Our guide to Murchison Falls National Park Safari provides you with information about the park location, Murchison Falls National Park Safari cost, animals, lodges, activities, packages and the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National Park is located in the Northern Part of Uganda on the Northernmost reaches of the Albertine Rift Valley with its terrain bisected by the Victoria Nile. A Murchison Falls National Park Safari brings you lots of memorable activities with diverse animal species and various accommodation Options to host you.
The powerful Murchison falls can be viewed for photography by making your way to the top where you can actually see where the water makes its way through the gorge often called the “devil’s cauldron or by going on a boat safari which will take you as close to the falls as possible from below. We recommend that you view the falls from both perspectives since each one offers an entirely unique experience. The most booked safari tour itinerary to Murchison falls National park is a 3 Days Murchison falls national park safari tour though you can also choose anywhere between 1 – 12 day safaris to see all that Uganda has to offer including gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee trekking among other experiences by the rest of Uganda’s leading national parks.
How to Reach Murchison falls National Park
The easiest way to reach the Park is to fly into Entebbe International Airport which is near Uganda’s capital city of Kampala and depending on your arrival time, you can either spend a night in Kampala or head out for a 5-6 hours’ drive to Murchison Falls that same day. The other option is to spend a night in Luwero town which is closer to the park and gives a chance to easily track the Rihnos in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary without rushing the next morning.
Contact us to arrange the transport, accommodation, meals and activities before you start your safari. This is because you need a good air conditioned 4×4 vehicle since the roads are dusty during the dry season and muddy during the rainy season.
Murchison Falls National Park Safari Activities and Attractions/ Animals
The main attraction in the national park is most definitely the waterfalls but there is plenty for you to see including over 70 African mammal species and 4 out of the famous “Big Five” including lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. Murchison falls National park is also a great place to partake in bird watching and here you will find nearly 450 bird species found throughout the park. In the nearby Budongo forest you can involve yourself in a Chimpanzee tracking experience.
Murchison Falls National Safari Cost
Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee is 40$ for the foreigners, 30$ for foreign residents of Uganda, and 20,000Ugx for the east African community citizens per person. The park entrance fee is valid for 24 hours starting from your time of entry into the park.
A 3 days Murchison Falls National Park Uganda safari tour will cost averagely 1100$ (budget), 1220$ (Mid-range) and 1800$ (Luxury) for a single traveler.
Best Time to Visit or When go to Murchison Falls National Park
The best time to visit or go to Murchison Falls National Park for game or animal viewing is during the Months of December to February when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer and the peak season of June to September when the weather is dry and the grass is short. However it’s around this time when the park is crowded with tourists and vehicles.
For those interested in birding experience, the low seasons of March to May and October to November are the best time to visit Murchison falls National Park because during this time the birds in the park are very active. This rainy season is the time the breeding season takes place and the migratory birds are escaping harsh winters in Europe.
Murchison Falls National Park safari Packing list tips and guide
A Murchison falls National Park safari tour cannot be as comfortable and memorable as it would be if you pack the wrong safari gear but again we understand that it’s stressing and time consuming to come up with right safari gear. We have suggested a safari packing list with the general and important stuff you might need on safari to guide you while packing for your Uganda safari to Murchison falls National.
Essential Murchison falls National Park Uganda safari packing list items
Valid Passport (we recommend the photocopies along).
Airline ticket
Immunization card for yellow fever (We recommend you take the shots at least 3 weeks before travel time).
Visa which can be got online (ensure to use Uganda government official websites) or on arrival at the port of entry or Airport. East Africa nationals generally don’t need a VISA to enter Uganda.
Travel and health Insurance.
Photocopies of all important documentation.
Passport size photos of you.
Cash and Credit/ATM card.
Wallet or Money belt.
Backpack to keep your valuables like camera and other electronics safe
Ziploc bags to protect camera, binoculars and other such things from dust
Sleeping bag for adventure camping
Small diary and pen
Clothing (non coloured clothing for game drives) for a Murchison falls National park Uganda safari
Hiking Pants (Lightweight and made from synthetic material)
Loose Pants
Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt to avoid mosquito bites and direct sun
Lightweight Shirts short sleeved t-shirts
Sweaters or sweat shirts
Comfortable Shorts to keep you cool in the African heat.
Socks
Underwear
Hankies
Casual trousers
Lightweight rain jacket
Fleece jacket
Walking shoes
Lightweight shoes
Swimsuit
At least one nice outfit to go to bars, restaurant or even events.
Sarong to cover you up at the beach or help you dry off after a shower
Sports Bras
Warm sleeping outfit for camping safaris
Wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun
Accessories
Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, handy wipes, etc.
Small towel
Sun screen and lip protection (SPF 30)
Medical and First Aid Africa safari packing list
Medication for Malaria especially preventative medicines like Malarone and Doxycycline.
Diarrhea Medicine
Aspirin or Ibuprofen
Antiseptic cream
Calamine Lotion
Mosquito repellent:
Hand Sanitizer
Insect Repellent
Electrolyte Tablets to avoid dehydration
Dental Floss
Contact solution
Bandages
Throat lozenges
Eye drops
Electronics Murchison falls National park Uganda safari packing list checklist
Camera with Telephoto Lens
Binoculars
Video camera
Video tapes (if applicable)
Battery packs
Tri-pod
Drone though most African countries deny entry with drones
Smartphone to help you get around
Travel Adaptor
Laptop though not necessary most of the time
Other Safari packing list accessories
Pocket knife
Snacks
Sweets
Nuts
Books for reading
Where to stay on a Uganda safari in Murchison falls National Park
The park has a variety of safari lodge ranging from Budget to luxury that you can choose from with the cost ranging from $40 -$500 per person per night. The accommodation styles range from campsites, lodges, hotels and guesthouse with eco-friendly facilities.
Budget friendly accommodation options include Kaniyo Pabidi Camp and Red Chilli Rest Camp,mid-range and luxury options include Nile safari camp, Paraa safari lodges ,Pakuba and Sambiya river among others.
Amazing Murchison Falls National Park safari Packages
Engabi Tours and Travel one of the best Murchison Falls National Park Tour operators and Safari companies offers a number of Murchison Falls national Park Safaris and Tours that include:
3 days Murchison National Park Tour
8 days wildlife and Primates tour in Uganda
12 days Best best of Uganda safari
CONTACT US for information, inspiration or price quotation for Murchison falls safari and other destinations in Uganda and combined safaris to Rwanda, Tanzania and DR Congo.