotspot for the elusive shoebill stork. Don’t miss the cascading beauty of Karuma Falls, a hidden gem within the park while on your safari in Uganda Murchison falls experiece.
Book your Murchison Falls tours adventure with Travelmonke Tours today and let us take you on a journey to one of Africa’s most iconic destinations. Don’t just dream about it—experience it!
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Top Murchison Falls National Park Safaris
To those who wish to experience one of the best holiday time ever, Book our Murchison Falls Safaris and Tour Packages – to Uganda’s Premier Safari Experience.
Murchison Falls, located within Uganda's largest national park, is a natural spectacle where the Nile River dramatically funnels through a narrow gorge only 7 meters wide, before plunging over 43 meters into the swirling waters below. The thunderous cascade and misty spray create a breathtaking view, often accompanied by rainbows on sunny days. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and various bird species like the rare shoebill stork. Visitors can hike to the top of the falls for panoramic views or take a boat cruise to the base, where the power and beauty of the falls can be experienced up close.
The 3 days wild safari to Kidepo Valley National Park is the ideal holiday excursion for the avid adventurer. Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s furthest park located in the remote North – eastern part of the country, at the edge of Uganda’s border with Kenya and South Sudan. A Uganda wildlife safari to Kidepo is a break from modern civilization; the memory of the hustle, bustle and din, characteristic of city life, gives away to tranquility as you approach the park. The sight of the eminent Morungole mountain, the rugged open savannahs, the Narus and Kidepo valleys with their rivers, the seasonal oases, and the Kanangarok hot springs, is breath-taking. Also, this 3 days wild safari in Kidepo Valley National Park is your chance to encounter the over 86 mammals and 500 bird species that make their abode in the park.s various locations.
Kibale National Park is a remarkable natural haven in western Uganda, celebrated for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Spanning approximately 795 square kilometers, the park is a mix of tropical rainforest, swamps, and grasslands, offering a dynamic ecosystem. It's famously referred to as the "Primate Capital of the World," as it hosts 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, baboons, and colobus monkeys. Visitors are drawn to Kibale for chimpanzee trekking, one of the park's flagship activities. It's an unparalleled experience to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Beyond primates, the park is home to an array of wildlife, such as forest elephants, bush pigs, and several antelope species. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by the more than 375 bird species recorded there, including the rare African pitta.
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The famous park was named after Queen Elizabeth II of England to commemorate her visit to it in 1954. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a gem in Uganda’s tourist attractions – your 3 days safari will be an unforgettable experience. The park’s diverse ecosystems comprising of its savannahs, thick forests, fresh water lakes, craters, and fertile wetlands, offer a conducive environment and habitat to over 95 mammals including the classic big game, 10 primate species including the endangered chimpanzees, 600 bird species and various kinds of floral and plant life. This 3 days Queen Elizabeth National Park safari is the ideal getaway for the avid nature lover.
Explore Uganda’s all rounder park on this 3 days Murchison falls tour with wildlife in plentiful supply and raging Murchison falls. A wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park and a boat launch on the Victoria Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls is the adventure plan for the 3 days Murchison Falls tour. Combine a game viewing adventure amidst a display of 76 mammals and a view of the Murchison Falls along with the surrounding areas in one trip. Should you have limited time, our expertly crafted 2 day Murchison falls safari will equally offer you a similar safari experience with is a shorter 1 night in the park.
Your 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking Uganda safari is your leisure excursion to Uganda’s legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park situated in the South-western region, on the edge of the western arm of the great East African Rift Valley. This 3 days gorilla trekking Uganda safari is your opportunity to encounter one of Uganda’s oldest rainforests – the eminent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The forest’s dense greenery spread across the park’s mist-covered hillsides is a home to an estimate 400 mountain gorillas, which is more than half of the world’s population of these endangered species. Your 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking Uganda safari is your choice expedition, designed to give you a memorable encounter with one of the habituated mountain gorilla families residing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is carried out in any of the park’s four main regions; Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Gorilla trekking entails embarking on a hiking excursion in search of any of the habituated gorilla family. A trekking group is limited to a maximum of 8 people per gorilla family.
