Murchison Falls National Park is the largest National Park in Uganda and it is the Giraffe paradise of Uganda. With the location of our Murchison Falls lodge just 5 min from the Tangi gate to the park you get the best starting point for your Murchison Falls safari when staying with us at Hornbill Bush Lodge. Below you will learn what Murchison Falls NP is famous for, how many days you will need to explore Murchison Falls NP and how to get to Murchison Falls NP.
What is Murchison Falls NP famous for?
The park gets its name after the Murchison Falls that are within it, here the Nile is pushed through a 7 m gap down a 43 m fall. A visit to the top of the falls is an impressive experience that lets you hear and even feel the power of the water. It is possible to reach the top of the falls either by car or through a trail that starts at the bottom of the falls that takes you on a hike to the top (you reach the bottom of the falls via the boat-cruise mentioned below).
Murchison Falls National Park is the giraffe paradise of Uganda, being one of four places they can be seen during a Uganda safari. For us Murchison Falls NP is primarily a game-drive destination. Here you can head out early morning for an exciting search for the big cats, lion and leopard, as well as spend time studying elephants, Jackson’s Hartebeest, buffaloes and more. A peculiar bird that will interest most as it walks over the savannah is the Abessinian Ground Hornbill (that gives our lodge it’s name!).
Another highlight during a day of safari in Murchison Falls National Park is a boat-cruise on the Nile to the bottom of the falls or to the delta. These boat-cruises gives you the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizard and elephants as they enjoy the water. And the birders get a chance to tick off Kingfishers and other interesting species that hunt for fish. The one interested in birding has a chance to tick off the pre-historic looking Shoebill Stork during a visit to Murchison Falls NP.
How many days do you need in Murchison Falls National Park?
To get the best experience of the park during a short safari you should plan for 3 days for your safari. During a 3 days safari you have enough time for a couple of game-drives, a visit to the top of the falls and a boat-cruise on the Nile to the bottom of the falls. If a stop in Murchison Falls NP is part of a longer safari you should plan so you have at lest one full day to explore the park.
How do I get to Murchison Falls National Park?
If you are coming from Kampala there are basically two ways to get to Murchison Falls National Park. You can either take the way via Masindi which brings you to the southern part of the park and you drive through the park to reach the lodges to the north of the park like Hornbill Bush Lodge by Tangi Gate. The second option is to drive around the park past Karuma Falls which will take a bit longer but save you on park entry if you don’t intend to explore the park that day. A tip which ever of the routes you chose is to make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary along the way for a break in the journey and the amazing experience of trekking rhinos on foot.
