Murchison Falls National Park Uganda – Murchison Falls Safaris – Murchison Falls Tours and Holiday Packages

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  • The Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi Forests

    The Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi Forests

    The Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi Forests

    Kaniyo Pabidi forest is located at the edge of Murchison Falls National park covering an area of 8 kilometers. This natural forest is a safari starter for adventure in Murchison Falls as the Kichumbanyobo gate is situated right in the middle of this beautiful forest spotting enormous ancient Mahogany trees with a topping of ironwood.

    Murchison Falls Chimpanzee tracking adventures are the most undertaken safari activities in Kaniyo Pabidi forest. This is majorly because the forest is home to a thriving Chimpanzee population and tracking them is managed by the Jane Goodall Institute at the Kaniyo Pabidi tourism site within the forest.

    Also, apart from Chimpanzees, Kaniyo Pabidi forest has a rich ecological system supporting other primate species. The forest promotes birding safaris in Murchison Falls with specials like Puvel’s Illaposis which is endemic to this forest, Chocolate Backed Kingfisher, White thighed Hornbill, Yellow footed flycatcher and Ituris Batis among other birds.

    Rabongo forest on the other hand is located within the south eastern region of Murchison Falls Conservation Area. It is the smallest safari land in the ecosystem but definitely not the least attractive. Rabongo forest, although small, is an important attraction for Uganda safari in Murchison Falls.

    This is simply because it has a variety of wildlife ranging from primates like Chimpanzees, Black and white Colobus monkeys, Baboons and red tailed monkeys to an array of birdlife with elusive birds like the Yellow footed flycatcher among other birds. The Forest also presents rich savannah vegetation amidst Mahogany and ironwood trees.

  • The River Nile

    The River Nile

    River Nile

    River Nile is the longest river in East Africa and Africa at large. It is born in Uganda from an outlet at Lake Victoria, the largest tropical freshwater lake in the world, and it flows northwards for about 6,650 kilometers pouring into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile is the major water source for Sudan and Egypt.

    Although River Nile is considered one of the smallest rivers in the world as per the annual output of water in cubic meters, it has one of the largest drainage basins of about 3.4 million square kilometers comprising of 11 countries; Uganda, the Republic of Sudan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, the DRC Burundi, Eritrea, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Egypt.  

    Initially, the Nile was considered to be the longest river in the world; however this opinion has been greatly challenged by many scientists raising a claim that the Amazon River is longer. Presently, it is yet to be proven that River Nile isn’t the longest river in the world. River Nile is divided into two major sections; the White Nile and the Blue Nile.

    On a Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park, you get to experience the magic of the Victoria Nile, a section of the White Nile that springs right from Lake Victoria forming the Murchison Falls through Lake Kyoga to Lake Albert. From Lake Albert onward, the section of river is called the “Albert Nile.”

    In Murchison Falls National Park, you can enjoy a voyage on the Nile to the base of Murchison falls while sighting some wildlife like Hippos and Nile crocodiles within the shallow ends of river. Along the river banks, animals like Cape Buffalos, kudu, monitor Lizards and Sitatungas along with Shoebills are more common.

    Apart from game viewing and boat safaris on Uganda safari Murchison Falls, River Nile offers a number of water sports such as bungee jumping, Kayaking, White water rafting, jet boating and Quad biking among other sports. The River offers great fishing opportunities with specials like the Nile Perch among other species.

  • Budget Safari to Murchison Falls

    Budget Safari to Murchison Falls

    Murchison Falls National Park is located at the edge of the western safari corridor after Kibale National Park in northern Uganda. It covers an area of 3,893 square kilometers in the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area together with Bugungu wildlife reserve (748 square km) and Karuma Wildlife Reserve (720 sq km).

    When on a Uganda Budget safari in the Murchison Falls National Park, expect to have a full-blown fun adventure in Uganda’s largest national park stretching out within four districts; Masindi, Nyowa, Kiryandongo and Buliisa. The park also has quite a unique and rich eco system sprouting right from Lake Victoria through the Nile and into Lake Albert.