Murchison Falls National Park is a true wildlife gem; displaying Ugandan diversity in one show! It is the perfect destination to spice up adventure with a couple of safari activities and the 4 days Murchison Falls Chimpanzee safari will prove just that. Enjoy a game drive through open savannah plains, a birding excursion of the Shoebill at the Albert delta, a boat launch to the base of Murchison Falls and a Chimpanzee tracking adventure in Budongo forest in just one trip.
Your 7 days Big Five Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley and Chimps Trekking wildlife safari is a detailed tour package presenting...
While on most safari trips you get to see four or sometimes even just three of the Big 5; with 6 days Gorilla and Big 5 wildlife safari you have the golden opportunity to see all members of the Big 5 in one trip. This adventure features a detour to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary; the only place you can find Rhinos in Uganda along with gorilla trekking and a boat cruise.
The 5 days Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla safari in Uganda comprises of a visit to Uganda’s most visited national park and a trip to the country’s celebrated home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. While in Queen Elizabeth you get a chance to sight over 95 mammal species including the classic big game, 10 primate species including the endangered chimpanzees, 600 bird species and various kinds of floral and plant life.
For a unique blend of birding, game viewing, Chimpanzee tracking and Landscape viewing, we have created the 5 days Murchison...
Your 8 Days Murchison Falls wildlife and primate trekking Safari will head you to Murchison Falls National Park; for the...
This safari package is specifically designed to introduce you to the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda blended into a thrilling...
As the name suggests, 11 days complete wildlife and Primate Safari Uganda tour package is complete with an adventure in...
Our 13 Days Magical Uganda safari is the perfect way to experience a spectacular adventure in Uganda without spending so...
Our Experience
At Travelmonke Tours, we specialize in crafting unforgettable Murchison Falls safari packages and experiences. Our expert guides, personalized itineraries, and seamless planning ensure that every moment of your trip is extraordinary. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep connection with nature, Murchison Falls Tours will have you covered.
Experience the Best Murchison Falls Safaris & Game Drives
Top Things to Do on a Murchison Falls Safari in Uganda
Planning your Murchison Falls safari tours? Uganda’s largest and oldest national park offers an incredible mix of wildlife encounters, adventure activities, and cultural experiences. Here are the top things to do in Murchison Falls National Park to make your Uganda safari truly unforgettable.
1. Wild Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park
A Murchison Falls tours game drive is a must for anyone looking to experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife. With over 76 mammal species and 451 bird species, the park is a paradise for nature lovers.
Safari Uganda Game drives in Murchison Falls offer the chance to spot the Big Five—including lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos (at nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary), and leopards—as well as other iconic African wildlife such as Rothschild’s giraffes, hyenas, warthogs, and several species of antelope. The park’s northern sector is especially famous for its open savannah grasslands, making it ideal for game viewing. Morning and late afternoon drives provide the best opportunities for sightings and photography.
2. Victoria Nile Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls
No Uganda Murchison Falls tour is complete without a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile River. Glide past hippos, crocodiles, and herds of buffalo, heading toward the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls safaris, where the Nile explodes through a 7-meter gap and plunges 43 meters.
This exhilarating experience on your Murchison Falls tours offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Along the way, you’ll enjoy excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography while on your safari in Uganda Murchison Falls experience. The cruise is available in both morning and afternoon sessions, allowing for flexibility in your safari schedule.
3. Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest
Add a chimpanzee trekking safari to your Murchison Falls tour package itinerary by exploring Budongo Forest Reserve, the largest mahogany forest in East Africa and home to Uganda’s largest chimp population.
Murchison Falls safari Trekking takes place in the Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro sections of the forest, where visitors can encounter troops of playful chimpanzees swinging through the trees. The forest is also rich in biodiversity, offering sightings of other mammals and rare birds. It’s an excellent way to combine wildlife, primate tracking, and birding into one unforgettable Murchison Falls Tours encounter.
4. Guided Hiking & Nature Walks
For active travelers, tour the Murchison Falls’s raw beauty on foot with guided nature walks and hiking trails.
