How to get to Murchison Falls National Park, Transport, bus and Car Hire Uganda

HOW TO GET THERE:
Some of you may be wondering how to get to the park. But by means of road, it will take you around 5 hours from Kampala with about 305 km. Paara covers a distance of about 85km from Masindi town by the shortest route.

A direct or longer route will cover an area of about 135km. Alternatively one may decide to take on the Budongo forest route which will provide magnificent views overlooking Lake Albert from the direct position of the rift valley escarpment over Butiaba.

You can also access Paara from the north through Chobe Gate, Karuma Falls along with Tangi. The Gate that is close to Pakwach covers an area of about 25km2 to para in addition to Wankwar Gate close to Purongo. Click here for Uganda safaris.

People with Vehicles or public means will definitely go through the Nile at para. It has a fixed time from 07.00 and 19.00. Besides the road, Murchison can be accessed by air. Pakuba is the landing site for the charter flights and this takes about 19 km from Paraa and Bugungu covers an area of 13 km from Paraa.

Attractions in Murchison National Park Uganda, What To See

There are a number of fascinating attractions to see on your safari in the Murchison Falls National Park as highlighted below

THE POWERFUL MURCHISON FALLS

According to the history of Murchison Falls National Park, when the park was established in 1952, the Game Department was enthused, that the main tourist attraction of this park were definitely the unique Murchison Falls after which the pack was named. the waterfall found on the river Nile which presents a theatrical battle between the water and the packed rocks displays a large volume of water powerfully squeezing through narrow 7m crevice in the rocks that plunge over 40 meters below into a 50m radius water pool. The powerful force of the water results in a loud roar and a water spray around the fall. Interestingly a large number of tourists prefer booking accommodation located close to the waterfall so that they can hear its roaring water, especially on the quiet nights.

THE RIVER NILE

Second, the River Nile was listed as the other major attraction in this park. The Nile whose Source is found in Uganda’s tourist town Jinja is popularly known as the longest river in the world. this flows through the Murchison Falls National Park and it is crowded with streaming hippos and numerous giant crocodile seen along the sandbanks, as well as large numbers of different animal species and birds getting down to drink and bathe.

The best way to explore the river is by taking a launch trip up the stream all the way to the bottom of the waterfall during which you will see various animals and birds. The launch starts at 09.00 and 14.00 every day. The round trip takes about 3 hours. Another boat trip goes downstream from Paraa down to the papyrus delta at the point where the river enters Lake Albert. This 4-5 hours round adventure provides a good chance of discovering the shoebill stork and different varieties of Uganda safari wildlife.

TOP OF THE MURCHISON FALLS VIEW

The most spectacular view of the waterfall is on the ‘top of the Nile’ where the sight & sound of the Nile crashing through a small chasm make a memorable assault on your senses. The site can be reached either by car or on a 30 minutes climb, from the boat at the bottom of the falls.

BULIGI GAME AREA

This is the best game viewing area in the park popular for game drives and it comprises of open savanna grasslands, riverine vegetation, woodland and acacia. There are both morning and late afternoon game drives conducted in the Buligi are normally on the 3-Day Murchison Falls Uganda safari, and a ranger guide from UWA is recommended to help you on most of your game drive. The area is located between the Victoria Nile and the Albert Nile with excellent views towards the western rift valley beyond Lake Albert into the DRC. A drive from Paraa passing Delta Point across the 170 km area takes 3 to 4 hours.

THE BIRDS AND ANIMALS IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

ANIMALS IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Large mammals: The Park is comprised of woodland, wetland, savannah as well as tropical forests that are well known to be a habitat for over 76 mammal species and over 450 different bird species. Among the big mammals in the park include the hippo, Rothschild’s giraffe, warthog, cape buffalo, Uganda kob, hartebeest and elephants.

BIRDING IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Birds: With over 450 bird species, the Nile corridor of the Murchison has a big array of water birds such as rare shoebill storks other popular species include: the Goliath Heron, African Quail-Finch, the elegant Grey Crowned Cranes, Blue-headed Coucal, White-browed Sparrow Weaver, Swamp Flycatcher, Red-throated Bee-eater, Squacco Heron, Silver bird, African Jacana, Piapiac, Sandpipers, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Denham’s Bustard, Weaver Birds, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Malachite Kingfishers and the Black-billed Barbet among several others.

PRIMATES IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Primates: in addition, there are various primates found in this park among which are over 800 chimpanzees, olive baboons, black & white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and many others found in Kaniyo Pabidi as well as the Budongo forest. See more of these during your Uganda tours.

