How To spend 7 days In Murchison falls National Park

How to spend 7 days in Murchison Falls National Park located in the Northern part of Uganda. The 7 day safari to Murchison falls National Park gives you ample time to fully marinade in the aromas of the Kew gardens and zoo combined on the unlimited scale as described by Winston Churchill. Watch the free gifts of the River Nile unfold right before your eyes daily ranging from aquatic animals, rich birds life, the cool breeze and so much more. Indeed River Nile is a caregiver right from its source in Jinja through Murchison falls Park to the delta in Egypt where it’s referred to as the heart of Egypt.

Safari Summary

• Day 1 Drive To Murchison falls National Park (Visit Ziiwa Rhino Sanctuary)
• Day 2 Game Drive and Launch Trip
• Day 3 Game Drive and Visit Top Of The Falls
• Day 4 Chimpanzee trekking
• Day 5 Nature Walk In Budongo Forest
• Day 6 Community Visit or Spot fishing
• Day 7 Departure

Brief History About Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls National Park is the largest conserved national park in Uganda sitting on 3893 sq km of land and bisected by the Victoria Nile. Its temperature may go as high as 38 degrees centigrade especially during the June to September dry spell.

The park gained popularity from visits of early explorers John Speke and James Grant in 1862. Later Sir Samuel Baker and his wife unearthed all the beauties of Murchison falls baptizing it Murchison a name which belonged to the then president of the Royal Geographic Society to which he was a member.

This rich history of Murchison Falls National park prompts many travelers including international dignitaries to take a safari and spend time on the same grounds where early explorers made history.

 What to Do During 7 Days in Murchison Falls National park

First Day A drive To Murchison Falls National Park And Ziiwa Rhino Sanctuary

If you spend your night in Kampala, the road trip takes about 5 hours and 40 minutes to reach Murchison Falls National park. A break at Ziiwa Rhino sanctuary gives you chance to enjoy while supporting the Rhino rehabilitation program in Uganda.

The Rhinos went into extinction during Uganda’s civil wars while others were poached by locals to harvest the horn which is claimed to be possessing natural powers.

Check into your lodge as per your budget and get ready to exhaust the fun of Murchison Falls National park. Accommodation facilities for all budgets are available like Paara safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Sambiya Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge, Amuka Safari Lodge, and Bwana Tembo Safari Camp to mention but a few.

The Second Day involves Game Drives And Launch Trip To Murchison Falls

Getting up before dawn to cross to the Northern side in case your overnight was in the southern part gives you chance to meet early risers as they embark from their night hideouts. Murchison Falls National park game drives are normally conducted on the Northern bank in the open savannah where snicker predators like hyenas, lions, leopards, and jackals may be seen in action.

Lots of herbivores like Uganda kobs, hartebeest, and waterbucks spend the biggest part of the day feeding from this open savannah with average-sized grass where they can also watch out for hunters. Taking the Buligi trail opens the most significant chances to spot the game in action. Look out for lovely birds like black-bellied bustards, silver birds, yellow-headed tinkerbirds, shoebills and so much more.

After lunch the Launch trip to Murchison falls is cheery on top of an ice cake taking about 3 hours. Each day two launch trips commence from the pier in the morning at 0900hrs and afternoon at 1400hrs. Watch out for amazing features like the high plateau that overlooks River Nile Valley where lots of Robins have constructed nests. Private launch trips can be arranged upon request.

The crocodile restaurant at the banks cannot be missed where huge Nile crocodiles normally hang out basking in the sun while waiting to catch prey. Herds of elephants may also come into view drinking and bathing to cool off the day’s heat. Schools of hippos cannot be left out as they look like rocks embedded in water.

Finally, as the boat gets closer to the heavy falls, you will feel a change in water turbulence. Foamy appearances on the water surface slowly come into view. The roar from furious Victoria Nile water that squashes through a 7 meters wide gorge to burst out is clearly heard from a distance as you approach.

On a clear sunny day, a beautiful rainbow may form right before your eyes. Take photos from the boat but do not try to get into the water because it is filled with crocodiles and vipers. Watch the beautiful Murchison falls cascading down the 43 meters high cliff to the bottom and continue its course. Return to your lodge before dusk.

The Third Day Game Drive and Hike To the top of the falls

Uganda game safaris in Murchison Falls National park keep you yarning for another game drive day, trying to test your lucky charm to catch a moment with wild animals you might have missed.

Look out for giraffes, lions, rare leopards, oribi, herds of elephants, Topis, hartebeests, hyenas, wild dogs, warthogs, birds, and a beautiful view of the Nile valley.

Take a walk to the top of the falls later to get a better view of the vigorous Victoria Nile that stumbles on rocks embedded underneath before rushing through the narrow bend. Take photos standing at the viewpoint. This spot may stimulate some adrenaline, especially for those afraid of heights so try to keep a safe distance. Return to the lodge to relax.