The Top of the Falls hike leads to a panoramic lookout over the Nile, offering a close view of the water’s explosive descent. Walks through Rabongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi provide peaceful immersion into the park’s forested zones, ideal for spotting primates and birdlife. For a unique safari Uganda Murchison Falls wetland experience, the Nile Delta swamp walk takes you through papyrus-lined channels, where you may spot the legendary shoebill stork, as well as reptiles like crocodiles and monitor lizards.
5. Sport Fishing on the Nile & Lake Albert
Try Murchison Falls Tours sport fishing on the Victoria Nile and at Kibiro on Lake Albert, one of the most thrilling activities for angling enthusiasts visiting Uganda.
You’ll have the opportunity to catch Nile perch on one of our Murchison Falls Tour Packages experience, some weighing over 100 kilograms, along with other species such as catfish and tiger fish. The peaceful surroundings and the excitement of reeling in a giant make this a memorable Murchison Falls safari activity. A visit to Kibiro village also offers a cultural bonus, where you can observe traditional salt extraction practices passed down through generations.
6. Hot Air Balloon Safari Over Murchison Falls
For a luxury Murchison Falls safari twist, take to the skies with a hot air balloon safari over Murchison Falls National Park.
This breathtaking experience offers panoramic views of the Nile River, expansive savannahs, and herds of wildlife from above. It’s especially magical during sunrise when the park comes alive with golden light. Most Murchison Falls Tours balloon experiences are followed by a bush breakfast, adding to the adventure’s exclusivity. Suitable for guests aged 6 and above, it’s perfect for families, honeymooners, or anyone seeking a unique safari Uganda Murchison Falls perspective.
7. Birding Safaris in Murchison Falls
With over 450 bird species, Murchison Falls is one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, you’ll be amazed by the avian diversity here.
Some of the most sought-after species include the rare and elusive shoebill stork, the striking Abyssinian ground hornbill, and the majestic grey-crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird are some of top bird sights for your Murchison Falls Tour Holiday. Top birding spots include the Nile Delta, Budongo Forest, and Kaniyo Pabidi, each offering unique habitats and species.
8. Cultural Encounters – Boomu Women’s Group
For a meaningful and authentic tours In Uganda Murchison Falls experience, visit the Boomu Women’s Group located near the park entrance. This initiative empowers women through community tourism.
Visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances, learn local cooking techniques, and explore how herbal medicines are prepared using indigenous knowledge. It’s a hands-on way to engage with local culture while directly supporting sustainable livelihoods in the area.
9. Visit the Hidden Gem – Karuma Falls
Located within the park, Karuma Falls is a picturesque cascade on the Nile and a serene spot for photography, picnicking, or relaxation.
These lesser-known falls offer a quieter safari Uganda Murchison Falls experience compared to the thunderous Murchison Falls and make for an excellent scenic stop on your way to or from the park.
10. Explore the Lake Albert Delta
A visit to the Lake Albert Delta is a must for serious birders. This wetland ecosystem is a prime location for spotting the rare shoebill stork and numerous aquatic birds.
The tranquil waters of the delta create an ideal setting for a sunrise canoe ride or private birding tours for a Murchison Falls Safari trip, far from the more crowded areas of the park. It’s the perfect activity for travelers seeking peace, nature, and exclusivity.
Whether you’re interested in wildlife game drives, chimp trekking, or luxury hot air balloon safaris, Murchison Falls National Park delivers an unmatched safari tour experiencea. Book your Murchison Falls safari packages today and immerse yourself in Uganda’s most diverse and dramatic park.
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Book a Murchison Falls Safari Tour – Uganda Wildlife & Nile Adventures
Frequently Asked Questions
- What to know when undertaking a safari to Murchison Falls National Park?
What to See
- The Murchison Falls
The highlight of any itinerary in Murchison Falls National Park Tours is visiting the Murhison falls to see how large volumes of water from the Victoria Nile forces its way through an approximately 7-meter-wide gorge to plunge 43 meters below into a pool. This powerful water fall creates a thunderous noise with a splashing cloud of fog offering a breathtaking view.