    Walk the trails of the largest collection of Mahogany and Ironwood in East Africa as you attempt to track some Chimps and find some rare bird species. The park has an exotic blend of rivers, lakes, waterfalls, a rich birdlife and an undeniable variety in animals while its vegetation is a network of Open savannah plains, woodland, riparian forest and some wetland.

    Uganda safari Murchison Falls National Park on a budget

    Is it possible to visit Murchison Falls and enjoy the goodness there in on a budget plan? Oh yes, most definitely so! A budget safari is something many travelers think about but often dismiss for fear of compromise on the quality of the adventure. The truth is you can still have the safari of your lifetime all on the friendly budget you have.

    Get on that boat cruise that you have always wanted or that game drive that you dreamed of. Experience what it feels like to track Chimpanzees in the wild all the while maintaining the budget for your safari. There is no reason why you get to miss out on a Uganda Murchison Falls safari adventure because you can still have the best even on budget. 

    The Experience

    Picture the perfect two days spent within the park for a budget safari to Murchison Falls with exciting activities to enjoy. To fully explore the beauty of this park, you will arrive at the park on your first day. The goal here is to check into Fort Murchison, a budget accommodation where you would spend the next two nights while on this Uganda safari.

    At Fort Murchison you have the option of either opting for a self-contained room with a private bathroom or go for a fully furnished tent set up on an elevated concrete platform with a public bathroom. This is the true essence of a budget accommodation; enjoying the benefits of the park with an accommodation facility that is price friendly.

    You should note that with a Murchison Falls budget safari at Fort Murchison, extra services like Laundry, alcoholic beverages and sodas will be on your bill should you need to acquire them. After checking into your budget accommodation in Murchison falls, prepare for a late evening voyage upon River Nile. The experience sets off from Paraa at the banks of the river where Hippos and crocodiles are abounding.

    Sail along the river stream spotting animals in the distance to the base of Murchison Falls. The loud splash of water against rocks is just what you need to stay alert. Then venture on a 45 minute hike to the top of the falls where the actions all takes place. Enjoy a ferry ride back to your lodge where a scrumptious dinner awaits.

    The next day is game viewing day. After breakfast, board your 4-wheel vehicle through the open savannah plains to meet specials like Rothschild’s giraffes, Defassa waterbuck, Patas monkeys, Lions, Elephants, Buffalos and Leopards. After your morning game drive, you will enjoy a ferry crossing over the Nile and a drive to Masindi town for a scrumptious meal.

    This will mark the end of your Uganda safari Murchison Falls National Park and will thus enjoy a drive back to Kampala through the country. We hope you took as many pictures as possible while you enjoyed your budget safari covering activities like a boat cruise to the base of the falls, a hiking adventure to the top of the falls, game viewing and accommodation.

    What a budget safari to Murchison Falls cost will cover:

    • Pick up and return transportation to the starting point; be it in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport.
    • An English Speaking driver and safari guide with some water bottles in the vehicle.
    • Accommodation at Fort Murchison for a night with lunch, dinner and breakfast for the next day
    • Park entry fees, boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, a hike to the top of the falls, game viewing with a UWA guide and ferry crossings.
    • Departing lunch in Masindi.

    What a Murchison Falls budget safari cost will not cover:

    • Alcoholic drinks and beverages at Fort Murchison
    • Tipping
    • Laundry services

    In conclusion, it is possible to enjoy a Uganda budget safari to Murchison Falls National Park without compromising on the fun and integrity of the adventure. You still get to witness the making of the majestic Murchison Falls, meet the intriguing safari animals and put your body to the test as you hike up to the top of Murchison Falls yet all the while looking forward to a relaxing night at the lodge.d, many mountain summits were surmounted for the first time.

  • Boomu Cultural Village

    Boomu Cultural Village

    Boomu Cultural Village Experience

    The Boomu Cultural Village is a community of natives in the western region of Uganda in Kigaragara village at the edge of Murchison Falls National Park. The community is built on unity or working together for a common good; an ideology that was derived from the local word “Boomu” which can be translated to mean “togetherness”.