PARAA

Another important area worth exploring while in Murchison Falls National Park is the Paraa area found close to the banks of the river Nile. According to the local language, Paraa means the ‘home of hippos’ a word that well depicted the large number of hippos found in this area. While in Paraa you can enjoy a diversity of activities such as game drives in the early morning as well as in the late afternoon, hot air balloon rides, cultural visits, birding tours, fishing trips, guided nature walks and launch boat trips. The launch cruise will offer you a chance to see various animals in the shallows of the Nile. During the guided walks you can also visit the native Luo people and get a chance to learn about their culture and way of life. In addition, you can also visit the museum with a gift shop found in the northern part of Paraa. Within this area, there is a luxury accommodation facility – the Paraa Safari Lodge that offers great accommodation, a fine restaurant manned by professional chefs, a well-stocked bar and a very hospitable and professional team of staff.

BUDONGO FOREST

Another very important area worth exploring on your trip to Murchison Falls is the Budongo Forest found in the southwestern part of this conservation Area located close to the park, continuous with Kniyo Pabidi forest, and encompassed by farmlands and villages on the other side.  the forest boasts a huge diversity of wildlife among which are over 287 butterfly species, 24 mammals, over 460 tree species and about 360 types of birds. Here you will be able to explore the ‘Royal Mile” a well-maintained road stretch displaying the various tree species and popular for its good bird-watching opportunities. The forest also offers amazing primate-watching opportunities

KANIYO PABIDI FORESTS

Located in the southern part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, the trails through the Kaniyo Pabidi forest that stretch for about 8 kilometres inside Kichumbar Gate, offer the opportunity for Chimpanzee Tracking and seeing other primates such as the blue monkeys, and olive baboons, as well as the black & white colobus monkeys living under Uganda’s largest remaining mahogany forest. Bird watching is excellent with opportunities of sighting various species like the yellow-footed flycatcher, white thighed hornbill and Ituri batis during the guided nature walks offered in this forest. Buffaloes, elephants and lions are some of the other species living in this forest. There is accommodation offered in cottages, a campsite as well as Lodges like the Murchison Falls Lodge from where you can base to enjoy the guided nature walks in the forest conducted in the mornings and evenings.

THE KARUMA WATERFALL

Located in the Chobe area within the northeastern part of the Murchison Falls national park,  this thundering waterfall comprises cascading natural rock formations through which the water forces its way forming a characteristic ‘white foam’ that is very impressive to observe. Because of its prime location, it is a great place to do some sport fishing. The area surrounding this falls is home to various wildlife including monkeys, buffaloes, hartebeests, various antelopes like the Uganda Kobs, lions, giraffes, baboons and birds.

Hot Air Balloon Murchison Falls Uganda

Balloon safaris in Uganda are a recently introduced tourist activity by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in the Murchison Falls National Park and today are increasingly becoming popular. Hot air ballooning can only be found at the Murchison Falls National Park and the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and is handled by the Dream Balloons which was registered and certified fully in 2011 by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, the National Environment Management Authority, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda Communications Commission before they could to run this particular activity in Uganda’s National Parks.

THE SIZE AND RESTRICTIONS FOR THE HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI

 Its pilots also have to go through the Ugandan and Egyptian Aviation Authorities for certification before they are accepted to operate these balloons. Something to note about these balloons is that their size does not matter mainly because the more it is filled up with air, the more weight they can carry. However for now, only 8 passengers are permitted to fly up in the balloon. The age limit for a Hot Air Balloon safari in Uganda is a minimum of six (6) years considering that the flight takes you to a height of 10,000 feet above sea level which might make younger children quite uneasy.

 While on a trip to Murchison Falls, then Hot air ballooning is one of the things you should not miss out on.  The Murchison Falls National Park is said to be the largest protected area that has so much to see when it comes to nature and all that is around it, that’s to say the great diversity of wildlife, the powerful waterfalls and not forgetting the famous River Nile.

THE HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE

You are taken to the launch site for the hot air balloons somewhere near the Paraa safari Lodge which is the Wildlife side of the park at around 5:00 am. While here, you will be able to watch the assembling team do last-minute preparations like pumping air into the balloon before you could soar high at daybreak. You will be given a briefing on the safety precautions, rules and regulations as you get ready to hop aboard the balloon. Once aboard, the pilot will launch for set off and the blowing wind will help the balloon rise to several feet off the ground and soar above the treetops. This will give you an aerial view of the Savannah below teaming with all kinds of wildlife, including large numbers of animals that crowd the Banks of the great Nile. At the end of this amazing hot air balloon tour, which normally takes about 1 hour, you are handed certificates that confirm your participation in this activity and then later, you finish off with a special bush breakfast and a bottle of Champagne all organized and provided by the commis chefs from the Paraa Lodge.  From there, you will carry on with your morning with a game drive around the park and then return to your place of accommodation. There is also a sunset balloon flight that starts exactly at 4 pm however; this one does not come with any special offers like the bush meals after the ride.

