Murchison Falls Trips
Most travelers typically plan a 3 day tour visit to Murchison Falls National Park to experience the park’s diverse wildlife and species. Opting for a land safari is the ideal way to explore the park. Visitors can choose safari packages ranging from 2 to 10 days, encompassing a combination of activities such as wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, and tours across multiple game parks in Uganda. These comprehensive safari tour packages offer an extensive exploration of Uganda’s attractions, providing an enriching experience for tourists.
A sample of 8 days Murchison Falls, Kibale and Gorilla Trekking Safari
Below is an outline and detailed description of an 8-day safari combining visits to Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, and Gorilla trekking in Uganda:
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport or Kampala. Transfer to your accommodation for a briefing and orientation about the upcoming safari.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Depart from Entebbe/Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, enjoy a scenic drive and stop for lunch. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon boat safari on the Nile River to Murchison Falls. Check-in and overnight stay at a lodge within the park.
Day 3: Wildlife Viewing at Murchison Falls
An early morning game drive through the park for wildlife spotting. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, explore a different section of the park on another game drive. Enjoy the evening at leisure at the lodge.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Depart from Murchison Falls and travel to Kibale National Park. The journey offers picturesque views of Uganda’s landscapes. Arrive at a lodge near Kibale and settle in for the night.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
In the morning, venture into Kibale National Park for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. Trek through the forest with experienced guides to locate and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Afternoon relaxation or optional activities at the lodge.
Day 6: Exploration of Kibale National Park
Today offers various options for activities such as birdwatching, guided nature walks, or exploring the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Learn about the diverse flora and fauna of Kibale.
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Depart from Kibale and journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive provides opportunities to admire the scenery and local villages. Check-in at a lodge near Bwindi and prepare for gorilla trekking.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Experience
An early morning briefing and preparations for the highlight of the trip – gorilla trekking. Trek through the dense forest, guided by park rangers, to find a gorilla family. Spend an hour observing and photographing these magnificent creatures. Return to the lodge, marking the end of the safari.
This 8-day itinerary showcases the best of Uganda’s national parks, combining wildlife encounters in Murchison Falls and Kibale, topped off with the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Each day brings a unique adventure, from game drives to chimpanzee trekking and the awe-inspiring gorilla encounter, making it an extraordinary and immersive safari experience in Uganda.
Getting to Murchison Falls
Getting to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda can be accomplished by road or air, depending on your starting point. Here’s how to reach the park:
By Road:
- From Kampala: The most common route is by road from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The journey takes approximately 4-6 hours, covering a distance of about 305 kilometers (190 miles). The road trip offers scenic views of the countryside.
- From Other Locations: If traveling from other towns or cities, roads lead to the park. Ensure you have directions or a GPS, especially once you leave major highways.
Public Transportation:
- Buses and Matatus: Public buses and shared taxis (matatus) operate between Kampala and towns near Murchison Falls, such as Masindi or Pakwach. From these towns, travelers can arrange further transport to the park’s entrance.
By Air:
- Charter Flights: Some tour operators offer charter flights directly to airstrips near Murchison Falls National Park. These flights provide a quicker and more scenic option for travelers.
Important Tips:
- Ensure you have a reliable map, GPS, or directions, especially if self-driving, as signage might be limited in certain areas.
- Road conditions might vary, especially during rainy seasons. Checking road conditions before the trip is advisable.
- Upon arrival at the park’s entrance gates, visitors need to pay park fees and receive necessary information before entering.