    This community of togetherness is spearheaded by a group of women; the Boomu women’s group, which was formed in 1999 with the intent of combating low standards of living that had become the pattern and way of life of the people. The village was riddled with malnutrition, poverty and illiteracy that were greatly hindering quality of life in Kigaragara and Kihaguzi.

    In addition, the land that had aided in cultivation had been lost to establishment of the Park’s boundaries and the rest of it had become dry thus yielding no crop. Seeing a need for change, a group of women came together to cultivate an era of business starting with making and selling handcrafts. They recruited as many women as they could; teaching them the ways of the trade.

    The incomes generated were meant to provide food for their families, keep the children in school and improve on the livelihoods of their communities. With time, other activities were incorporated into the business; such as cultivation, herbal medicine making and offering cultural experiences to tourists on Uganda safari Murchison Falls National Park.

    Presently, the Boomu cultural village offers full blown cultural experiences at Murchison Falls on a budget safari. With the help of a tour guide, you can waltz around the village meeting the local farmers at work in their banana plantations. You can even watch them harvest, prepare, make and even package local brew out of the bananas.

    After the banana plantations, the medicine man will be right around the corner. This local herbalist knows his way around many local ailments using wild roots, leaves and bark. Enjoy some local cuisines after helping to prepare them and purchase some souvenirs from the craft shop. The final activity will be enjoying some folk stories, music and traditional dance.

  • Animals of Murchison Falls National Park

    Animals of Murchison Falls National Park

    Animals of Murchison Falls National Park

    Murchison Falls National Park is well endowed with 76 mammal species dwelling within its riparian forest, open savannah plains and woodland and along the banks of the Victoria Nile. A game viewing safari in this park isn’t just like an adventure in any other park. This is majorly because here you can see four members of the Big 5 in one place, an opportunity that is quite hard to come by.

    In addition, while you are here look out for some special animals like barrels of the extremely rare Patas monkeys within the forest area and the Defassa waterbucks within the open savannah plains. On this Uganda safari Murchison Falls National Park, you get to see huge herds of Rothschild’s giraffes grazing within the lush grassy plains of the park.

    You will continue to discover more animals with every game area you explore; for example; look out for Leopards, hyenas and herds of Buffalos when in Buligi Area. When you are amidst the golden savannah plains, you can expect animals like Elephants, Uganda Kobs, Oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest and bushbuck. Paraa region is more of a Lion and Warthog territory.

    A game drive following the Victoria trail will explore the banks of the Victoria Nile where you can see animals like Hippos, crocodiles and Kudu. Within the Mahogany and ironwood trees of Budongo, Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forests, primates like Blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, Patas monkeys and Chimpanzees are abounding.

    Birdlife

    Why not combine a birding adventure with a Uganda safari Murchison Falls National Park. There are over 400 bird species within the park inclusive of special birds like the Shoebill stork, Grey crowned crane, the Yellow footed Kingfisher, Papyrus gonolek, White thigh ground hornbill, the Goliath Heron and Puvel’s Illadopsis that you will not quite find anywhere else in East Africa.

    Other birds that you can enjoy in Murchison Falls National Park include; Abyssinian ground hornbill, Red throated bee eater, Black billed barbet, Marabou Stork, Giant Kingfisher, Open billed stork, Pied Giant Kingfisher, ducks, geese and Malachite Kingfisher among others. The top birding spot in the park is the Nyamsika gorge and Nyamsika cliff.

    How to see the animals of Murchison Falls National Park

    The best way to meet the animals in Murchison Falls National park is to book a game viewing adventure. Game drives are mainly conducted in two shifts; early morning game drives and late afternoon game drives. Each game drive session takes between 2 to 4 hours and maximum 5 hours. Morning game drives kick off at 6.30am and are great for catching animals leaving their nests and heading out to find food. 

