Murchison Falls National Park Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park Uganda, Uganda Safari tours in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda Birding Safaris to Murchison falls park, Wildlife safaris trips to Murchison falls park Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park Uganda guide. Murchison Falls Park Uganda safari information, when to visit Murchison Falls Park, accommodation & Murchison Falls safari activities.
Murchison falls national park is located in Uganda which is found in the East African region on the African continent on the geographical co-ordinates of 02o11’15”N 31o46’53”E. Murchison Falls National Park lies Positioned in the north western side of Uganda on the tip of the western arm of the great East African rift valley, Murchison Falls National Park is 311km about 5 hours’ drive from Kampala, the Uganda s capital city in the districts of Nwoya, Masindi, Kiryandongo and Buliisa. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s biggest park spanning an area of about 3,893sq kilometers. TOGETHER WITH Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves, Murchison falls national park forms the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area covering 5,308km2.
This vast expanse of conservation land is dissected by the mighty river Nile on its coarse to the Mediterranean Sea where it pours its waters. River Nile leaves a permanent natural landmark in the middle of the park named Murchison Falls which is the most powerful water fall in the world that you will always encounter while undertaking your Uganda safaris and tours. Murchison Falls is among the prime Uganda safari tour products and it is an amazing encounter as you are amazed with splendid views of the Nile River as it squeezes itself to pass through an 8m ravine before falling 43m below to what has been termed as the Devils Cauldron forming a plume of spray surrounded by a thunderous
This led to the creation of the northern and southern banks of this national park. The existence of the Nile river in this game park is pivotal to the existence of animals as it provides a constant water source for them and it also nourishes the grass along its banks hence providing an all year-round source of grass for browsing animals. The park experiences a tropical savannah type of climate which is characterized by low amounts of rainfall- this is evidenced by short summer wet seasons where the area receives between 15-25 inches of rain per month and very long dry or winter seasons with less 5inches of rain per month, scattered umbrella trees, open savanna grasslands with short grass and relatively high temperatures which can rise to between 25-32oC
Murchison Falls National Park attained its name from existence of Murchison falls on river Nile but these falls were also named by sir Samuel and Florence Baker as they were on their quest to discover the source of river Nile in 1863 after geologist Roderick Murchison the then president of the Royal Geographical Society.
Murchison Falls National Park at a Glance
Park at a Glance;-
Name: Murchison falls national park
Location: Masindi, Nwoya and Buliisa
Geographical co-ordinates: 02o11’15”N 31o46’53”E.
Year of designation: 1952
Responsible Governing body: Uganda Wildlife Authority
Elevation of Murchison fall National Park: generally low flat landscape with lowest point being 615m or 2018ft and highest being 1187m or 3894ft above sea level.
Climate of Murchison falls National Park: Tropical savanna climate with short wet seasons of 15-25in of rainfall and long dry seasons with high temperatures between 27-32oC
Attractions in Murchison falls National Park: Murchison falls, 76 mammal species which include elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, various species of kobs and antelopes, primates like chimpanzees and various monkey species like black and white colobus monkeys, Pottos monkeys can found in the adjacent Budongo forest, 450 bird species like goliath heron, white thighed hornbill, dwarf kingfisher.
Activities in Murchison falls National Park: game drives, hot air ballooning, launch trips, nature walks, white water rafting, birding,
Accommodation in Murchison falls National Park: para safari lodge, chobe safari lodge, pakuba safari lodge, nile safari lodge, budongo eco-lodge, sambiya safari lodge, Murchison river lodge, fort Murchison lodge, red chilli rest camp, boomu womens’ camp, UWA student center.
Access to Murchison falls National Park: the park can be accessed by both air and road transport
Travel distance and time to Murchison falls National Park: 305km or a 5-hour drive from Kampala city Uganda’s capital.
