Night game drive safari in Murchison Falls National Park: Murchison Falls National Park is a jewel of Uganda’s wildlife tourism industry, renowned for its stunning landscape and diverse range of wildlife. Murchison Falls National Park is the Ugandan largest and oldest national park covering an area of approximately 3,893 square kilometers. the stunning natural wonder was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 and was later gazetted as a protected area in 1952, making it one of Uganda’s oldest and largest national parks and is situated in the northwestern part of Uganda covering districts of Kiryandogo, Masindi, Nwoya, Bilisa among others. The national park lies at the heart of the magnificent Murchison Falls where the mighty Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous spectacle that resonates with the raw power of nature. This iconic landmark, after which the park is named, serves as a powerful reminder of the forces that have shaped this pristine wilderness over millennia. The park encompasses of savannah, woodland and riverine ecosystems, Murchison Falls National Park offers a sanctuary for a rich diversity of wildlife. the national park is home to over 76 mammal species including Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, and Leopards. Almost 450 bird species can be seen in the park. Aquatic species, butterflies, reptiles, and many more species in the park. The park is home to the world’s stunning waterfalls. Murchison Falls National Park is also home to several communities with each having its own amazing history, culture and conservation that converge
One of the most popular activities in the park is the night game drive safari, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see the park’s nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. As you venture into the park after sunset, your expert guide will lead you through the darkness, using spotlights to illuminate any potential sightings. Night game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are only conducted in Bulisa areas and delta regions due to their high concentrations of nocturnal animals. Night game drive in the national park is done in customized safari vehicles with spotlight torches and it starts around 6:30 p.m. or 7: 00 p.m. and the best time to see the nocturnal animals is between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. when they are very active accompanied by an armed park ranger and it takes about 2 to 3 hours while in the parks’ night jungles. During the night game drive in the park, you have game opportunity to navigate through the park’s vast expanse of grassland, savannah and woodlands where you will marvel at astonishing views and sounds of the nocturnal animals such as lions, leopards, and hyenas. In addition to the thrill of encountering the predators on the hunt, night game drives in Murchison Falls National Park also offer the chance to see a wide range of nocturnal animals such as bushbabies, genets, civets, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest and antelopes resting among others. You will also have the opportunity to have a view of hippos feeding, and enjoy moonlight views of the Albertine Nile. The park is also home to a number of different colorful nocturnal bird species such as owls, nightjars and spotters perched high above or flitting through trees in search of insects, adding another layer of excitement to the experience.
Cost of a night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
A night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park costs US$ 40 per person for foreign non-residents, US$ 35 per person for foreign residents, and UGX 40, 000 per person for East African citizens including Ugandans. Night game drive safari is only restricted to tourists staying within the park and the use of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guides is mandatory for a night drive.
A night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park when using UWA is a game drive vehicle that costs US$ 40 per person for foreign non-residents, US$ 35 per person for foreign residents and UGX 40,000 per person for East African community citizens. UWA vehicles are only allowed the equivalent of 3 persons for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and 5 persons for East African community members.
When to go for a night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
The park is open all year around but the best time to go for a night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons which run from June, July, August, September and December and then January to February since the weather is mild during this time of the year. Travelers should be aware that June to September is the peak time, so there will be crowding during these months. the are two low seasons due to heavy rains from March to May and October to November. Additionally, the dry season is the best time to spot nocturnal animals such as lions, leopards, civets, servals and bush infants.
Other activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Murchison Falls National Park
Chimpanzee tracking is among the main activities that can be combined with fishing safaris in Murchison Falls National Park. You do not have to miss these fascinating primate experiences. Chimpanzee tracking is done in Budongo forest reserve which is within the mighty Murchison Falls National Park. The chimpanzee tracking can be done in the morning or afternoon and we can book for you the permits and organize this exciting trek for you. Budongo forest reserve has about 700 chimpanzees and these have been conserved for years and steadily the groups are growing and increasing in numbers. This activity starts in the morning at the park headquarters with a briefing about the chimpanzee tracking rules and expectations during the trek, and thereafter you will be allocated an experienced park guide who will lead you through the forest jungles in search of these fascinating primates in their natural habitats. Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primate species, different plant species, and birds among others and once the chimpanzees are found, you will be able to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them feed, breastfeed, hunt, fight, play, rest, groom young ones among others.
Boat cruise
One of the main highlights of visiting Murchison Falls National Park is taking a boat cruise approaching Murchison Falls, where the waters of the Nile River are forced through a narrow Gorge before plunging over 4-3 meters drop. A boat cruise safari in Murchison Falls National Park offers a unique and remarkable way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and observe its abundant wildlife. Boat cruise safaris in the park normally begin in Paraa, the main tourism hub in Murchison Falls National Park. Boat Safari is a park that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the tranquil treasuries of the Victoria Nile and its hidden gems. During your boat cruise safari along the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to spot some of the marine animal species such as hippos laughing in the water, Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks, and a diverse array of bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons, as well as mammal species like buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, and many more. Boat cruise safaris here will also take you to a fascinating view of the majestic Murchison Falls, as well as provide you with scenic views of rolling savannah plains, rugged cliffs, and lush riverbanks. Other activities include day game drives, nature walks, hiking to the top of the falls, viewing the top of the falls, white water rafting, birding, cycling, and sport fishing among others
Accommodation safari in Murchison Falls National Park
While on a night walking safari in Murchison Falls National Park, there are several lodges and campsites within or near the park that offer comfortable accommodations such as Paraa Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Baker’s Lodge, Fort Murchison Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Game Lodge, Murchison Tree House, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Hornbill Wilderness Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, and many more offer lodging while on a safari in the Murchison Falls National Park. accommodation facilities can be found, for example
