A journey to Murchison Falls National Park in 2024
A journey to Murchison Falls National Park in 2024: Murchison Falls National Park is among the destinations to journey to during safari around the northwestern part of Uganda.
The national park which covers about 3840 square kilometers is the oldest and largest national park found in Uganda. Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most visited destinations in the country and is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species.
Attractions found around Murchison Falls National Park include the Murchison Falls which are considered the most powerful waterfalls in the country, the Budongo forest, Victoria Nile as well as the wildlife species such as four of the big five (elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos) and bird species of a variety.
The Murchison Falls are formed at a point where the Victoria Nile flows through a narrow gorge of about 7 meters and with a strong force drop for about 45 meters below before flowing towards the Albertine Nile.
Park entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park in 2024
During tours to Murchison Falls National Park in 2024, tourists are charged park entrance fees which are charged by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Park entrance fees are paid per person and vary for foreign nonresidents, foreign residents, and East African citizens. children between 5 and 15 years and adults pay park entrance fees while children below the age of 5 years are not charged park entrance fees to visit Murchison Falls National Park.
In 2024, a park entrance fee of 45 USD is charged to foreign nonresidents visiting the national park, 35 USD for foreign residents, and 25,000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens on tour in Murchison Falls National Park.
The park entrance fee for visiting Murchison Falls National Park is valid for a period of 24 hours upon time of entry into the national park.
A journey to Murchison Falls National Park in 2024: Activities
Murchison Falls National Park offers a wide range of activities for tourists to engage in during their safari in Uganda in 2024 and some of the popular activities include the following:
- Morning and afternoon game drives
Murchison Falls National Park provides a thrilling game drive experience during which tourists can see its varied wildlife species and also enjoy the beautiful scenery.
These game drives are done by tourists in sturdy 4×4 vehicles that make it easy to drive around the rough terrain of Murchison Falls National Park and offer wide views of the savannah plains and habitat of the wildlife species. Vehicles with pop-up roofs make it easy to see the wildlife species around the savannah plains during the game drives at the destination.
Game drives around Murchison Falls National Park take place in the early morning or late afternoon with knowledgeable guides and tourists see a range of wildlife species including lions, giraffes, elephants, impalas, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, buffalos, reedbucks, hippos, hyenas, leopards, and many others.
Driving through the savannah grasslands, forests, and along the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park, tourists can get to see the different wildlife species and also view the magnificent Murchison Falls as they take part in game drives.
- Boat cruises to the bottom of the Murchison Falls
As tourists enjoy the boat rides along the Nile River during their safari in Murchison Falls National Park, they can see different wildlife and bird species.
Tourists also enjoy an up-close view of the Murchison Falls and see wildlife species such as hippos, elephants, buffalos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. During boat rides to the Nile Delta in the national park, tourists can get to see bird species such as the elusive Shoebill stork.
In the morning and in the afternoon, tourists can engage in boat cruises to the bottom of the Murchison Falls which can take a period of about 2 hours. These boat tours can be private tours or group experiences.
- Hiking to the top of the falls
In Murchison Falls National Park, a variety of trails lead through the park to the top of the falls, offering hikers the chance to view the rest of the national park and also see different bird species.
During the hike to the top of the falls, tourists can also get close to the Murchison Falls from different viewpoints. Viewing the top of the falls is another activity to do during a safari around the national park.
Observing native and migratory birds in Murchison Falls National Park is another experience that can be done during a safari at the destination.
Bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park involves looking out for the various bird species found in the park which is home to over 450 bird species. Some of the birds found in the park include the Shoebill stork, Goliath heron, Abyssinian ground hornbill, African fish eagle, Papyrus Gonolek, and Malachite Kingfisher among others.
The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park in 2024
When visiting Murchison Falls National Park in 2024, the best months to go are December through February and June through September, which is part of the dry season.
Wildlife species gather around the water in Murchison Falls National Park during their time of the year making it easy to see them during safari.
How to access Murchison Falls National Park in 2024
Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda and is about 5 hour’s drive from Kampala and can also be accessed by flight.
The airstrips found in Murchison Falls National Park include Pakuba Airstrip, Chobe Airstrip, and Bugungu Airstrip which offer daily flights to and from Entebbe International Airport.
Accommodation around Murchison Falls National Park
There are several lodges for tourists to stay at during their safari in Murchison Falls National Park and they include budget, midrange, and luxury lodges.
Some of the accommodations found at the destination include Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge, Red Chilli Camp, Parkside Safari Lodge, and many others.