    Late afternoon game drives on the other hand start at 4.00pm and can run to 7 or 8.00pm. These game drives are meant to lend you a glimpse into nocturnal animal life and how animals set up nests for the night. In the late afternoon after animals have endured extreme heat, you might be lucky to find them in a struggle with crocodiles at the water’s edge. 

    When to go?

    Seeing as Uganda has fair weather all year round, we would say game viewing can be done anytime of the year. However, there are specific months where the safari would be affected; for example, in the rainy months of March to May and August to September. Other dry months and fairly rainy months should be okay for you to view game for Uganda safari Murchison Falls National Park.

    What to Pack?

    You might need to have the following items to enhance the quality of your Uganda safari game viewing adventure:

    • A hat and sunglasses
    • Binoculars
    • Enough drinking water
    • Comfortable shoes
    • Light breathable clothes in case it gets really hot
  • How to get to Murchison Falls National Park

    How to get to Murchison Falls National Park

    How to get to Murchison Falls National Park

    Murchison falls National Park can be accessed both by road and air, depending on your budget and endurance for road drive safaris.

    By Air:

    There are several chartered flight companies that offer flights to and from Murchison Falls National Park. Flight to Murchison falls land at two major airstrips; Pakuba and Bugungu.

    By road:

    Accessing the park main headquarters at Paraa which is in the southern bank of Victoria from Kampala is a 4 to 5 hour drive. From Kampala, you take the Hoima high way until Masindi town, at this point there is a choice of a direct route through the Kichunbumbanyobo Gate or the alternative longer but more scenic route which heads west lake Albert then enter the park via the western Bugungu Gate.

    A route trip would be best in case you are on a private safari, entering the park through one route then depart through the other to have a balanced experience of both routes.Both routes go through magnificent Budongo Forest.

    Ferry Crossing:

    A Ferry crosses the river at Paraa, crossing take just a few minutes and are scheduled  attest every two hours between 7am and 7pm. The ferry joins the southern and northern banks of Victoria Nile. Depending on your booked accommodation, you may have to make these crossing more than once a day. There is a bridge being constructed to connect the two banks to replace the use of a ferry, the bridge is set to be ready anytime.

    Alternative entry routes into the park via Northern gates, Tangi (reached from pakwach) and wankwar (from Purongo) are also viable options and perhaps the best options as game viewing beings as soon as you enter the park. This alternative route is also best for visitors on a northern circuit comprising of Murchison falls and Kidepo Valley Exploration. Not to forget the alternative Chobe gate near Karuma Gate off Gulu road.

  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

    Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

    Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

    The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a 70 Square kilometer private non-profit animal sanctuary in Uganda located near Nakitoma Village in Nakasongola district within the Kafu River Basin. The sanctuary is situated north of Kampala about 180 kilometers (110 miles) by road off the Kampala – Gulu Highway.

    Rhinos are members of the Big 5 family that are indigenous to Uganda and had always existed within Uganda’s protected game parks in large herds. Sadly, due to an era of political insecurity, poaching and habitat destruction, the Rhino population had been completely depleted by 1982. There wasn’t a single Rhino; black or White to be found in Uganda.

    Heeding to the need to re-introduce and save Rhino populations in Uganda, the Uganda wildlife Authority together with the Rhino Fund Uganda and Ziwa Ranchers Limited took it upon them to start the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in 2005 to create a safe place for Rhinos to flourish before introducing them back to Uganda’s national parks.

    They started off with four Rhinos that they had purchased from the Solio Ranch in Kenya and two individuals that had been donated by the Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando. By 2018, there were about 22 Rhinos in the sanctuary. Presently, there are 78 park rangers keeping an eye on the Rhino population and an electric fence to protect the animals from poachers.

    Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see Rhinos in the wild; both black and white. However, the sanctuary has about 300 bird species and other animals like Monkeys, Antelopes, Hippos and crocodiles among others. Safari activities at the sanctuary include canoeing, on foot Rhino tracking, birding and nature walks.

