Wildlife Encounters on the Savannah

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife safari across the sprawling savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park. Venture into a world where elephants roam gracefully, lions exude regal poise, and giraffes stretch their necks toward the heavens. Marvel at herds of buffalos as they graze peacefully, and keep a keen eye out for the elusive leopard. The park’s diverse birdlife adds a vibrant touch to the landscape, with colorful kingfishers, majestic African fish eagles, and graceful shoebills painting the skies. As you traverse the savannah, nature’s majestic symphony will surround you, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

Exploring Budongo Forest and the Banyoro Community

Venture into the enchanting Budongo Forest, a pristine reserve within Murchison Falls National Park that is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Embark on an immersive trek through the forest, where sunlight filters through the dense canopy, creating a mystical ambiance. Encounter families of chimpanzees as they swing through the trees, their playful nature captivating your attention. Additionally, the Budongo Forest is home to the Banyoro community, an ethnic group with rich cultural traditions. Engage with the Banyoro people, learn about their customs, and participate in their traditional dances and rituals. The cultural exchange with the Banyoro community will provide a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between nature and local heritage.

The Acholi and Alur Communities

Discover the vibrant Acholi and Alur communities, which are in close proximity to Murchison Falls National Park. Engage with the Acholi people, known for their warm hospitality and traditional practices. Experience their lively dances, hear stories passed down through generations, and witness their craftsmanship in creating beautiful crafts and artifacts. Similarly, the Alur community offers a rich cultural tapestry with their vibrant music, vibrant dances, and a glimpse into their daily lives. Engaging with these communities provides a unique opportunity to understand the cultural diversity and resilience of the local populations surrounding the park.

The Nile Delta and Lake Albert

Explore the magnificent Nile Delta, where the Nile River merges with Lake Albert, creating a picturesque landscape of wetlands and wildlife-rich habitats. Embark on a boat safari and navigate the channels of the delta, witnessing the harmonious coexistence of diverse bird species, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, African skimmers, and the iconic African fish eagle. The delta is also home to various aquatic species, such as hippos and crocodiles. As you traverse this pristine ecosystem, you’ll be immersed in a serene and captivating natural environment.
Murchison Falls National Park is a realm where the grandeur of nature intertwines with the vibrant cultural heritage of local communities. From the mighty cascade of the Murchison Falls to the exhilarating wildlife encounters on the savannahs, each moment in this unique park is a testament to the extraordinary wonders of Uganda.
Engaging with the diverse communities surrounding the park adds a deeper dimension to your journey, allowing you to appreciate the richness of local traditions and the harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world. Let Murchison Falls National Park’s unrivaled beauty and vibrant cultural tapestry create memories that will last a lifetime

Accessibility

A number of roads can be used to reach the Nile at Paraa at the heart of the Murchison Falls conservation area. The river is crossed here using the ferry which runs roughly hourly intervals through the day.
Two southerly approaches to Paraa lead out of Masindi town, which is a 4hour drive from Kampala. Along the way to Masindi is Ziwa Rino sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. You can track them on foot and support this important initiative to reintroduce rhinos to Protected Areas.
A longer but more scenic alternative route runs for 135km from Masindi to the Park’s Bugungu gate. The route includes a passage through Budongo forest and a memorable descent of the rift valley escarpment with views across Lake Albert towards the mountain of Congo.
The Park can also be entered through the Chobe gate, Wangkwa and Tangi gates in the north of the Nile. These are reached from the Kampala-Pakwach Road which crosses the Nile at Karuma Falls Bridge. 260km from Kampala, these gates are convenient for visitors travelling to/from Gulu town and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Air Travel

Pakuba airfield 19km north of Paraa can be reached using chartered aircraft from Entebbe international airport, Kajjansi airfield near Kampala. Other airfields in the park include Chobe to the east and Bugungu near Murchison Falls to the south.

Birding

Both the game drives and launch cruise trips offer an opportunity for one to come across distinct bird life, including savannah forest birds, water birds and Albertine rift endemic. The Park’s main birding attraction is the Shoebill stork, best sighted in the dry season, January-March.
Game drives along the Buligi circuit, hiking and nature walks on the vast landscapes and varied scenery of Murchison Falls National Park and the surrounding conservation area can be explored on foot. Trails through Kaniyo-Pabidi and Rabongo forests provide sightings of many primates and birds, while around the Nile delta, 2–4-hour guided swamp walks offer possible Shoebill sightings.