Game drive safaris at Murchison Falls National Park: Murchison Falls National Park is not only known for its exceptional waterfalls but also for its game drives that offer a chance to witness the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park. The game drives safari in Murchison Falls National Park is a thrilling experience that allows visitors to get up close with some of Africa’s most iconic animals.
One of the best ways to explore the park and its wildlife is by taking a game drive, these drives typically take place in the morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active. Visitors will be guides by experienced rangers who knows the park like the back of there hands, ensuring a safari and formative experience.
During a game drive, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes and several antelopes, and more. The park is also home to over 450 different colorful bird species including Shoebill, African Darter, Giant Kingfisher, Osprey, Long-toed Plover, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Veracious Dove, Black-headed Lapwing, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
The highlight of many game drives in Murchison Falls National Park is the opportunity to see the 4 of the Big 5 African cats in action. Lions are commonly spotted lounging in the shade or on the hunt for prey, while leopards are more elusive but can sometimes be seen lurking in the trees or stalking their next meal. Another popular attraction during game drives is the chance to witness the massive herds of buffaloes and elephants that roam the park. These impressive animals can be seen grazing peacefully or taking a refreshing dip in the Nile River. For those with a keen eye, smaller animals like warthogs, hyenas and antelopes can be spotted during the game drive. The park is teeming with life, making every moment on the safari an exciting one.
In addition to the wildlife viewing, the game drives in Murchison Falls also offer visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning landscape of the park. From the savannah grassland to the wooded forest and the banks of the Nile River, the scenery is breathtaking and provides a picturesque backdrop for animal sightings.
The game drive safaris in Murchison Falls National Park are an exhilarating experience that will leave visitors with lasting memories of their time in this beautiful part of Uganda. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover or simply looking for a unique adventure, a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park is a must-do-activity.
Other tourists’ activities to combine with game drives safaris in Murchison falls national park
Bird watching
Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s top birding destinations. The national park is home to over 450 different kinds of colorful birds, making it the ideal destination for bird lovers in Uganda. The park’s diverse habitat includes the savannah grassland, Victoria Nile banks, forest and waterway, which support a wide range of birds like from the colorful resident species to migratory birds. During your birdwatching safari in the park, birdwatchers have the opportunity to spot several birds including the endemic and rare birds such Shoebill, African Darter, Giant Kingfisher, Osprey, Long-toed Plover, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Veracious Dove, Black-headed Lapwing, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Rock Pratincole, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Black-billed Barbet, Long-tailed Nightjar bird, Weaver Birds, Yellow-billed Stork, Martial Eagle, Silver bird, Gray crowned crested crane, Sandpipers, Pied Kingfishers, Standard-winged Nightjar among others
Nature walks
Nature walks in the park are one way you can explore the hidden gems of the park on foot. The park offers a wealth of opportunities for nature walks that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife that call the park their home. During your guided nature walks in the park, you will have an opportunity to meander along the banks of the Nile River which offers you an opportunity to spot a variety of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, animals such as hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and many more.
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is an adventurous activity where tourists will move on foot into the forest in search of the habituated chimpanzees and once found spend one hour with them in their habitat. Chimpanzee trekking in Murchison Falls National Park is done in Budongo forest and the activity starts very early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you will start trekking in the jungle with a trained park guide who is well conversant with chimpanzee trekking trails. Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other ape species, different plant species, and birds among others and once the chimpanzees are found, you will be able to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them feed, breastfeed, hunt, fight, play, rest, groom young ones among others.
Hike and visit to the top of the fall.
Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is an exhilarating adventure that offers visitors a unique perspective of this magnificent natural wonder. The hike to the top of Murchison Falls begins at the base of the falls and follows a scenic trail that winds its way through lush vegetation bd rocky terrain. Visit the amazing falls is also among the top safari experiences on your to-do list in Murchison Falls National Park. 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.
Boat cruise
One of the main highlights of visiting Murchison Falls National Park is taking a boat cruise approaching Murchison Falls, where the waters of the Nile River are forced through a narrow Gorge before plunging over a 4-3 meter drop. A boat cruise safari in Murchison Falls National Park offers a unique and remarkable way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and observe its abundant wildlife. Boat cruise safaris in the park normally begin in Paraa, the main tourism hub in Murchison Falls National Park. Boat Safari is a park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the tranquil treasuries of the Victoria Nile and its hidden gems. During your boat cruise safari along the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to spot some of the marine animal species such as hippos laughing in the water, Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks, and a diverse array of bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons, as well as mammal species like buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, and many more. Boat cruise safaris here will also take you to have a fascinating view of the majestic Murchison Falls, as well as provide you with scenic views of rolling savannah plains, rugged cliffs, and lush riverbanks, among others.
Where to stay while on a game drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Visitors on a Uganda game drive safari in the park don’t need to worry, the park has a wide range of accommodation facilities to fit every visitor ranging from luxury level to budget level accommodations. Such accommodations include Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls Bamboo Village, Elephant View Lodge, Rest Chili Rest Camp, Chobe Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Budongo Ecolodge, Yebo Safari Camp and Kabalega Wilderness Lodge among others