Self-Game Drive Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

Self-Game Drive Safari in Murchison Falls National Park: Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park covering an area of approximately 3,893 square kilometres. stunning natural wonder situated in the northwestern part of Uganda covering districts of Kiryandongo, Masindi, Nwoya, and Bilisa among others. Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda offers wildlife tours with about 76 mammal species including Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, and Leopards. Almost 450 bird species can be seen in the park. Aquatic species, butterflies, reptiles, and many more species in the park. The park is home to the world’s stunning waterfalls.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty and wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park is by embarking on a self-game drive safari. This allows visitors to explore the park at their own pace, taking in the stunning landscape and searching for the many animals that call the park home. Self-game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are conducted without a private sector tour guide or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Ranger Guide. Game drives can be done in regular 2WD vehicles, although a 4WD vehicles are recommended for the more rugged terrain. The park has well-maintained roads and tracks that are suitable for self-driving, but it is important to always follow the park’s rules and regulations to ensure the safety of both tourists and wildlife.

During a self-game drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park, you will have the chance to see the four of the Big 5 animals including lions, buffaloes, leopards and elephants. Other popular sightings include hippos, crocodiles, giraffes and various antelopes. The rolling savannah grasslands of Murchison Falls National Park are home to a variety of beautiful birds such as the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, the second largest Bustard, Denham’s and Black-Bellied Bustard, Speckle-fronted Weaver, Red-necked Falcon, Red-headed, Cardinal and Red-billed Quelea, Northern Red Bishop, Black-headed Lapwing, Spotted Thick-knee, Lappet-faced and the critically endangered and uncommonly attractive White-headed vulture among others, making it a Northern paradise for bird watchers.

One of the highlights of a self-game drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park is the opportunity to witness the powerful Murchison Falls themselves. The falls are located in the heart of the national park, where the vile river is forced through a narrow gorge plunging over a 43-meter drop. Visitors can take a boat trip to the bases of the falls for a close-up view or simply admire them from various viewpoints along the riverbanks.

In addition to the wildlife sightings, the self-game drive in Murchison Falls National Park also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning landscape of the park. From the savannah grassland to wooden forest and the banks of the Nile River, the scenery is spectacular and provides a charming backdrop for animal sightings.

For those looking to experience the beauty and wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park on their own terms, a self-game drive safari is the perfect way to do so. By following the park’s guidelines and respecting the animals and environment, visitors can create memories that will last a lifetime in this magnificent African wilderness.

The cost of a self-game drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park

The cost of a self- gam drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park is US$ 10 per person for both foreign non-residents and foreign residents and UGX 10,000 per person for East African citizens including Ugandans. This amazing activity is conducted without a private sector tour guide or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger guide.  You will pay Park entrance fees in order to access the national park and it costs $45 for foreign non-residents, $35 for foreign residents and UGX 25,000 for East African residents.

Other activities to participate in Murchison Falls National Park while on a self-game drive safari

Boat cruise

While on your self-drive safari in the park, you will also have the chance to engage in a boat cruise which is an adventurous and thrilling activity in the national park. This amazing boat cruise starts at Parra jetty, one of the main highlights of visiting Murchison Falls National Park is taking a boat cruise approaching Murchison falls, where the waters of the Nile River are forced through a narrow Gorge before plunging over 4-3 meters drop. A boat cruise safari in Murchison Falls National Park offers a unique and remarkable way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and observe its abundant wildlife. Boat Safari is a park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the tranquil treasuries of the Victoria Nile and its hidden gems. During your boat cruise safari along the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to spot some of the marine animal species such as hippos laughing in the water, Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks, and a diverse array of bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons, as well as mammal species like buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, and many more. Boat cruise safaris here will also take you to a fascinating view of the majestic Murchison Falls, as well as provide you with scenic views of rolling savannah plains, rugged cliffs, and lush riverbanks, among others.

Hike and visit to the top of the fall.

Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls while on your self-game drive safari the park is an exhilarating adventure that offers visitors a unique perspective of this magnificent natural wonder. The hike to the top of Murchison Falls begins at the base of the falls and follows a scenic trail that winds its way through lush vegetation bd rocky terrain.  Visit the amazing falls is also among the top safari experiences on your to-do list in Murchison Falls National Park. You will take a boat cruise to the start of the trail for the hike to the top of the falls which can take you about one hour walk. You will be able to see the amazing falls from a great viewpoint and have clear pictures of the Murchison Falls as well as the Uhuru Falls.

Nature walks

Nature walks in the park are one way you can explore the hidden treasures of the park on foot. The park offers opportunities for nature walks that allow visitors to engage themselves in the unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife that call the park their home. During the nature walk in Rabong forest you will view different bird species, primates like chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and medicinal plants among others. Nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park cost US$25 for foreign non-residents, US$20 for foreign residents, UGX 20,000 for East African citizens

There are other safari activities in the park that you can opt-in such as chimpanzee tracking in the Budongo forest, sport fishing, white water rafting, bird watching, cycling, night game nights, and hot air balloons, among others which offer thrilling and unforgettable experiences for visitors on a safari

Where to stay while on a self-game drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park has a wide range of luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation facilities where you can stay during your self-drive safari in the park such as Paraa Safari Lodge, Geo Lodges, Nile Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Sambiya River Lodge, Yebo Safari Camp, UWA Campsite, Murchison Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Budongo Ecolodge, Boomu Women’s Group Bandas, Global Village Guest House among others. These stunning logdes offer the best and relax moisture to travelers.