WHO SHOULD TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI?

Hot air ballooning is a kind of activity perfect for those on honeymoon, adrenaline junkies and those seeking for a once in a lifetime adventure. The scenery up there is spectacular and the feeling of the fresh air blow in my face and air is very sensational. This remarkable experience will reward you with thousands of memories for you to reminisce every time you think about your Safari in Uganda.

WHY TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI IN UGANDA

Hot Air Ballooning at the Murchison Falls National Park will reward you with the following views: the general scenic view of the Murchison Falls National Park, views of the Off-road animals hidden away, Lake Albert and Victoria Nile; and then other remarkable features like the bush breakfast experience in the wild, pickups from your accommodation, the reward of participation certificates, crossings by ferry and the ride on the hot air balloon that lasts an hour among many others.

COST OF A HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI IN UGANDA

Today, the price of a hot air balloon safari experience is $380 per person, while children of 12 years and below receive a 50% discount on this price which is $190. This rate includes the flight in a balloon, a ballooning certificate and refreshments before and after this ride.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI

You are advised to cover up in thick layers since the activity begins early morning however beneath you should wear something comfortable especially as the African wilderness warms up with the rising sun. a pair of strong closed shoes is best recommended since you will have to walk THOUGH grassy trails at the landing site before boarding the balloon. a pair of sunglasses together with a wide-brimmed hat with straps plus a camera and binoculars are all worth packing.

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls is among Uganda’s best birding spots with over 451 bird species which include; Albertine rift endemic birds, water birds, and savannah birds. Viewing birds in the scenic landscape and amazing wildlife of Murchison is among the most interesting experiences while on a Ugandan safari. The park is located in the Northwestern part of the country about 305 km from Kampala hence approximately a 4 hours drive by road.

There are very many birds in the park of which some are rare, common, and occasional such as the Grey-crowned crane(Uganda’s National bird), Giant Kingfisher, Giant Heron, Shoebill stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Nightjars, Marabou stork, Black-headed lapwing, Back-bellied Bustard among others.

Birds in Murchison can be best spotted while on a game drive, on nature walks through the savannah grasslands and on the boat cruise along the Nile and on Lake Albert Delta. Birds like the blue-napped mousebirds, silver birds, and weavers among others can be spotted near Paraa and Red chilli through the dry thorn shrubs. Nocturnal birds like the nightjars can be seen along the Paraa road and while on the boat on the Nile. While on the boat still very many birds such as the shoebill, Grey-crowned cranes, Goliath herons, and black-headed lapwings among others can be spotted.

BEST TIME FOR BIRDING

Birders can watch birds all year round though the best time is during the dry season months, especially from January-March, this time is a low tourist season in Uganda but birding is still plentiful. From December-February the rains begin and birding can still be done.

From April-May and from August-October there are heavy rains, which makes it difficult for bird watching since the hiking trails become slippery and roads in the park become impassable.

The shoebill is the park’s most outstanding attraction though rare but can be spotted from January to March during the dry season. Migratory birds can be seen between the months of November and April.

LIST OF SOME OF THE BIRDS FOUND IN MURCHISON FALLS

• Shoebill
• African Darter
• Giant Kingfisher
• Osprey
• Long-toed Plover
• Grey-headed Kingfisher
• Veracious Dove
• Black-headed Lapwing
• Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
• Rock Pratincole
• Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird
• Black-billed Barbet
• Long-tailed Nightjar
• Weaver Birds
• Yellow-billed Stork
• Martial Eagle
• Silver bird
• Grey-crowned crested crane
• Sandpipers
• Pied Kingfishers
• Standard-winged Nightjar
• Malachite Kingfishers
• Blue-headed Coucal
• Denham’s Bustard
• Swamp Flycatcher
• Giant Heron
• African Jacana
• Secretary Bird
• Read-throated Bee-eater
• Saddle-billed stork
• Senegal Thick-Knee
• Red-winged Grey Warbler

WHAT TO CARRY

Birders are expected to have a birder’s guidebook, a pointer, a pair of binoculars, Sunglasses, hats, sturdy shoes(during hikes), and enough water

Boomu Cultural Village Experience

BOOMU CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Boomu- An African Village Experience near Murchison Falls National Park in the Pearl of Africa

At Boomu you experience and get to know how it feels to be in an African village setting near Murchison falls in Kigaragara Village. To have this to the fullest one can either have an overnight stay in traditional Bandas or spend a day on a village visit with the Boomu women’s group; in this, you learn how people in the rural areas of Uganda live.