  • Murchison Falls Fishing Safari

    Murchison Falls Fishing Safari

    Murchison Falls Fishing Safari

    River Nile crosses through Murchison Falls National Park as the Victoria Nile creating the Murchison Falls before it continues north flowing into Lake Albert; becoming the Albert Nile. Owing to the fact that it flows direct from Lake Victoria and connects to Lake Albert, it carries with it fish species from both Lakes thus making fishing a possibility in the park.

    Fishing safaris are mostly regarded as “Sport Fishing” adventures as it is mainly for sport and fun but not for commercial or any other use. Tourists come here to exercise their fishing skills and also spend a great time with family and friends while all the while making an attempt at catching some of the largest fish species in Uganda.

    Where to have a Murchison Falls fishing safari 

    Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park is carried out at two spots; below the Murchison Falls near the devil’s Cauldron and below the Karuma Falls. Currently, the most used spot is at the base of the Murchison Falls where people catch the fish from the comfort of their boats downstream or by the rocks at the banks of the river; especially for anglers. 

    The fishing spots in the park are very accessible for adventurers embarking on a fishing safari. The fishing spot at Paara below the Murchison falls can be accessed using a boat along the river or by a 45 minute hike down from the top of the waterfall. For anglers at the banks of the river, caution is recommended because hippos and Crocodiles love to hang out around there.

    How the fish is caught

    There are three main fishing methods used on Uganda safari Murchison Falls National Park such as; casting lures for large fish species like the Nile Perch and spinning and live baits to catch smaller fish like the Tiger fish. Live bait used includes; worms and termites.  It is worth noting that fish isn’t killed and should be returned after being caught into the river alive.

    Types of fish to expect

    When on a Murchison Falls fishing safari expect to catch some interesting fish species spawning right from Lake Victoria such as Nile Perch, cichlids, Catfish and Tiger fish. There is a very high possibility of catching enormous Nile Perch; in fact a record was set after some travelers were able to catch a Nile Perch that weighed 113 kilograms.

    When to go

    The trick to enjoying Murchison Falls fishing safari is choosing the right time to visit the park. This should be during the months of January to early April when the dry season is on and the rainy season is just kicking in. At this time, the water levels are low and the streams are clearer thus making the fish more accessible and easier to catch.

    What you will need

    Before arriving for Uganda Safari Murchison Falls National Park to enjoy a fishing adventure, ensure that you have the following things with you as they will go a long way to make your safari smooth.

    • Anglers should carry with them rods between 8 and 11 ft with a multiplier reel. 7ft rods are suitable for catching smaller fish.
    • Sun screen
    • Long socks, trousers and long sleeved shirts to protect from tsetse flies
    • Skilled and professional fishing guides
  • Murchison Falls Chimpanzee Tracking

    Murchison Falls Chimpanzee Tracking

    Murchison Falls Chimpanzee Tracking

    Budongo Forest is the major base for tracking Chimpanzees in Murchison Falls National Park. It covers an area of 825 square kilometers within the MFCA. Chimpanzee tracking in the forest is handled at the Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro eco tourism sites under the Jane Goodall Institute. Other forests within the conservation area for Murchison Falls Chimpanzee tracking are Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forests

    It would be a cold early morning or late afternoon (depending on the visitor’s preference) for travelers embarking on a Uganda safari Murchison falls National Park to track Chimpanzees in the wild. There are about 76 mammal species within the park and out of these; over 600 chimps exist within the riparian forests and woodland of Budongo, kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo.

    When to go

    The morning Murchison Falls chimpanzee tracking adventures are perfect for catching the primates off guard, leaving their nests for the day to gather fruit and go about their day to day activities. Trackers, in a group of eight individuals per shift, would first attend a briefing about how they ought to behave in the presence of the Chimpanzees and what regulations they ought to observe.

    Led by a UWA guide, the group emerges from the tourism center making their way through enormous Mahogany and iron wood trees until they come to where the chimps have been holding up for the previous night. Budongo forest along with Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo form the world’s largest collection of East African Mahogany. You might even see a large Mahogany 20m wide and 80m tall in Budongo.

