We do organize flying safaris to Murchison falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park, These Parks are leading for a game safari in Uganda. The parks are located in the Northern region of the Albertine Rift Valley and North of Kampala and Entebbe. They are endowed with several attractions including over 76 mammal species with four members of the big five, the lion, the leopards, the elephants, and the Buffaloes. Other species include bushbucks, Uganda Kob, waterbucks and warthogs, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, hyenas etc. Along the shores of the Nile and within the waters you will see lots of hippos and crocodiles among other resident creatures.

There also several primates in the Murchison falls national park including baboons and several monkey species. It is also home to several bird species including the rare shoebill stork for bird watching lovers. Murchison Falls was named after the mighty waterfalls which are formerly and locally known as Kabalega falls.it is as well the biggest national park in the country covering a total area of 3,840 sq km.

Kidepo Valley National Park is located furthest in the North-Eastern parts of Uganda and bordering south of Sudan and Kenya. The park covers an area of 1442 square Kilometers which is dominantly covered by savannah grassland and overlooked mount molongore, Narus  Valley and the seasonal kidepo valley river. It can be said that this is one of the remaining virgin national parks as it’s not yet explored that much mainly because of its proximity from Entebbe Airport and Kampala where trips start from but with now the availability of flights to the park this is changing and bringing the park even closer than before.

Fly in Airstrips in Murchison falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Encounter Africa safaris organizes flying safaris to Murchison falls National and Kidepo Valley National Park. Murchison Falls National Park has three main Airstrips where you can land on your safari visit to this awesome Park. The Airstrips include; Pakuba Airstrip which is in the Northern part of the Murchison Falls National Park and greatly recommended when you stay in is in the North of the park, Chobe Airstrip which is mostly used Luxurious visitors who would like to stay at Chobe Safari Lodge and the other Airstrip is Bugungu, this is very accessible for accommodation stay ins in the southern part of the Murchison falls, National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park has Apoka Airstrip where you can fly to for a true wilderness experience, Flights to Kidepo depart Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, there are both morning and afternoon flight to and from Kidepo.

Flights to Murchison falls National Park can depart from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. You can as well fly from Kasese Airstrip, Kisoro Airstrip and Kihihi Airstrip in the south of Uganda, Kidepo Airstrip in the North of Uganda to Murchison falls National Park. We can tailor for you flights to every National Park while on your safari to see the Gorillas Chimpanzees, Wildlife viewing, Hiking and cultural encounters.

There are majorly three flight companies that operate flights to Murchison falls National Park. Aero link Uganda is the leading company with daily flights from Entebbe International Airport to Murchison falls National and Kidepo Valley National Park as well as connecting the park to other major destinations in Uganda. There are morning and afternoon flights to all the Pakuba, Bugungu, Chobe and Apoka Airstrips in the Park and Aero link flight can take up to eleven persons at ago. The other air companies are Eagle Air, Fly Uganda that operates from Kajjansi Airstrip to Murchison falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. All these companies can as well operate scheduled and chartered flights. For a complete great adventure, our professional, experienced and trained English speaking driver guides will be waiting for you upon arrival at any Airstrip for all the transfers and activities in the Park. We only use 4×4 safari vehicles for your comfortability and memorable experience.

What to do on a fly-in safari to Murchison falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park

Flying to both Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison falls National Park for your game safari is one of the most adventurous destinations while in Uganda. There is a lot to do and see starting when you are on your flight with beautiful scenery views of Northern Uganda. The Major activities include;

Game drives in the Park in Kidepo Valley National Park and Murchison falls National Park

Murchison falls National Park is a home to different wildlife species; over 76 mammal and 451 bird species including the Buffaloes, Elephants, Jackson hartebeests, Antelopes, Lions, Kobs, Giraffes, Hyenas, Bushbucks, Shoebill stork and Warthogs among others. They are widely spread all over the Savannah grasslands, grazing or hunting for prey. This makes the park’s landscape so amazing for Wildlife viewing/game driving. The game drives can start very early in the morning at around 6:00 am for chances of cats till evening, the game drives can be done at any time of the day and they are normally done in the Northern Part of the Park where the trails are as well as following the Victoria, Albert and Buligi Tracks. All our Vehicles while on this safari have a pop-up roof that allows you to view clearly, even in a distance and also great Photograph. The driver-guide will help you in identifying the animals and birds as you drive on snail speed.

Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most famous and never disappointing national parks in Uganda when it comes to game viewing with over 80 mammals’ species and 28 mammal species endemic to the Karamoja region, travellers to Kidepo Valley National Park are in for a fist for the eyes. The terrine being flat, the sighting is much easier here. There is no defined time to do games and it can be either morning evening or even night game drives to look for the nocturnal species. Among animals to spot are lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, Uganda Kobs, Orbis, kudus, buffalos, Oryx, elephants, giraffes, striped hyenas, reedbucks, waterbucks, duikers and crocodiles among other animals.

