Activities to do in Murchison falls national park
Murchison falls national park was established in 1952 and it is the largest park and oldest in Uganda, it is found in North western Uganda in the districts of Kiryadongo, Masindi, mwoya and Bulisa. Murchison falls national park area and has the largest number of mammals including the big five animals. And these animals include lion, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and Rhinos those are the big five animals though there are other animals like the giraffes, warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, oribis. And Murchison falls also has primates like chimpanzee found in Budongo forest, over 350 birds. And these are some of the interesting things to do while in Murchison falls national park
Travellers planning their Uganda wildlife safari tour in Uganda should not miss out on visiting Murchison falls national park or Kabalega park. These are some of the fulfilling Uganda safari activities to do as listed below.
Game drives
Game drives in Murchison falls national park offers visitors to discover the park and enjoy number of wildlife. These game drives always take place in the morning and evening, and game drives are most enjoyable during the morning hours, where you will see animals and birds at the same time and animals to be spotted include elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Jackson heartbeats, bush bucks, and other animals that can be spotted grazing in the savannah plains.
The evening game drives will give an opportunity to see the Nocturnals like hyenas, hippos, bush babies that are only seen at night most of the times.
Boat cruise
This is among the interesting activities to do while in Murchison falls national park, there are two boat trips available in the morning and after noon. One goes to up stream at the base of the falls and another one it goes down stream to the Nile delta, and the boat session first one in the morning sets off at 9:00am and it takes two hours, then the one of afternoon leaves at 2:00pm and it is also two hours. Boat cruise gives you an opportunity to see number of hippos and birds an some of the birds spotted include Africana jacana, kingfisher, swamp flycatcher, blue headed coucal, and the shoebill.
Bird watching
Murchison falls national park is bird watchers haven with over 350 bird species recorded in the park, including the migratory birds and resident birds and most of these birds are best viewed during the boat cruise and nature walks so any visitor intending to go for birding safari tour in Murchison or Uganda he or she should not leave their binoculars behind because some of the birds be in distance and these birds include, hadada ibis, shoebill stork, black headed lapwing, black billed barbet and so many others.
Chimpanzee trucking
This is another activity done in Murchison falls, and it is done in Budongo forest, which is a mahogany forest. The trekking starts early in the morning or in the afternoon and the activity is about 2-3 hours depending on where the apes are, after they been found, visitors are allowed to spend some minutes with them while viewing them and taking pictures.
Nature walks
Visitors may want to explore the park on foot with guide and most nature walks take place in Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forests and one will be able to spot primates like monkeys, birds and some of the mammals and it gives a clear view of the park while on foot.
Hike to the top of the falls
This activity is normally done after the boat cruise, and the trek to the top of the falls takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on your fitness and speed. As you hike you will get to see the breath-taking land scapes, hear the sounds of the falls.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is one of the activities done in Murchison falls national park though to go for sport fishing you need a permit for it and sport fishing is done for fun where visitors catch fish and release back into the water.
Ziplining at sambiya river lodge
In case you need to do ziplining you can visit sambiya river lodge because it is the only place in Murchison where ziplining is done from and mostly done in the afternoon because that is when it is interesting.
Canopy walks
Murchison falls national park is the only park in Uganda that offers this exciting adventurous activity canopy walk takes about 30mimutes but very interesting and fun though visitors with heart issues or heights should not go for it because as it is interesting but also scary.
Hot air ballon
This is an activity that involves the visitors being flown over the park and they be watching wildlife from air and most of the activities. The ballon moves in the direction of the wind, hot air ballon was only taking place in Murchison falls national park but it was recently introduced in Queen Elizabeth national park. This activity is remarkable, unique and interesting because a visitor will sight wildlife at some incredible landscape.
Cultural encounters with the local communities
Visiting the communities surrounding offers a deeper connection of the community and the visitors, where they engage with the local people and participate in their activities like traditional dances, learn their foods language and others.
Swinging
This is like an extra activity it is not paid for but in case you feel like going back in old years this activity takes place at sambiya river lodge so after doing all the activities you can decide to go to sambiya and swing on those trees but with the help of the guide.
These are some of the accommodations where one can stay while in Murchison falls national park, para lodge, Chobe safari lodge, sambiya river lodge, Pakuba lodge, Nile safari lodge, Bakers lodge, Murchison River lodge, Twiga safari lodge, hornbill safari lodge, Budongo eco lodge and these lodge range from luxury to budget accommodation.so you choose a lodge according to your budget and preference.
Contact us at African vacation Safaris for the perfect itinerary to make your experience in Murchison falls national park we can make your experience an amazing and memorable one. Have a great in Uganda the pearl of Africa.