    What to expect

    Once you have come within close proximity with the Chimpanzees, you will be required to remain vigilant as these lively primates tend to swing from tree to tree and might be gone before you take your picture. Camera lenses are always turned off and sudden movements are ill advised. After your Murchison Falls Chimpanzee tracking, you can head back to the tourism center to close the day.

    A Uganda safari Murchison Falls National Park to track Chimpanzees in the wild is best done from the months of October to January where the rains are light and the fruits in the forest are ripe and we know where there are ripe fruits, there will be Chimpanzees. A Chimpanzee tracking permit costs USD $85 and it comes with bonus bird watching and nature walk safaris.

    Owing to the fact that the park has 76 mammal species and there are about 24 species in Budongo alone, you should definitely expect to see a variety of animals when Murchison Falls Chimpanzee tracking, apart from just the Chimpanzees. You might come across animals like Olive Baboons, White and black Colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys and blue monkeys among others.

    The forests also provide memorable birding opportunities with sightings of rare birds like Puvel’s Illadopsis that you will not see anywhere else in Uganda. Other birds include; Crested Guinea fowl, Chocolate backed kingfisher, Crowned Eagle, African Pied wagtail, White thighed hornbill, Black Kite, Fork tailed drongo and Olive breasted greenbul among many other birds.

    Chimpanzee habituation

    Chimpanzee habituation on the other hand is less common and irregular for Uganda safari Murchison Falls National Park. The activity is undertaken during the low seasons for safari and permit costs are often higher than those for Chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzee habituation is mainly about spending a day with the chimps from when they leave their nests in the morning to when they retire for the night.

    It is imperative to take heed of the rules governing Murchison Falls Chimpanzee tracking such as; trackers should be 15 years and older hence all persons below the age limit will be prohibited from attending the experience. In fact, where suspicion arises you might be required to present birth verification details to prove that the teenager is 15 years and older.

    Also, only eight people per session are issued permits thus making it a total of 16 people per day therefore; you would need to book for your permit prior to your safari to avoid any inconveniences and disappointments. In addition, permit prices change whereby they are higher during peak seasons and lower during low seasons. Low season permits might even come with bonuses and discounts. 

  • Budongo Forest

    Budongo Forest

    Budongo Forest

    Budongo Forest is a protected natural forest reserve located amidst ancient Albertine rift valley rocks at the heart of an escarpment north east of Lake Albert. It is an 825 square kilometer expanse of semi deciduous forest near Masindi town, abounding in woodland and savannah vegetation along the road to Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park.

    Within the gently rolling plains of the East African Rift in the western region of Uganda, Budongo forest has over the years, become the hub for research into a unique type of vegetation entailing iron wood that is quite rare to come across. In fact, the forest is a major part of attractions in Uganda safari Murchison falls; receiving tourists from all over the world.

    Furthermore, Budongo forest has continued to receive much attention and credit for being the largest collection of and refuge for East African Mahogany trees in the whole of East Africa. Moreover, to date, there is still a massive Mahogany tree; over 80 meters tall and 20 meters wide at the heart of this moist, medium altitude forest; about 1,100m above sea level.  

    Owing to the fact that Budongo forest is located within the depths of the Great Rift Valley, it receives ample rainfall ranging from 1,200 to 2,200mm annually and this has greatly boosted its ecological output in that four major streams originate from its heart, that is; Kamirambwa, Sonso, Siba and Waisoke, pouring into Lake Albert.

    Budongo forest is blessed with more than 360 bird species, 465 trees, 130 months, 290 butterflies and 24 mammals; of which 9 are primate species with the most popular being Chimpanzees. The forest is a top Murchison Falls Chimpanzee Tracking destination since it is home to a reasonable population of chimpanzees.

    Tourists often follow designated trails when Murchison Falls Chimpanzee tracking throughout October to January to track down the chimps. Apart from Chimpanzee tracking, Budongo forest is equally famous for unique birding opportunities in the royal mile with specials like the Yellow footed Flycatcher, illadopsis puveli and other Guinea Congo forest Biome.