This private non-profit project was established in 2005 to revive the population of the white rhino in Uganda following the intense poaching that happened during the 1990s that totally depleted this species from the Murchison Falls and Kidepo National parks where these animals previously lived. Today there are 22 southern white rhinos found in this sanctuary.
- The Rich Wildlife
The diverse vegetation cover of the park which includes woodlands, savannah and riverine forests supports a great diversity of animals which can easily be seen in different Murchison Falls safari package itineraries like the 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari. These include the Uganda Kobs, Hartebeests, lions, elephants, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, and hyenas among many others. For Birders as well, the park has a diversity of species to see like the rare shoebill stork, the Goliath heron, the yellow footed fly catcher, African jacana, Abyssinian ground hornbill, pitta as well as the pied giant and malachite kingfisher are among the over 451 species to get an eye on while on your Murchison Falls Tours birding experience.
What Not to Do While in Murchison Falls National Park
- Do not go off the game drive track
This is perhaps one of the biggest causes of animal accidents in the park. Tourists are tempted to get off the drive track to get closer and get clear views of a prized animal (such as lion) that is far away from the track or is hidden behind a bush. However, you may be ambushed and cornered by another aggressive animal (such as elephant or buffalo) and it would be difficult for you to escape because of bushes in the way while on your safaris in Uganda Murchison Falls adventure. The car may also get stuck in the bush tempting you to get out of the car and putting your life in danger.
- Do not drive beyond 40km/hr.
The legal speed limit anywhere in the park is 40km/hr. and driving beyond that is over speeding that will put you at a risk of colliding with a large animal such as an elephant, giraffe, hippo and buffalo, the result of which is fatal. Driving beyond the speed limit also puts other smaller animals at risk and killing an animal attracts a heavy penalty.
- Do not hoot in the park
While on your Murchison Falls safaris, hooting in the park is illegal and can be risky for you as some animals are put off by noise. An agitated elephant can charge at you if it relates the sound of the hooting with a threat. Hooting will also scare other wildlife spoiling the safari experience for you and other visitors in the park.
- Respect the 10-meter rule
It is advised the closest you should get to an animal should be not less than 10 meters. But this also depends on the behavior of the animal at that particular time. If you notice a large animal such as an elephant or buffalo is agitated, please keep far away from it. You should also not attempt to get closer to animals with babies.
- Do not feed the animals or eat near animals
Tourists are tempted to throw a banana or biscuit to a monkey, baboon or even elephant, but this is not advised because this causes the animals to lose their natural instinct of looking for food in the bush and in the end, they start invading people and grabbing food causing injury in the process. There are incidents on a safaris in Uganda Murchison Falls when baboons have ripped faces of tourists in an attempt to grab food.
- Do not leave the car door or hotel room open
Scavenging animals like monkeys, baboons, warthogs are always in the vicinity looking for an opening for some free goodies. Elephants also sniff around for bananas and fruits. The most dangerous perhaps are the snakes that can easily crawl into the room without being noticed.
- Put on a life jacket during the boat safari on the Nile
However good a swimmer you may be, the fast-flowing waters of the Nile may be too much for you in case of a Murchison Falls boat accident. In the last decade only one tragic incident of a boat accident has been recorded in Murchison Falls National Park, and it is remembered that only those who had life jackets on survived.
- Wear nature blending colors such as greens and browns
Avoid bright colors. For instance, color red is seen as blood by predators and can attract an attack, while for some other animals and wildlife such as birds it signifies danger and will scare them away.
- Do not get out of the car during safari drive in the park
Do not get out of the car except in designated places but still be on the lookout for which animals are nearby, and look where you step. Also do not wonder too far from the car.
- Do not smoke in the park, you can easily start a fire
Smoking near the dry savanna grasslands poses a great risk to the animals since a fire is likely to start in case the burnt cigar or cigarette residue makes contact with the dry grass, causing the animals to flee their habitat.
- Take a professional tour guide/driver
If you can, hire a professional tour guide/driver. A professional tour guide/driver has undergone intense training about animal behavior and will know what to do in case faced with a difficult situation from an aggressive animal.