Read More About Murchison Falls National Park Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park plays host to 76 mammal species which include The four of the big five of the land animals including buffaloes, elephants, Lion and Leopard. The Rhinos also existed in the park before they got extinct in 1983 following excessive poaching. However, the rhinos were later re-introduced and put in the adjacent Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 135km about 2 -3 hours’ drive from Kampala. Murchison Falls National Park is also a home of other wildlife species including; giraffe, Uganda Kob, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Waterbuck, oribi, bushbuck ,chimpanzees and various monkey species like black and white colobus monkeys, Pottos monkeys can found in the adjacent Budongo forest, 450 bird species like goliath heron, white thighed hornbill, dwarf kingfisher, chapin’s flycatcher, great blue turaco, a variety of reptiles such as the Nile crocodiles –the largest population of Nile crocodiles in Uganda is found here, snakes like the African python, various species of chameleons and the mighty Murchison falls which are the strongest falls in the entire world
Conservation in Murchison falls began in 1910 when the Imperial British government decided to designate the area south of the Victoria Nile as a game reserve which they named Bunyoro game reserve, this game reserve was created ideally as a result of evacuation of local residents who were living in this area as a remedy against an outbreak of sleeping sickness in this area. Later on in 1928, the area north of the Nile was also added on the game reserve hence expanding it to the modern day Nwoya district. When the national park act was enacted by the colonial government in 1952, Bunyoro game reserve was among the first game reserves to be elevated to the national park status and then renamed Murchison falls national park.
Best time to visit Murchison falls National Park
Best time to visit Murchison falls National Park: you can visit all year round with the most convenient being December- February and June-August as many animals can easily be spotted and the roads in the park are easily navigable since its usually a dry season during this time of the year.
Attractions in Murchison falls national park
Murchison falls national park has a myriad of attractions and these include: Murchison falls, over 3000 African elephants, largest concentration of Nile crocodiles, lions that are occasionally sighted, a variety of antelope species, Africa’s tallest mammals the giraffes, primates like chimpanzees and monkeys and a bird species count of over 400
The spectacular Murchison falls; The world’s powerful Murchison Falls is considered as the most significant feature to ever happen on the course of the Nile River. Read More
Birds in Murchison Falls Park; Murchison Falls National Park is a birders paradise. The varying environments that characterize the park from forest to savannah and swamps Read More
Wildlife in Murchison Falls Park; Being the largest national park in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park has wide expanses of varied landscapes that form the ground… Read More
Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls Park; The 790km2 Budongo Forest Reserve is one of the most extensive and ecologically diverse in east Africa, with some 465 species of plants Read More
Activities in Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison falls offers a variety of activities to guests that visit and these include game drives, white water rafting, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, boat cruise or launch trips, nature walks, hot air ballooning and community encounters but for any of these activities to be conducted a park entrance fee has to be paid at any of the park offices and this fee is 40$ foreign nonresidents adults while children 20$, 30$foreign residents adults while children 10$, 20000ugx east African citizens adults while children 5000ugx, 5000 local university students and high school students and 3000ugx for local primary pupils.
Birding in Murchison Falls;Birding in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the memorable activities you can have on Uganda safari tours. The park contains 451 species of birds Read More
Cultural Encounters in Murchison Falls Park; The Uganda safari destination of Murchison Falls National Park is surrounded by a range of diverse communities that reflect the tribes of Uganda. Read More
Game Drives/ Game Viewing in Murchison Palls; The Uganda safari destination of Murchison Falls National Park is habitat to a wide range of animals including; lions, Rothschild Giraffes, buffaloes Read More
Hiking and Nature Walks in Murchison Falls; Nature walks allow Uganda safari undertakers to explore Murchison Falls National Park and the surrounding conservation Areas on foot Read More
Launch Trips in Murchison Falls Park; River Nile bisects the Murchison Falls National Park for close to 115km distance while making its way from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea. Read More
Sport Fishing in Murchison; Murchison Falls National Park together with Lake Mburo National Park are the only parks in Uganda where sport fishing can be conducted. Fishing along Read More
Accommodation in Murchison falls park.
Accommodation ranges from luxury budget tourist, mid-range budget to low budget tourists.
Luxury Safari Lodges-Hotels in Murchison; Luxury accommodation facilities in Murchison falls National Park Read More
Standard Safari Lodges-Hotels in Murchison; Standard/Mid-range accommodation facilities in Murchison falls National Park Read More
Budget Safari Lodges-Hotels in Murchison; Low budget size accommodation facilities in Murchison falls National Park Read More
Accessing Murchison falls park.
This park can be accessed using both road and air transport.
With road transport, there are three main routes that are used;
Kampala- Masindi-through Kichumbayobo gate. This route is approximately 305 km or 5 hours’ drive. This passes through the Kaniyo and Padibi forests to paraa. This is the shortest route to the park.
Kamapala- Masindi through Bugungu gate. This route is approximately 400km or 6.5 hours’ drive. This route offers a view of the escarpment of the western arm of the great east African rift valley and also lake albert can be viewed on your to Paraa.