BOOMU WOMEN’S GROUP

This Women’s group was formed in 1999 aiming at reducing malnutrition, and poverty levels and enabling children to go to school through the incomes received by the members. During the 90’s the subsistence farmers in villages like Kigaragara and Kihaguzi had remained with little to receive from the group since the land was dry and little to sell also. They started with making crafts, but of late what seemed small those days have now greatly developed into a tourism community project with amazing village guided visits, gardens, a restaurant, and traditionally themed accommodations.

THINGS TO DO ON A BOOMU CULTURAL VILLAGE TOUR

The word “Boomu” means “together” so here you get a chance to see people work together:  it started as a women’s group but there are also men involved. This community provides one of the best cultural experiences while in Murchison falls. Because of this, it has attracted very many tourists from Europe and other countries to come and take part in activities carried out in this place such as; seeing how herbal medicine, craft making, cultivation, homestays, locally cooked food and preparing it, cultural performances like music and dances among others. It leaves one with an unforgettable experience of African village culture.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Look forward to an authentic African cultural experience! The village still carries the authenticity of an African touch whereby there is no running water, no hydroelectricity or solar lighting. Food is got from the garden direct on the stove (locally made) and to your plate, nothing like refrigeration; all foodstuff is so fresh. People in the village eat with their hands whereby you wash them before and after eating but tourists are given forks if that is their choice.

Ugandan meals are served though if one is in need of western food; it can also be prepared including that of Vegetarians. Also, remember to say “thanks for cooking’ that is if you are served food in this community.

WHERE TO STAY

There are no worries about where to stay especially for those who want an overnight stay. There are African Bandas with a fresh ambience as you are encircled with flowers, shrubs, trees, and sweet sounds of birds in the trees; basically, accommodation is calm and relaxing. A tourist that needs to experience an overnight in a real African hut, can also enjoy his stay in a hut traditionally made with mud, there is also a campfire made at night so guests can sit around the fire and listen to stories told by the elders about the African customs and history. There is nothing as thrilling as taking a cold open-air shower while in this village though those in for hot water can get it but supplied in a Jerrycan.

If one visits and is to have an overnight stay, there is a great opportunity of participating in all activities and also leave with knowledge about how to dig, and make baskets, and in fact, you can support the community by buying souvenirs that are made there.

Visit Kigaragara village / Boomu today and have yourself a Boomu cultural experience-the true African touch of culture not read in books or the internet but firsthand in the Village!

The word “Boomu” means “together” so here you get a chance to see people work together:  it started as a women’s group but there are also men involved. This community provides one of the best cultural experiences while in Murchison falls. Because of this, it has attracted very many tourists from Europe and other countries to come and take part in activities carried out in this place such as; seeing how herbal medicine, craft making, cultivation, homestays, locally cooked food and preparing it, cultural performances like music and dances among others. It leaves one with an unforgettable experience of African village culture. The village still carries the authenticity of an African touch whereby there is no running water, no hydroelectricity or solar lighting. Food is got from the garden direct on the stove (locally made) and to your plate, nothing like refrigeration; all foodstuff is so fresh. People in the village eat with their hands whereby you wash them before and after eating but tourists are given forks if that is their choice.

Ugandan meals are served though if one is in need of western food; it can also be prepared including that of Vegetarians. Also, remember to say “thanks for cooking’ that is if you are served food in this community. There is nothing as thrilling as taking a cold open-air shower while in this village though those in for hot water can get it but supplied in a Jerry can.

There are no worries about where to stay especially for those who want an overnight stay. There are African Bandas with a fresh ambience as you are encircled with flowers, shrubs, trees, and sweet sounds of birds in the trees; basically, accommodation is calm and relaxing. An Uganda safari tourist that needs to experience an overnight in a real African hut, can also enjoy his stay in a hut traditionally made with mud, there is also a campfire made at night where you can sit around the fire and listen to stories from the elders about African customs and history.

If one visits and is to have an overnight stay, there is a great opportunity of participating in all activities and also leave with knowledge about how to dig, and make baskets, and in fact, you can support the community by buying souvenirs that are made there.

Visit Kigaragara village/Boomu today and have yourself a Boomu cultural experience-the true African touch of culture not read in books or the internet but firsthand in the Village!