When most people think of Uganda, they think of gorilla trekking safaris in mountainous rainforests, but Murchison Falls National Park in northwest Uganda offers travellers a unique safari experience - unlike any other in the country.
Experience
This is not just a typical savanna safari where you can see a variety of predators, but exciting chimpanzee trekking safaris can also be enjoyed at the nearby Budongo Forest Reserve. Therefore, guests can tick off predators & primates in one holiday while enjoying both land & water-based activities, including Murchison Falls boat safaris.
The park is home to the Victoria Nile – a river that divides the park into northern & southern halves – that gives rise to its greatest drawcard, the Murchison Falls. Tumbling along a rocky canyon, the river is squeezed through a 7-metre wide fissure to create a magnificent waterfall – the focal point for boating safaris, including Murchison Falls boat safaris.
A variety of wildlife is found at Murchison Falls National Park. Here guests can see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, spotted hyena, cheetah, giraffe, hippo & crocodile – plus an astounding bird list of over 500 species.
It is easy to combine a Murchison Falls safari with a gorilla trekking expedition to experience the best of both worlds, so make sure to include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in your Uganda itinerary.
Activities
Both land & water-based safari activities are offered at Murchison Falls National Park. These include open 4x4 game drives, walking safaris, boat cruises, fishing, bird watching & cultural village visits.
Apart from experiencing the classic savanna-type safari, visitors to the park can also go on exciting chimpanzee trekking safaris at the nearby Budongo Forest Reserve where a variety of primates can be seen, including chimpanzees, baboons & colobus monkeys.
When to travel
Watching wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park is generally good & at its best during the dry season, from December to February. During this time, the grass is low, so it is easier to spot the animals. June to November is wet season, but the scenery is more beautiful during this time & birdlife is fantastic.
