Camping in Murchison Falls National Park
Camping in Murchison falls national park is one of the options that tourists can choose when planning their stay at the destination. Staying in the campsites provides tourists with a more adventurous experience in the wilderness of Murchison Falls National Park around the designated camping areas. There are different facilities offered at the camping grounds.
Budget travelers visiting Murchison falls national park can choose to camp as their form of accommodation during safari. This form of accommodation is cheaper as compared to staying in the lodges around the national park.
Some of the campsites found in Murchison falls national park include the following;
- Uganda Wildlife campsite
The Uganda Wildlife campsite is located in the southern part of Murchison falls national park and is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Tourists can enjoy views of the Murchison falls when staying at the Uganda Wildlife campsite where they can set up their own tents. There is also a place for campfire where tourists can relax in the evening and share stories about their safaris.
- Red chilli camp
The Red Chilli camp in Murchison falls national park is one of the popular camping places during Uganda safaris at the destination.
The facilities provided at the Red Chilli camp include showers, toilets, an area for cooking and also security light. Campers can also enjoy views of the Nile which flows through Murchison falls national park at the destination.
At the Red Chilli camp, there is also power supply available daily and they also have generator. The camp is located a few meters from Paraa.
- Bwana Tembo safari camp
Another camp where tourists can stay during their safaris in Murchison falls national park is the Bwana Tembo safari camp.
Bwana Tembo safari camp is located about 6 kilometers from the Tangi gate. When staying at the camp, tourists can enjoy views of the Albert Nile.
- Shoebill campsite
The Shoebill campsite is another place where tourists can camp during their safaris in Murchison falls national park.
The campsite also overlooks the River Nile and tourists can set up their own tents at the Shoebill campsite. Food can be bought from the lodge which is found nearby the campsite.
There is a campfire place, a seating area security and a ranger providing security at the campsite.
- Boomu women’s campsite
During safaris in Murchison falls national park, tourists can also stay at the Boomu women’s campsite. The campsite is located a few meters from Kaniyo Pabidi.
Local women manage the Boomu campsite which also offers hut accommodation for tourists visiting Murchison falls national park.
At the campsite, tourists can also engage in cultural experiences and interact with the locals and get to know more about their way of life, learning how to prepare local food, visiting the Budongo forest among other activities.
- Vilakazi camp
Tourists can also stay at the Vilakazi camp during their safaris in Murchison falls national park.
- Delta campsite
Another campsite found in Murchison falls national park is the Delta campsite which is located at the Delta point where the Victoria Nile flows into the Albert Nile.
It is located about 20 kilometers from Paraa and tourists can enjoy sounds of nature and views of the Albert Nile during their stay at the Delta campsite.
There are different facilities at the Delta campsite including toilets and water and a ranger guide for protection.
There are many other camping grounds located around Murchison falls national park. Other places to stay in Murchison falls national park include budget lodges, midrange lodges and luxury lodges such as Pakuba safari lodge, Fort Murchison, Paraa safari lodge, Chobe safari lodge, Nile safari lodge, Parkside safari lodge, Tilenga safari lodge among others.
Cost of camping in Murchison falls national park
The fees for camping in Murchison falls national park is about 30 USD to 40 USD per person per night. Tourists are required to book the campsites prior to their stay in the national park.
Other fees that are incurred during camping in Murchison falls national park include park entrance fees, vehicle entrance fees and activity fees.
Park entrance fee for Murchison falls national park is 45 USD for foreign nonresidents, 35 USD for foreign residents and 25,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens for adults. Children are charged entrance fee of 25 USD for foreign nonresidents, 15 USD for foreign residents and 10,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens. Entrance fees are valid for a period of 24 hours from the time of entry into the national park.
Activity fees for Murchison falls national park are as follows; 30 USD for boat cruise fees, 15 USD for hiking to the top of the falls, 10 USD for viewing of the top of the falls. The different activities which are done in the national park include game drives, bird watching, boat rides to the bottom of the Murchison falls, hiking to the top of the falls, viewing of the falls, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest among others.
Best time for camping in Murchison falls national park
Throughout the year, tourists can engage in camping safaris in Murchison falls national park. However, the dry season around June to October and also from December to February is a good time to set up the tents because of the dry ground making the camping experience worthwhile. The dry season is also a good time to see the different wildlife species around the national park.
Safaris in Murchison falls national park can however also be done during the rainy season around March to May and in November during which it is better t stay in lodges instead of camping due to the rains.
How to get to Murchison falls national park
Murchison falls national park can be accessed by driving for about 4 to 5 hours from Kampala via Nakasongola and Masindi. Another way to get to the national park is by from Entebbe international airport flying to Chobe airstrip, Pakuba airstrip or Bugungu airstrip.