Welcome to my quick guide on Murchison Falls National Park. My name is Patri and I’m originally from Spain but currently, when I’m not traveling, I’m based in New York City. I have been passionate about traveling ever since I can remember, and have been lucky enough to have visited more than 75 countries and to have lived in many interesting places such as Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, the United States of America and Spain.
In particular, I enjoy visiting destinations that are deeply connected to nature and relatively off-the-beaten-track. That is why Uganda has always been at the top of my list of countries to discover. And, after visiting, it definitely didn’t disappoint! I spent eight days in Uganda and had the opportunity to check out Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Ishasha sector and northern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, Entebbe and (of course) Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park was definitely one of my favorite parks in Uganda and it’s a destination that you have to see on your Uganda route. It’s one of the most complete parks in the country due to its variety of options and wildlife – and, for me, is (without hesitation) a 10/10 destination!
Incredible Wildlife & Landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park
I visited Murchison Falls National Park as part of a total Uganda safari trip that I organized with Edris from Uzuri Safaris. This included a two night stay at Sambiya River Lodge within the park. I highly recommend booking your trip with Edris for any future Uganda itinerary. I’m also planning to launch an international group safari trip myself for next season and hope to include Murchison Falls National Park, as the wildlife viewing opportunities and diversity in landscapes that you can witness are truly endless!
I remember during the river safari portion of our tour I could see everything from elephants and hippos, to buffalos and crocodiles. And then during the game drives I could see lions, gazelles and even the elusive leopard. But my favorite animal that I saw here was the giraffe, as this is one of the few parks in Uganda where it’s possible to see so many and so close!
The night safari that we did in Murchison Falls National Park turned out to be a special experience as well. In total darkness and silence, under the stars, three lionesses and their cubs lingered around our car for more than an hour with no one else around. It was an absolutely magical moment from Mother Nature and an experience that will stay with me forever!
It’s important to remember that Murchison Falls National Park isn’t just about wildlife, there is a wonderful variety of landscapes to experience as well. From the beautiful river and waterfall (which I recommend visiting as part of a river safari), to the plains which are ideal for game drives, and the forests where you can do some chimpanzee trekking and birdwatching.
Tips for Visiting Murchison Falls National Park for the First Time
My first tip is to familiarize yourself with everything that the park has to offer to prioritize where you want to focus your time. There are lots of alternatives within the park such as chimpanzee trekking, boat river safaris, trekking to the top of the falls, regular game drives, night game drives, etc.
Then, it’s very important to pack accordingly: hat, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially during sunset), comfortable long clothes and good trekking shoes. And please, don’t forget to bring water as temperatures can get pretty high during midday hours. Of course, don’t forget your camera because you will want to photograph absolutely everything in the park!