- Take an armed park ranger/guide for the safari drive
Park rangers/guides are available in the park for hire. The park guide knows well about animal behavior and will guide on how to approach particular animals. The ranger guide also knows the best places to find certain animals of interest that will help you avoid unnecessary drive in the park that can lead you into dangerous situations.
- Be care while at the Top of the Murchison falls
Avoid getting closer to the wet rocks and the raging water. The temptation to get a perfect selfie or video has led travelers slipping into the falls or being swept away by a gush of water.
Where is Murchison Falls National Park Found?
Home to Murchison Falls, the most powerful waterfall in the world, Murchison Falls National Park is found in Northwestern Uganda in East Africa, along the shores of Lake Albert. It spans over 3,893 square kilometers, encompassing Victoria Nile River in its fold, with Karuma Falls to the North.
Murchison Falls National Park straddles the Ugandan districts of Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo, and Masindi. The driving distance from Masindi, the nearest large town, to the Kibanda area of the national park is about 72 kilometers (45 mi).
How big is Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda and spans over 3,893 km², encompassing Victoria Nile River in its fold, with Karuma Falls to the North. It is also called Kabalega Falls National Park or Kabarega National Park, located in northwestern Uganda, and established in 1952.
It occupies an area of 1,483 square miles (3,840 square km) of rolling grassland east of Lake Albert. Murchison Falls National Park sits on the shores of Lake Albert, in northwest Uganda. It’s known for Murchison Falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall where the Victoria Nile River surges through a narrow gap over a massive drop.
Murchison Falls Safari Park wildlife includes elephants and hippos, and there are chimpanzees in the Kaniyo Pabidi mahogany forest. The Lake Albert Delta is home to rare shoebill storks. There are game fish in the cascades of Karuma Falls.
How to get to Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls National Park is located in Northwestern Uganda, East Africa. The park can be easily accessed by air and road. From Kampala to Murchison Falls, it is about 4h and 30min via Kampala–Masindi route (282 km) or 5h 30min via Kampala–Hoima. There are also charter flights from Kajjansi and Entebbe to Chobe Airstrip.
Getting to Murchison Falls from Kampala for a safari tour
By Road
From Kampala, it takes approximately 4-6 hours (305 km) to drive to Murchison Falls National Park headquarters at Paraa (85km from Masindi).
The direct route to Murchison National Park from Kampala is through the southern gates (Kichumbanyobo and Masindi South Gate).
Alternatively, the northern gates (Purongo or Takigate-Packwach) are also a suitable option, although longer in distance, they take you straight to the most interesting sections of the park.
By Air
It is possible to fly to the park by chartered aircraft or the daily scheduled flight from Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala for a Murchison Falls Tours.
The flight is just under one hour.
The most convenient airfield to arrive at is Pakuba because of its proximity to the park headquarters and the main accommodations.
Alternatively, you can fly to Chobe or Bugundu.
Getting to Murchison Falls from Entebbe
By Air
The most direct way to travel is by scheduled flight from Entebbe International Airport.
There are daily flights to and from Murchison Falls, and the aircraft will stop at Pakuba, Chobe or Bugundu. The flight is one hour.
If your next port of call is the Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a direct flight from Pakuba Airfield can be arranged by Travelmonke Tours.
What wildlife to expect on my Murchison Falls Safari?
Animals in Murchison Falls National Park
A safari tour in the Murchison Falls National Park, we see you encounter some of the 76 species of mammals that call this vast park their home, including four of the big five. To have a complete big 5 list, you would need to pass by the Rhino Sanctuary on the way to the park.
Animals are often seen while on a boat safari and during game drives in the park. The more common animals often seen are; Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Bushbucks, Jacksons Hartebeests, Oribi, waterbucks and warthogs to mentions but a few on a Murchison Falls Tours.
The big cats of Leopards and Lions have higher chances of being seen on your early morning Murchison Falls Safaris game drive before it gets too hot, forcing them into hiding. It is also home to several primates including Baboons, Patas monkeys, blue monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys and Black-and-white Colobus monkeys and Chimpanzees are found in the forested area of Kaniyo Pabidi which is part of Budongo forest.