Boat cruise on the Bottom of the fall in Murchison Falls National Park

Goring on the boat on the Nile, cruising to the bottom of the falls is such a great experience. You will have a chance of seeing the Hippos in water and on the shores, Crocodiles, Birds, other wildlife on the shores of the River as they drink water or even rest, and other aquatic animals. Normally Launch Cruises are used and you will join other visitors and the guide will help spot and identify the animals as you take pictures, record videos. The view of the falls while at the bottom is breathtaking and hearing the Roars of the falls as well.  The cruise takes 2hours though you can opt to pay more for extra hours. There are two sessions namely morning session and afternoon session and you can opt for your best choice. Send us an email to customize your fly-in safari to the amazing Murchison falls, National Park

Hot Air Balloon Experience in Murchison falls National Park

This is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences that you should not miss will on safari in Murchison falls National Park. You will be able to view wildlife, the vegetation and the scenic beauty of the Park. The Balloon operating in Murchison Falls National Park is an ultra-magic type M-160 manufactured in Spain and registered with CAA under registration mark 5X-JBH. The Balloon carries 8 passengers and can fly up to 10,000 ft above sea level. The Hot air balloon has an airworthiness certificate and is serviced after every flight and regularly maintained by a certified specialized hot air balloon Engineer as per manufacturer’s regulations and is inspected by CAA on regular basis. The pilots operating the balloon are licensed by Egyptian and Ugandan civil aviation authorities and have experience of 1000+ hours of flying. You will have a great safari experience will in the Balloon.

Cultural and Community Encounter in Kidepo and Murchison National Park

Visit the Local Community is such a unique experience as you get to interact with the cultures, Lifestyle, and Languages. You can get to interact with the community by visiting their craft centres in the Park, the local cultural groups also perform at a campfire of the local lodge. By supporting the community, you are improving their standards of living where they can buy produce from local markets, pay school fees and others.

In Kidepo Valley National Park, there are indigenous communities around the park, the cultural experience around this region is one of the best and undiluted to visit with the Karamojong’s who are herdsmen’s and live a nomadic type of lifestyle as well as the IK community. The Karamojong’s are cattle keeps and they roam around while grazing the cattle and stay in homesteads called Manyattas, They pride in keeping large herds of cattle and use it to symbolize wealth and prestige in the community. The Ik stay in the highlands and their lifestyle and dances are very interesting to experience.

Hike and Visit to the top of the fall in Murchison falls National Park

Visit the amazing falls is also among the top activities on your to-do list. 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. Contact us for a tailor your trip with a handoff of amazing activities.

Chimpanzee tracking in Murchison falls National Park

Chimpanzee tracking and Habituation is among the major activities done in Murchison falls, National Park. This can be done in Budongo Forest reserve which is within the Park. The chimpanzee tracking can be done in the morning or afternoon and we can book you the permits and organize this trek for you. To Participate in all mentioned activities, you will need more time to spend in Murchison falls National Park and have a great memorable experience. Send us an email and we shall share all details and tailor this for you as per your interest.

Birding adventure.

For those interested in Birding safari in Murchison falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park, it 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, River Nile, Swamps and amazing wildlife of Murchison and Kidepo is among the most interesting experiences while on a flying safari in Uganda. Some of the Birds include Shoebill stork,(Rare bird), 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, Swamp Flycatcher, Giant Heron, African Jacana, Secretary Bird among others.

Where to stay on fly-in Safari to Murchison falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park

Murchison Falls National Park has a variety of accommodation choices where you can stay while on your safari. The lodges range from high Market Luxurious to Budget Lodges. It is always advised to choose Lodges depending on the airstrip you are flying too for easy accessibility. For top Luxurious Lodges include Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge and Bakers Lodge. Kabalega Wilderness camp, Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge are among the midrange Lodges.  For budget lodges, you can stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge, Pumba Safari Lodge, Red Chili Hideaway lodge and many others. Contact us with a lodge of your choice and we tailor your itinerary or even suggest for you the best option depending on your budget.

Most of the accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park are located within an hour from the Airstrip and they come in all budget options. For those looking at luxury options Apoka Safari Lodge is one to look at, it’s the best lodge in the park with the best service and gives value for money. For mid-range options Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Nga Moru Wilderness Camp and Adere Safari Lodge and those looking for a budget place to stay the Apoka Uwa Bandas are the place to stay. You are advised to carry your own food here.

Booking a flying safari to Murchison falls national park and Kidepo Valley National Park helps you to participate in more activities, reduces the travel time you would have done by road and it is worth a visit the this amazing Park. There is also the option of flying to Murchison, then fly to Kidepo valley National Park and then returning by road for you to complete the big five adventure by doing Rhino tracking on your way back to Entebbe/Kampala. Contact us on email to book your flight, entrance permits, activities and all services. There are several flying safaris to Murchison falls national and these include 5 Day Fly-in Safari to Murchison and Kidepo National Park, 4 Day Fly-in Safari, 6 Day Flying safari to Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National park and many more we can tailor for you. Visit our website for discounted flying safaris to Murchison falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.