5 Days Murchison Falls National Park Safari is an incredible vacation to Uganda’s largest national park – Murchison Falls National Park. Also referred to as Kabalega National Park, it is located in northwestern Uganda. The major attraction is the popular boat trip past impressive populations of hippo and to the bottom of the 40 meter (130 feet) Murchison Falls).
Murchison Falls from the air
5 Days Murchison Falls National Park Safari is an incredible vacation to Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls National Park also referred to as Kabalega National Park located in northwestern Uganda.
The Park combined with the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and the Karuma Wildlife Reserve, forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. In addition, it is named after the Murchison Falls. The Falls are a spectacular site to see as the Nile River drops through a narrow gorge along its path northward. A boat excursion near the falls will surely leave you breathless as the nature all around provides spectacular views from all directions.
Like many other parks in Uganda, its wildlife is still recovering from the heavy poaching that went on in the country years ago. Unfortunately, rhinos in this area have already become extinct. However, a rhino sanctuary in the south of the Park was started and in 30 years’ time, about 40 to 50 rhinos will be able to be released back into the Park’s borders. Despite this set back, Murchison still claims to have the Big Five and is sure not to disappoint its many visitors as it is the only park in all of Uganda that does. Other animals that call this Park home include lions, leopards, giraffes, hippopotamus, elephants, water buffalo, antelope, crocodile, hartebeest, Uganda Kob, Oribi, amongst others. The rare shoe-bill stork can also be seen flying in and around the Nile River.
Day 1: Drive to Sipi Falls
We drive towards Sipi above Jinja and Mbale looking gradually over Mount Elgon (4300 m). By early afternoon, before we reach Sipi we drive up the mountain road and get a good impression of the plateaus, which is the setting for the three impressive Sipi waterfalls. In the afternoon we can relax and have time to enjoy a drink and the view of the sunset.
Accommodation: Noah’s Ark resort
Day 2: Hike to the Water Falls & Coffee Experience
After a relaxed morning breakfast, we gather together to start our hike, and you can choose between a short or longer route to the water fall through fruit plantations and villages. One water fall is perfect for taking a quick shower and you can even enjoy a cold swim. Another hike for seven hours takes five waterfalls, a cave and most the beautiful scenery passing through plenty of villages and fruit and coffee plantations. Whichever hike we choose today will be a beautiful day in paradise. Visitors will have coffee making experience in the small village and also lunch here.
Accommodation: Noah’s Ark resort
Day 3: Drive to Murchison Falls Park
After a relaxed breakfast, start our trip to Murchison Falls National Park with en route lunch before continuing with the journey as you view the green flat landscape. Arrive at the park in the evening and relax at the hotel. Murchison Falls Park is a habitat to a large number of African wild animals including Water buffalo, elephant, Crocodile, Lion, Leopard, Hippopotamus, Antelope, Giraffes, Uganda Kob, and other animals. The Nile River, within the park, is a home to a variety of water birds, including the uncommon Shoe bill stork.
Accommodation
- Paraa Safari Lodge (luxury + mid-range)
- Sambiya River Lodge (budget)
Day 4: Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Safari on the Nile
After your breakfast, go for a morning game drive with the ranger guide who will help you spot the plethora of wildlife found in the Park. You will be able to spot a lot of African wildlife such as; elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, different species of antelope and many tropical birds.
Drive back to the hotel for lunch as we prepare for the boat safari to the waterfall at 2pm. You will choose hike for 45 minutes to visit the top of the falls. This is an experience that brings all the senses into play: watch waves of white water tumble hypnotically through this six-meter chasm, listen to the roar, taste the spray on your face and feel the rock shake beneath your feet. Don’t dare miss this!!
Accommodation
- Paraa Safari Lodge (luxury + mid-range)
- Sambiya River Lodge (budget)
Day 5: Visit Chimpanzees and transfer to Kampala
Today you will have your early breakfast at the lodge and prepare for your trip to the Chimpanzee walk in Budongo forest, Murchison Falls National Park. While at the park, you will be able to see many types of monkeys like; the wonderful Red Columbus, Black and white Columbus monkey, and the amazing Chimpanzees. Here you will experience our cousins today for one hour and the trip takes 3-4 hours walk and your driver drops you at the hotel in Kampala/Entebbe.