Kampala- Packwach-through any of the northern gates of Chobe, Wankwar, Mubako and Tangi. This route is approximately 371km between Kampala and Packwach then the distance varies between the different gates. However, this route mostly favors visitors travelling to or out of the park on their way to or from Gulu town and Kidepo valley park.
Using public transport, you can access Murchison falls by buying a bus ticket for bus service between kampala and Masindi from Kisenyi bus terminal. This ticket costs between 20000-25000ugx for a one-way ticket. After arriving in Masindi, you can hire a private taxi to take you to Murchison falls park via the Kichumbayobo gate which lies about 85km from the park gate. This private hire will cost you between 28-40$ depending on your bargaining power.
Air transport: Chartered flights from Entebbe international airport and kajjansi airfield are available to Murchison falls national park landing at pakuba, bugungu or chobe airstrips
Aerolink club has daily flights operating from Entebbe international airport to pakuba or chobe airstrip the flight usually departs in the morning but timing may change depending on the flight routing. Aerolink club uses an 11 seater and 2 flight crew Caravan aircraft equipment that is highly comfortable. The cost of this flight varies from 230-260$ one way per person depending on the seasonal demand.
Fly Uganda. Fly Uganda operates private flight charters around Uganda from Kajjansi airstrip. The minimum number of passengers required is 2 passengers. The flights usually depart from Kajjansi airfield in the morning hours but this is subject to flight routing and demand. The cost for a flight to Murchison falls park with fly Uganda ranges about 290$ per person one way
Air-Serve Limited and Mission Aviation Africa (MAF) also do private charters to Murchison falls national park.
Uganda Travel Information
Uganda Travel Information
Uganda Travel Information, Best Time to Travel, Health Considerations, Uganda Visa Information, Uganda National Parks Game Reserves, Uganda Safari Attractions. Uganda is famous as the premier safari destination in Africa teeming with abundant wildlife and wetlands and it’s not surprise that safari activities are at the top of every vacationer’s “must-do” list. Tourist attractions consist of sparkling waterfalls, wetlands and rain forests filled with wildlife, and the untouched wilderness of Bwindi where Batwa tribe still lives without any contact with the rest of the world. But a vacation in Uganda is not complete without making time to visit with local people, explore Uganda’s culture and heritage sights, gorilla safaris and do a little shopping for that “just right” souvenir to remind you of your perfect Uganda vacation. Sooth and expect your soul to be touched forever with a safari experience since Uganda is synonymous with wildlife and nature. Here, you’ll find the Big Five, birds, primates but so much more – myriad species amid dramatic, unspoiled landscapes.
From Entebbe zoo to Ssese islands a World for marine wildlife or up north to Kidepo national park with its nearby endangered Ik culture, a host of smaller game reserves and Sipi falls in north eastern Uganda, or down south to wildlife and striking land scapes or inland fresh lakes with stunning islands or gorge – there’s wildlife aplenty not far from Kampala. While Kampala is a busy urban centre, a few hours’ drive from the city lounge a number of phenomenal wildlife destinations.
Uganda travel Entry requirements and Health Advice
Uganda travel Entry requirements and Health Advice
Entry Requirements
All travelers to Uganda are required to strictly conform to the following requirements.
You must be in possession of a valid passport issued and recognized by your government.
You must have an International immunization Certificate against Yellow Fever.
You must obtain a visa if you are an American, British National or European National.
Countries exempted from Visa requirements to Uganda include; COMESA countries:
Kenya, Angola, Rwanda, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Eritrea, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zambia, Antigua, Jamaica, Cyprus, Bahamas, Barbados, Sierra Leone, Belize, Fiji, Gambia,Grenada, Malta, Tonga, Singapore, Lesotho, Solomon Islands, St.Vincent & The Grenadines,
Vanuatu, Italy (Only Diplomatic Passports).
Uganda visas are available at entry points including Entebbe International airport. The cost for a single entry visa is $50.
For those visiting Rwanda, nationals from the USA and Germany are not required to have visas. British and South African citizens do require a visa for Rwanda however is issued free of charge at the border. Other nationals have to get their visas before proceeding to the border.
Uganda travel health Advice - Uganda Travel Information
Uganda travel health Advice – Uganda Travel Information
Vaccinations and Immunizations
Vaccine recommendations are based on the best available risk information. Please note that the level of risk for vaccine-preventable diseases can change at any time. The following information was obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Uganda.
Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to East Africa. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.
Routine- Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)- Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with “standard” tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
Hepatitis B-Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).
Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug.
