How to Prepare and Plan for a Safari to Murchison Falls National Park

Planning a safari to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most popular safari destination, requires careful preparation to make the most of your adventure. Whether you are traveling on a limited budget or a tight schedule, organizing your trip in advance ensures a smooth and rewarding experience.

Many travelers assume that once they arrive, everything will work out easily. Unfortunately, this often leads to confusion, wasted time, or missed opportunities. To help you make the most of your visit, here is a complete guide on how to prepare and plan for a safari to Murchison Falls National Park.

Understanding Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park lies along the majestic River Nile, which divides it into two main sections. The northern section is dominated by open savannah and is home to large mammals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes. This is where most of the game drives take place. The southern section, on the other hand, is covered by Budongo Forest, known for chimpanzee trekking and other forest activities.

Understanding this layout is essential when deciding where to stay and how to organize your activities during the safari.

Choosing the Right Departure Time and Starting Point

If you are departing from Kampala, it is best to set off between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., depending on where you stay. Those who live farther from the Kampala–Gulu Highway should leave earlier, around 6:00 a.m., to avoid heavy morning traffic. The goal is to be out of Kampala by 7:30 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. at the latest.

Starting your journey from Entebbe is often more convenient. Using the Entebbe Expressway, you can reach the Kampala–Gulu Highway in about 20 minutes, making 7:00 a.m. the ideal departure time.

If you are coming from Jinja, plan to set off between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Alternatively, you can spend the night before your trip in Entebbe to make your journey more comfortable.

Timing Your Arrival and Park Entry

The drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park takes approximately five to seven hours, depending on traffic and the entrance gate you choose. It is important to note that park entry fees are valid for 24 hours. For example, if you enter the park at 11:00 a.m., your permit expires at 11:00 a.m. the next day. A delay of even a few minutes could result in being charged for an additional day. Proper timing is therefore essential to make the most of your visit.

Main Park Entrance Gates

There are three main gates used to access Murchison Falls National Park.

Kichumbanyobo Gate – Southern Entrance

This is the most commonly used gate and is located near Masindi Town. The journey from Kampala takes about five to six hours. The route passes through Budongo Forest, where you are likely to see playful baboons and monkeys along the roadside.

Tangi Gate – Northern Entrance

Tangi Gate lies near Packwach Town and is convenient for travelers staying on the northern side of the park. It takes about six to seven hours to reach this entrance.

Wankwar Gate – Eastern Entrance

Located near Kamdini Town, Wankwar Gate mainly serves visitors heading to the northern bank of the Nile, especially those staying at Chobe area lodges. The drive takes about five hours, although the route beyond the gate can be quite rough.

If you are staying in the northern section of the park, the best option is to enter via Kichumbanyobo Gate, visit the top of the falls, and then exit through Tangi Gate to reach your lodge.

Deciding Where to Stay

You can stay either on the northern or southern side of Murchison Falls National Park, depending on your preferred activities. The northern section is ideal for game drives and wildlife viewing, while the southern section is better suited for forest activities such as chimpanzee trekking.

Accommodation options range from budget lodges to high-end luxury lodges. The road network within the park is generally good, with a paved road connecting the southern and northern sections, making it easy to move between them.

Key Activities to Experience in Murchison Falls National Park

Visiting the Top of Murchison Falls

A visit to the top of the falls is one of the highlights of any safari to the park. The site is easily accessible via a smooth 20-minute drive from Kichumbanyobo Gate. Once there, you can spend between 30 minutes and an hour admiring breathtaking views of the Nile as it squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the valley below. Many visitors enjoy taking photos or having a picnic at this scenic spot.

Game Drives

Game drives offer the best opportunity to explore the park’s wildlife. They take place in the northern section, across the Nile River. The best time for a game drive is early in the morning, around 6:00 a.m., when animals such as lions, leopards, and hyenas are still active before the heat of the day sets in. Game drives can be done at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., but early mornings and late afternoons provide the best sightings.

Boat Cruises on the Nile River

Boat safaris are another must-do activity in Murchison Falls National Park. There are two main types of boat cruises available.

The Bottom-of-the-Falls Cruise departs from Paraa Jetty and travels upstream to the base of the falls. This popular three-hour cruise offers spectacular views of the river and its wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Afternoon departures are at 2:00 p.m., but morning trips can also be arranged. Many travelers choose to do this cruise after a morning game drive.

The Delta Cruise takes you downstream toward the Nile Delta, where the river meets Lake Albert. This four- to five-hour excursion is especially popular with birdwatchers, as it offers a chance to spot the rare Shoebill Stork. Morning departures begin at 7:00 a.m.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

Chimpanzee trekking is done in Kaniyo Pabidi, within Budongo Forest, near Kichumbanyobo Gate. The activity takes place twice daily, with the morning session starting at 7:00 a.m. and the afternoon session at 2:00 p.m. Travelers planning to join the morning trek should spend the night in the southern section of the park, ideally near Budongo Eco Lodge. Those staying in the north can participate in the afternoon session.

What to Pack for a Safari to Murchison Falls National Park

Packing appropriately ensures a comfortable safari experience. Essential items include insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and tsetse flies, sunglasses and a hat for sun protection, and light, breathable clothing since the park’s climate is generally warm. Comfortable shoes are recommended for nature walks and forest trekking. A camera and binoculars will also enhance your experience, allowing you to capture the park’s beauty and wildlife up close.

Recommended Stopovers Along the Way

A safari to Murchison Falls National Park can be made even more exciting with interesting stopovers along the route.

One of the best stops is at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located in Nakasongola District about four hours from Kampala on the Gulu Highway. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild. The guided one-hour walking tour offers a great opportunity to observe these magnificent animals up close and complete your “Big Five” list. You can visit the sanctuary either on your way to Murchison Falls or on your return journey.

You can also stop for lunch or coffee around Luwero, where Kabalega Diner is a popular choice among travelers heading north. It provides a relaxing break before continuing the drive to the park.

Final Travel Tips

Carry enough cash since some lodges and park gates may not accept credit cards. Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before entering the park, as petrol stations are limited inside. Book your activities such as chimpanzee trekking and boat cruises in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences. If possible, hire a knowledgeable safari guide who understands the park’s terrain and wildlife behavior for a more enriching experience.

In Summary

A safari to Murchison Falls National Park offers one of Uganda’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences. From witnessing the thunderous power of the falls and spotting the Big Five to enjoying peaceful boat cruises and tracking chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, the park promises adventure and discovery at every turn. With proper planning, early departure, and good timing, you will enjoy a seamless journey filled with lasting memories of Uganda’s most iconic national park.