 Day Four Is Chimpanzee trekking In Kaniyo Pabidi Forest

Kaniyo Pabidi forest in Murchison Falls National park is home to the great chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are the closest relatives of man in the animal kingdom having about 98% human DNA. They live in communities under a democratically elected Alpha male.

The ranger guide takes you through the chimpanzee trekking rules like not feeding the chimpanzees, giving a distance of about 8 meters away from the chimpanzees and so much more. These guidelines are set to protect the chimpanzees from catching human infections or getting used to being fed by humans yet they are wild animals that must fend for their meals.

Watch out for other enchanting troupes of monkeys like black and white colobus, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabey, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and so many others. The phenomenal birdlife that the forest hosts keep you looking from side to side. The bird hymns make the walk interesting, especially for keen birders. Some birds you may get to see include the secretary bird, Abyssinian horn bill, Malakite Kingfisher, red-throated bee-eaters, and others.

Day Five Nature walk In Rabongo Forest

The unique nature of the tropical Rabongo forest makes it one of the favorites in Murchison Falls National Park for nature walks. Look out for different birds that spend the big part of the day searching for a meal and constructing nests. Different tree species which serve great medicinal importance to the locals also exist like the sausage tree believed to be an energy booster.

A number of freshwater streams exist and act as water catchments from which the forest occupants are nourished. Beautiful butterflies grace the forest, especially during breeding time. During the walk, you may come up close with giraffes, elephants, Uganda Kobs olive baboons, black and white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and others.

Day Six Community walk or Sport Fishing

A walk through the local communities while on Uganda Safari to Murchison Falls National park gives you insight into the life of ordinary people. The Acholi are the occupants of this area. This however requires you to get out of the park boundaries.

Taking time to visit local communities to listen to their folk tales like the Acholi origin which they claim to be descendants of Gipiri and Labongo. If booked in advance you may enjoy local dance groups singing, dancing, and playing lovely music from African Instruments like “Akogo”, Tube Fido, and “Adungu.”

Have a moment with remnants of the horrific Konyi war of the 1990s that claimed a number of local people leaving them earless or physically handicapped. The locals are trying to get back to their original life although the scars of this civil war are still visible in the community.

Alternatively, you may do sport fishing on River Nile but this calls for an exclusive cost. Anglers have an opportunity to catch some huge Nile perch, tilapia, cut fish, and mudfish depending on their luck. Each person is required to carry their own Lure. Advance booking is necessary for this arrangement because there are designated points for sport fishing and has limitations. A fishing permit is paid for in advance and a private boat is booked with a captain too.

Day Seven Departure day After Game safari In Murchison Falls National park  

Having exhausted all the captivating moments on safari to Murchison Falls National park, return to Entebbe Airport to for your departure flight.

How To Get To Murchison Falls National park

Road transport is the commonest means to access Murchison Falls National park. From Kampala, one takes about 5 hours to get into the park without stopovers. You can enter the park through various gates like Tangi gate in Pakwarch, Chobe gate via Karuma Falls, or Wankwar Gate close to Purongo,

Daily scheduled flights depart Entebbe or Kajjansi airstrip to Bugungu or Pakuba Air Strip. Charter flight arrangements to Murchison Falls National park can be organized in advance.

In case you are overnighting on the Northern bank area of River Nile which is Paraa Lodge, an hourly vehicle ferry crossing is available to facilitate this.

What To Pack For Uganda Safari In Murchison Falls National Park

During the dry seasons that is June to September, the park is extremely hot so pack light attire that is comfortable like sleeveless with flip flops. The color of clothes to pack must be dirt friendly like Khaki.

This is because some bright colors may look suspicious to some wild animals and cause them to rage at you. The park is also dusty and muddy at times which may not go well with bright colored wear. Military camouflage is not accepted by the Uganda government unless you are security personnel so try to avoid packing and wearing it.

A camera to take photos and store memorable moments that you had while on a Uganda safari in Murchison Falls national park

An Alternative fully charged buttery to switch with in case of one blackout.

A pair of binoculars to give you a better view of wild animals at a far distance

Insect repellant is suitable for your skin that you can apply before game safari or chimpanzee trekking since you have to expect to find stinging insects in the jungle.

When Is The best time To Do 7 Day Murchison falls Safari

All year round Uganda safari to Murchison falls is open but the drier months June to September are more preferred because the grass is lower and wild animals can be viewed better. The wet months that is March to May have high chances to spot more newborns because there is plenty available to feed them.

During Shoulder season which is from March to May, even lodges in the park are less crowded plus game trails within the park. Less competition for great view spots for wild animals.

For more details about how to spend 7 Days in Murchison Falls National Park, kindly contact Encounter Africa Safaris by email or visit our trip advisor page for the latest reviews about our service.