4 Days Murchison Falls National Park Fly-in Safari
4 Days Murchison Falls National Park Fly-in Safari
Our 4-day Murchison Falls fly-in Safari gives you plenty of time to enjoy Murchison Falls National Park. You will arrive early and leave late, allowing you to experience a boat cruise on the Nile River to the bottom of the falls and game drives in this Savannah National Park, where you can see the Big 4 animals.
Murchison Falls, in northern Uganda, is the largest conservation area, covering 3840 square kilometers. The park is crossed by the mighty River Nile and is a must-visit during your Uganda safari. The park features various types of vegetation, including swamps, and is home to animals like lions, hyenas, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, the rare shoebill stork, small primates, and many savannah, marine, and forest species. Visitors should not miss the spectacular game drives and boat cruises to the base of the falls and delta. To fully explore Murchison Falls National Park, you may need 2 to 4 days.
Highlights
Day One: Domestic flight to Murchison Falls National Park for an evening game drive.
Day Two: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls.
Day Three: Delta cruise, visit the top of the falls, and evening game drive.
Day Four: Morning game drive and transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe.
Things to Consider
Accommodation is included.
Small group safari: Max 6 people per group.
Tour can depart any day.
Tour can be customized.
Private tour.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival You’ll be picked up from the airport or your hotel. Accommodation before the tour departs can be arranged at an extra cost.
DAY 1 Fly to Murchison Falls National Park
Our guide will pick you up and transfer you to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Murchison Falls National Park, landing at Pakuba Airstrip. Upon landing, our guide/vehicle will take you to your overnight lodge. After lunch and a short rest, you’ll go for an evening game drive in search of savannah wildlife. Depending on your luck, you may see herds of buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and big cats like lions and leopards. Return to your lodge for the night.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Lodge: Paraa Safari Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Flight time: One to one and a half hours.
DAY 2 Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Nile River to the Bottom of the Falls
After an early morning cup of tea or breakfast, you’ll head off for another game drive to spot animals you may have missed previously. Return to the lodge for lunch, then head to the pier for a 2-hour boat cruise on the River Nile. The Nile is the major north-flowing river and is believed to be the longest in the world at 6,853 km (4,258 miles), shared by eleven countries. On this boat trip, you can see several water birds, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and many other animals that come to the river to drink. Return to your lodge for the night.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Lodge: Paraa Safari Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge.
DAY 3 Delta Cruise on the Nile and Afternoon Game Drive
Depart early from the lodge with a picnic lunch and transfer to the jetty for a morning boat cruise. On this cruise, you can see herds of buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s Hartebeest, giraffes, elephants, and many other wild animals coming to the River Nile to drink water. You’ll also see several bird species. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive as you head back to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Lodge: Paraa Safari Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge.
DAY 4 Fly Back to Entebbe
After breakfast, if you are on the morning flight, you will transfer to Pakuba Airstrip for your flight to Entebbe. If you are on an afternoon flight, you may choose to do a game drive before flying back to Entebbe.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park, covering 3,840 square kilometers, is the largest savannah park in Uganda. It is located in Northwestern Uganda, about 311 kilometers (a 5-hour drive) from Kampala. This park is part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which includes the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve (782 square kilometers) and the Karuma Wildlife Reserve (720 square kilometers).
The park is situated in the northern part of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the massive Bunyoro Escarpment meets the vast savannah of the Acholi plains.
History of Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest protected area in Uganda. It was first established as the Bunyoro-Gulu Game Reserve and served as a hunting ground for wealthy people in the early 20th century. In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt visited the area during his grand hunting safari.
In the mid-20th century, hunting regulations were introduced, and the Bunyoro-Gulu Game Reserve was upgraded to become Murchison Falls National Park.
This park is a stunning destination for a Uganda safari, offering numerous attractions. However, your experience will vary depending on the time of year you visit.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Best Time: December to February, as animals are easier to spot.
High Season: June to September, with more visitors in the park and across Uganda.
Low Season: March, April, May, October, and November, when heavy rains cause many accommodations in the park to close.
Best Weather: June and July, with less rain and cooler temperatures.
Worst Weather: April, May, and August to October, with higher rainfall, though it rarely disrupts safaris.
Climate and Weather in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park has a tropical, hot climate due to its proximity to the equator. The park’s altitude, ranging from 615m to 1187m above sea level, slightly lowers temperatures.
Daytime temperatures average around 31°C (88°F), cooling to about 18°C (64°F) at night. The park experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
Dry Season (December to February and June to September)
The dry season in Murchison Falls National Park spans December to February and June to September, characterized by plenty of sunshine and minimal rain.
Temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C during the day, dropping to 18°C at night. January and February can be particularly hot, so pack light clothing, sunscreen, and water.
The dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing. The best months for chimpanzee trekking are October to January when the vegetation is shorter and fruits are ripening, making it easier to spot chimpanzees.
Pros of Visiting During the Dry Season
Animals are easily found near water sources.
Plenty of sunshine and almost no rain.
Fewer mosquitoes, reducing the risk of malaria.
Cons of Visiting During the Dry Season
The heat in January and February can be intense.
The park can be crowded with many travelers.
Higher accommodation prices.
Wet Season (March to May and July to November)
The wet season in Murchison Falls National Park occurs from March to May and July to November. During this time, daily rains turn the landscape lush and green, showcasing the park’s beauty.
The park is in a semi-arid region, so rain rarely disrupts safaris. However, travel can be challenging on some roads after heavy downpours. The highest rainfall occurs in April, May, and from August to October.
The wet season is ideal for bird watching, as migratory bird species join the resident species, making the park home to over 451 bird species.
Pros of Visiting During the Wet Season
The landscape is lush with green vegetation and blooming flowers.
Fewer travelers in the park, offering a more secluded experience.
Lower accommodation rates.
The rains rarely interfere with safaris in this semi-arid region.
Best time for bird watching with the arrival of migratory birds.
Cons of Visiting During the Wet Season
Some roads may be difficult to travel on after heavy rain.
Some lodges may close due to bad weather.
High and Low Season in Murchison Falls National Park
High Season
The high season in Murchison Falls National Park is from June to September. During this period, there is little to no rain and cooler temperatures, making it the best time for game viewing, bird watching, and chimpanzee trekking.
June and July see high competition for accommodation, so it’s recommended to book your safari several months in advance.
Low Season
The low season in Murchison Falls National Park is from March to May and October to November. During these months, heavy rainfall makes trails difficult to navigate, and some lodges may close due to bad weather.
However, there is less competition for accommodation, leading to lower prices for those that remain open.