Is Murchison Falls National Park Safe for Game Drives?

Is Murchison Falls National Park Safe for Game Drives?

Game drives are often the highlight of African safaris, offering unparalleled views of wildlife as you venture deep into the heart of nature. If you’re wondering, “Is Murchison Falls National Park safe for game drives?” the answer is a resounding yes! Game drives in this park are not only accessible but also one of the safest safari activities you can enjoy. Wildlife viewing is the top attraction for visitors, and both Excursia Adventures and the park management prioritize visitor safety.

To ensure a safe experience, several guidelines and policies are in place for visitors and driver guides. These include limiting vehicle speed, avoiding off-track driving unless accompanied by park management, and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. It’s also essential to refrain from shouting or clapping, as these actions can startle the animals. With these precautions, you can confidently embark on a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park for an unforgettable African safari experience.

Exploring Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s premier adventure destinations, located in the northern region of the Albertine Rift Valley, just north of Kampala and Entebbe. This expansive park spans 3,840 square kilometers and is rich in biodiversity, featuring over 76 mammal species, including four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. Other wildlife you might encounter includes bushbucks, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, and hyenas. The shores of the Nile River are home to numerous hippos and crocodiles, making for captivating wildlife sightings.

In addition to mammals, Murchison Falls is also a haven for primates, including baboons and various monkey species. Birdwatchers will delight in the park’s diverse avian population, including the rare shoebill stork. The park’s namesake, the Murchison Falls, was formerly known as Kabalega Falls, and the scenery is simply breathtaking.

Enjoying Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park

A game drive in Murchison Falls National Park offers the chance to explore wild areas in search of some of Africa’s most iconic and elusive wildlife. These excursions are led by knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the local fauna and can help you spot amazing wildlife. Game drives typically take place in the Paraa section of the park, where a wealth of wildlife, including over 76 mammal species and 451 bird species, can be found.

The park is alive with various species, from buffaloes and elephants to lions and giraffes, all grazing or hunting across the stunning savannah landscape. Game drives usually begin early in the morning around 6:00 AM for the best chance to see big cats and can be enjoyed at any time throughout the day. Most drives take place in the northern part of the park along trails such as Victoria, Albert, and Buligi Tracks.

Our safari vehicles are equipped with pop-up roofs, allowing for unobstructed views and excellent photography opportunities. Your guide will assist you in identifying animals and birds as you travel at a leisurely pace.

We recommend bringing a pair of binoculars for spotting smaller or more distant wildlife, as well as a camera or smartphone to capture the incredible moments you’ll encounter. Dressing appropriately for the weather and applying extra sunscreen is also wise if you plan to spend more than two hours in an open vehicle.

What Is the Cost of Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park?

When planning your visit to Murchison Falls National Park, you’ll find that game drives can be tailored to fit your itinerary. You have the option to choose from morning, afternoon, evening, or even night game drives, allowing you to fully explore the park. However, this flexibility may require you to extend your stay.

For game drives, the park entrance fees are as follows:

• Day Game Drives: USD 45 per person for foreign non-residents and UGX 30,000 per person for East African residents.
• Night Game Drives: USD 45 per person for foreign non-residents and UGX 40,000 per person for East Africans.

These fees are payable to the Uganda Wildlife Authority either at the park headquarters or their main office. Planning your safari carefully will enhance your chances of spotting wildlife while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in Murchison Falls National Park.

How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park for Game Drives

Reaching Murchison Falls National Park is straightforward from Kampala or Entebbe. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours, starting from either the airport or your hotel. Along the way, you can stop at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary for some rhino tracking and enjoy lunch before continuing your journey. We use 4×4 vehicles equipped with pop-up roofs, ensuring excellent viewing and photography opportunities. Our vehicles are spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned, and stocked with drinking water for your safari trip.

Alternatively, you can fly into the park from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. The flight to Pakuba or Chobe Airstrip takes about 2 hours. Scheduled flights are available daily through Aerolink Uganda and other airlines, with charter flights also an option. We can customize your itinerary to include visits to other parks in addition to Murchison Falls.

Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park varies widely, catering to different budgets and preferences. Choosing a lodge close to your arrival airstrip can enhance accessibility.

For luxurious options, consider:

• Chobe Safari Lodge
• Nile Safari Lodge
• Bakers Lodge

Mid-range lodges include:

• Kabalega Wilderness Camp
• Paraa Safari Lodge
• Murchison River Lodge

If you’re on a budget, options like Pakuba Safari Lodge, Pumba Safari Lodge, and Red Chili Hideaway Lodge are available. Feel free to contact us with your preferred lodge, and we can tailor your itinerary or suggest the best option based on your budget.

Why Book with Excursia Adventures for Murchison Falls National Park?

Excursia Adventures is a local tour operator based in Uganda, with headquarters in Entebbe. Owned and run by Ugandans, we specialize in providing life-changing experiences and sustainable tours across East Africa. As members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and registered with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), we maintain strong relationships with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), making it easy to book your gorilla permits and safari experiences.

We pride ourselves on our excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable safari trip to Murchison Falls National Park!