Birds in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls national park has varied habitats for birds making bird watching a famous activity in this park which has over 450 species of birds. The park is home to many migrant birds and those that are there all year round. The park has forested, swampy areas, riverine woodland, Savannah and acacia trees which all provide habitats for the birds.
You will enjoy watching the waterbirds when you take a boat safari in Murchison Falls towards the delta or towards the Murchison falls. Some bird species found here include; the elusive Shoebill, Swamp flycatcher, papyrus Gonolek, Goliath Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Northern red bishop, Squacco heron, Red-throated Bee-eater and African-Quail Finch etc.
What is accommodation like in Murchison Falls National Park?
In Murchison Falls National Park, accommodation ranges from budget lodges, mid-range lodges and luxury lodges like the Chobe Safari lodge. This great diversity offers accommodation options for all travelers irrespective of your Murchsion Falls safari budget or tour package.
The Paraa Safari Lodge and Nile Safari Lodge are among the other luxury facilities, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge and Fort Muchison Safari Lodge are mid-range facilities while the Boomu Women’s Group Bandaas, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Yebo Safari Camp and Parkside Safari Lodge are the budget facilities.
Travelers are drawn to Murchison Falls National Park for the scenery, so invest in the view from your window. You can enjoy priceless views of the Nile with any budget, but luxury lodges really make you feel like you are staring at a painting.
Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
is the best mid-range option in Murchison Falls. The lodges near to the Albert Nile in the northwest provide the greatest choice of budget options. Of these, Pakuba has the best location.
The three-star suburban lodge is situated on the east bank of the Albert Nile. The lodge is a modern incarnation of the former state lodge that was previously visited by Idi Amin, and its ruins can still be seen. Pakuba is a short distance from the Tangi Gate of Murchison Falls National Park.
After a fast-paced day on your Murchison Falls safari, you can cool off in its outdoor pool or sip your favourite tipple at the lodge’s fully stocked bar. You may prefer to sit at your window and take in the scenic wilderness views. Fortunate guests may see animals such as a warthog, or even a giraffe from the lodge.
- Paraa Safari Lodge
The most popular lodges are found in the central Paraa area of the park where the Victoria Nile joins Lake Albert. Paraa Safari Lodge is a large hotel of 54 rooms, and it occupies a prime site on the north bank of the Nile.
Each room has an en suite bathroom, a large window, and a private balcony with captivating views of the winding Nile of your Murchison Falls Tour adventure. Guests can enjoy complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, and a free breakfast at its restaurant.
Reconstructed in 1997 out of the shell of the original 1959 lodge, the decor of the lodge is inspired by a former era of exploration of the Nile. Its tranquil outdoor pool appeared in the Hollywood classic, ‘The African Queen’. The lodge is a great option for families or first-time visitors to Africa who want to experience a safari in Uganda Murchison Falls comfort and style.
- Budongo Ecolodge
Venturing further south, accommodation is available alongside the main road that runs between Masindi and Paraa. While these lodges do not have Nile frontage, they provide great access to the forests of Budongo, home to a myriad of birdlife and over 600 chimpanzees.
The Budongo Ecolodge, located 8km north of the Kichambanyobo Gate, is the most popular place to stay. Originally the research station for the Jane Goodall Institute, it has been renovated to provide a pleasant and comfortable base for forest exploration.
The lodge is intimate, offering five comfortable cabins and four large dormitory rooms for larger groups. Its on-site visitor center is very informative about the local area, and it showcases ancient fossils. The lodge’s craft shop sells handmade gifts to commemorate your stay.
Is it possible to do a Murchison Falls safari with other destinations in Uganda?
Because of its ideal location, most of the visitors on a Murchison Falls safari often come from other destinations like Bwindi after a Gorilla Trekking Tour, or while going to the beautiful islands on a Ssesse Island Beach Holiday, or after visiting the capital of primates on a 3 Days Kibale Chimpanzee Safari. This can also be combined with safari to other neighboring safari options like Rwanda gorilla tours, or Kenya and Tanzania safari.
If you are looking to spice up your Murchison Falls tour package experience, here are some epic destinations to consider.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Located on the tip of the western arm of the East African Rift Valley in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable national park is the perfect destination for gorilla trekking. These apes are extremely rare in that they exist in only 3 countries in the world, Uganda being one of them.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: This is one of Uganda’s most visited national parks and this is partly due to the tree-climbing lions.