Meningococcal (meningitis)- Recommended if you plan to visit countries that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June.
Typhoid- Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in East Africa, especially if staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water.
Polio- Recommended for adult travelers who have received a primary series with either inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) or oral polio vaccine (OPV). They should receive another dose of IPV before departure. For adults, available data do not indicate the need for more than a single lifetime booster dose with IPV.
Rabies – Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking. Also recommended for travelers with significant occupational risks (such as veterinarians), for long-term travelers and expatriates living in areas with a significant risk of exposure, and for travelers involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats, carnivores, and other mammals. Children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals, may receive more severe bites, or may not report bites
Yellow Fever- Recommended for all travelers from 9 months of age. Uganda requires travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever virus transmission to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10-year intervals if there is ongoing risk. Find an authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccination clinic.
How to stay healthy while on Uganda Safari, Uganda Travel Information
How to stay healthy while on Uganda Safari, Uganda Travel Information
Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if hands are not visibly soiled, use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub to remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help prevent disease transmission.
In developing countries like Uganda, drink only bottled or boiled water or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink.
Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed. (See your health care provider for a prescription.)
To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, even on beaches.
Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors. Use insect repellents that contain DEET (N, N-diethylmethyltoluamide). If no screening or air conditioning is available: use a pyrethroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours; sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones.
What you are supposed to do while on your Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.
Do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection (i.e., hepatitis A and typhoid fever).
Do not drink beverages with ice
Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.
Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis.
Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague). Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas.
Do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing or injections to prevent infections such as HIV and hepatitis B.
Avoid poultry farms, bird markets, and other places where live poultry is raised or kept.
Getting There and Around Uganda, Uganda Travel Information
Getting There and Around Uganda, Uganda Travel Information
There are both international and regional flights to Uganda being offered by various airbuses including British Airways, Kenya Airways, Brussels and so much more. You can as well charter a flight but this can be damn expensive. Uganda has all means of transport although the most accessible is by bus; it’s cost effective and safe when it comes to traveling. Bus companies for instance Regional Coach, Link and Scandinavian Express and Akamba have strict departure time if travelers can’t adhere to this, they are often left behind.
The Min buses usually go for shorter journeys. Transport in Uganda has been improved with well-maintained roads, speed governors as well as seat belts to ensure the safety of all passengers. The buses assemble in the new taxis park and some may be got along the public roads. The bus fares are fixed but cheaper to all the passengers. In the villages, there are motorcycles, bicycles, taxis for hire that can take you to your destination and remember to get small denominations of money to ease on transport. Ugandans are friendly people and are so willing to give directions when required. A visa to Uganda guide has also been put here.
Uganda National Parks | Uganda Safari Destinations – Uganda Safari Parks
Uganda is a member of East African Federation a nd is one of the countries on the African continent that are gifted by nature which prompted the British premier to declare it the pearl of Africa in 1908. It contains ten national parks that are well set to be encountered on Uganda safari.
The amazing experience starts with Lake Mburo National Park – the smallest savannah park in Uganda located along Masaka- Mbarara road in the south west of the country well known for its populations of Impala, Zebra and Eland more than any other park. Proceed to gorilla safari destination of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the home of the endangered Mountain gorillas well known for gorilla tracking. Find More about Uganda Safari Parks/ Safari Attractions
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda a home to the rare endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. Read More
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Semuliki National Park; Semuliki National Park Uganda is impeccable a Uganda safari spot located in the extreme west of Uganda in Bundibugyo district… Read More
Wildlife Tours Uganda Wildlife Safari Uganda
Uganda Wildlife safaris-If you are planning on visiting Uganda`s wildlife, we offer a wide range of amazing prime wildlife safaris in Uganda`s unspoiled game parks and those of Rwanda. Our Uganda wildlife safari tour packages range from 3, 4 and 5 day small group safaris to longer holidays and vacations in Uganda. These include wildlife viewing in several Uganda`s national parks and wildlife reserves. You can enjoy exciting game drives in Uganda’s game parks, and also experience wildlife reserves on our wildlife tours… Read More
Wildlife Safari in Uganda; 2 Days; 2 Days Short Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to tour white Rhinos. Read More
3 days Murchison Falls safari Uganda ; The trip takes you to the largest National Park, one of the most scenic parks on this earth! 3 days Murchison Falls safari. Read More
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Wildlife Safari in Uganda 8 days; The safari also features adventure hike to Sipi falls, the wild game viewing in Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison falls Park… Read More
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