- Kibale National Park: This 795-square-kilometer game reserve harbors almost 80% of the country’s Chimpanzee population.
- Kidepo Valley National Park: Poised along the outskirts of the Karimojong region, this national park is home to 76 mammals including some rare wildlife that you cannot find elsewhere.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: It covers an area of 33.9 square kilometers in south western Uganda and is the only other place to see mountain gorillas in Uganda aside from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Lake Mburo National Park: It is conveniently located along the wildlife corridor that connects Kampala to the national parks of south western Uganda.
- Sipi Falls: Off the western flank of Mount Elgon is Sipi waterfall, the longest and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Africa. Sipi falls follows a trail over rocky landscape before cascading down the mountain in a series of 3 drops; the longest being 100 meters.
- Lake Bunyonyi: Lake Bunyonyi is a fresh water lake nestled between Kisoro and Kabale. It is 40 meters deep and Africa’s second deepest lake.
- Lake Mutanda: It is an isolated fresh water lake near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in the extreme most south western region of Uganda in Kisoro district.
- Rwenzori Mountain Range: The Rwenzori Mountain range was named: Mountains of the Moon, for one specific reason; snow. It has the highest peak in Uganda called Margherita.
- Mt Elgon National Park: Located along the border of Uganda and Kenya with the national boarder dissecting the park into two parts; a 1,110 square kilometer stretch in Uganda and a 169 square kilometer area in Kenya.
- Ssese Islands: Set on the north western shores of Lake Victoria, the Ssese Islands are a string of rather splendid islands.
- Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria is the largest tropical fresh water lake in the world and Africa’s most prized possession, being the Source of the Nile.
- Semliki National Park: Birding.
- Kampala: the capital of Uganda.
- Jinja: the tourism capital of the Eastern Uganda.
Contact us at Travelmonke Tours for a tailor-made itinerary.
What is the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls National Park is enjoyable all year round, but December through to February is considered the best time to visit the park. June to September is another great window to visit.
Throughout these months, there’s little rainfall, which means the tracks leading you to wildlife during your game drives remain dry and accessible. The dry season attracts animals to water sources, so it’s easier to spot them while out on Murchison Falls tour package game drives.
When is the dry season?
The dry season falls between December to February, and then again from June to September. During this time, there’s plenty of sunshine and rarely any rain.
The park is equatorial, so it’s hot all year round. The temperature ranges between 25-32°C during the day and drops down to 18°C at night.
The temperature in January and February is sweltering, so be sure to wear light clothing and bring plenty of water and sun cream.
What to park for a Murchison Falls National Safari?
All holidaymakers visiting the Murchison Falls National Park are advised to pack a number of things. However, a valid passport with visa and a yellow fever vaccination certificate, camera, comfortable safari clothing that are not brightly colored, long-sleeved shirts, scarfs, trousers, sunscreen, sunglasses, caps, a hat, evening wear, durable waterproof shoes with ankle support especially when going on nature walks or chimpanzee trekking.
What is the likely cost of a Murchison Falls Safari?
There are a number of factors that affect the overall cost of a safari in Uganda Murchison Falls trip, these include the park entrance to Murchison Falls National Park which is $45 and $20 for foreign non-residents, the cost of accommodation, transport and additional activities you will be engaging in.
3 Days Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhino Safari
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Explore Murchison Falls National Park
Day 3: Departure
Cost: $620 for budget Accommodation
3 Days Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhino Safari Tour
Day 1: Ziwa Rhino
Day 2: Explore Murchison Falls NP
Day 3: Departure
Cost: $790 pp for Mid-range Accommodation
Cost: $1000 pp for Luxury Accommodation
5 Days Murchison Falls & Jinja Rafting Tour Adventure
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2-3: Murchison Falls NP
Day 4: Rafting in Jinja
Day 5: Departure
Cost: $1,000 pp for budget accommodation.
Popular Safari Packages
2 Days Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari Package
3 Days Murchison Falls Safari Tours
4 Days Murchison Falls Tours