1 Day Uganda Safari Itinerary to Murchison falls National park from Kampala
The 1 Day Uganda Safari Itinerary – Murchison Falls Safari Tour from Kampala is designed for those in Uganda with limited time who wish to explore Murchison Falls National Park. The 1 Day Murchison Falls Safari Tour offers an economical opportunity to explore the renowned park with a wildlife drive and boat ride. The one-day excursion commences and concludes in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, featuring early departures and late returns.
This 1 Day Uganda Safari Itinerary to Murchison Falls Safari Tour from Kampala includes a visit to the summit of the falls, a boat tour along the banks of the Nile River, and a game drive to observe wildlife. The park is home to over 76 mammal species, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards. Nearly 450 avian species, aquatic organisms, butterflies, reptiles, and several other species inhabit the park. Murchison Falls safaris are the most sought-after short excursions in Uganda, typically conducted during 3-day and 2-day itineraries. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park, encompassing 3,840 square kilometers and housing the world’s most powerful waterfalls, Murchison Falls.
Below is a suggested schedule for a 1 Day Uganda Safari Itinerary to Murchison Falls from Kampala:
5:00 AM: Departure from Kampala. Commence your expedition at dawn to optimize your duration at Murchison Falls National Park. The journey from Kampala to the park is roughly 4 to 5 hours, contingent upon traffic and road conditions.
09:00 AM: Arrive at Murchison Falls National Park Upon arrival at the park, you will advance to the northern area, where the majority of the species is concentrated. The park is known for its varied fauna, encompassing elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and a multitude of avian species.
09:30 AM: Morning Safari Expedition Commence an exhilarating morning safari to observe animals. Your knowledgeable guide will traverse the park’s savannah grasslands and forest regions, offering insights into the behaviors and habitats of the creatures you observe.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a Lodge Pause the game drive to savor a delectable lunch at one of the lodges in the park. The lodges provide picturesque vistas and a tranquil ambiance, facilitating relaxation and rejuvenation.
1:30 PM: Nile Boat Safari After your lunch, proceed to the riverine section of the park for a boat safari on the Nile River. This boat excursion approaches the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the Nile surges through a constricted gorge, producing a resounding cascade of water. Throughout the journey, you will encounter hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and diverse avian species.
15:30: Start journey to the summit of Murchison Falls. This brief yet exhilarating visit provides sweeping vistas of the falls and the adjacent countryside. Anticipate challenging inclines and ensure you wear suitable footwear; the waterfalls may drench you, so be prepared to get soaked.
17:00: Departure from Murchison Falls National Park Following the appreciation of the splendor of Murchison Falls, it is time to return to Kampala. The journey lasts roughly 4-5 hours, hence arrival in Kampala is anticipated late in the evening.
Detailed Itinerary for the 1 Day Uganda Safari Itinerary to Murchison Falls National Park Safari
Your 1 Day Uganda Safari Itinerary to Murchison falls excursion commences with a pickup from your residence at 5:00 AM. Your tour guide will introduce themselves and then facilitate your transportation to the park.
A little coffee break will take place in Masindi. Following a coffee break, you continue your journey to the park, where you will go on a brief game drive to the summit of the falls. Following your visit to the summit of the falls, you proceed with a drive to Paraa jetty. You have lunch and go on the 2:00 pm boat excursion to the base of the falls.
The boat excursion lasts approximately 2 hours, during which several wildlife species, including crocodiles and hippos, can be observed. There is a chance to viewing bird species such as the Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, among others. After the boat ride, you return to the Paraa jetty to meet your safari guide for the transfer back to Kampala. You will travel back to Kampala, arriving in the evening, therefore concluding your tour. Conclusion of your 1-Day Murchison Falls Safari Tour from Kampala
When is the time to visit Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park, like the remainder of Uganda, exhibits a reasonably consistent climate year-round. Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate at Murchison Falls does not present harsh conditions, unlike several countries in the northern hemisphere, rendering it an ideal year-round visit. Global warming has caused erratic weather patterns globally, leading to potential unforeseen situations for travelers in Uganda.
Typically, maximum daytime temperatures fluctuate between 29ºC (84ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF), while evening and overnight temperatures decrease to between 18ºC (64ºF) and 21ºC (70ºF). Murchison Falls Park endures a hot-dry season from January to March, with temperatures reaching approximately 33ºC (91 F) to 34ºC (93 F) at midday.
Distinct Monthly Seasons at Murchison Falls – Arid, Warm, Precipitative, and Temperate
Observation Regarding the Wet Rainy Season in Murchison Falls National Park: Compared to other parks like as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park experiences lower precipitation levels measured in millimeters. This is mainly attributable to the hot-humid equatorial environment resulting from its geographical position in western Uganda. Anticipate thunderstorms during the wet season.
Arid Period, Best Season, and Peak Season for Murchison Falls: December, January, and February are the driest, most humid, and hottest months; yet, they do not constitute the main travel season in Uganda. Anticipate a limited number of guests relative to the peak season.
Dry and Wet Rainy Months: The Perfect Period and Mid-Peak Season for Murchison Falls. March, June, and July present a combination of arid and humid intervals.
August and September are characterized by rainfall and represent the peak season for Murchison Falls, attracting a significant influx of visitors.
Wet Rainy Season, Least Favorable Period & Low Season for Murchison Falls: April, May, October, and November. These months constitute the verdant season.
The temperature change between months at Murchison Falls is about 1-4 degrees Celsius. January and February are the warmest months, featuring daytime highs of 34°C (93°F) and nighttime lows of 21°C (70°F), whereas July to October are the coolest months, with daytime highs of 29°C (84°F) and nighttime lows of 18°C (64°F). All other months exhibit daytime temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 32°C (90°F), while nocturnal temperatures average between 19°C (66°F) and 20°C (68°F).
The optimal period for birdwatching safaris in Murchison Falls Park is from January to March, coinciding with the driest conditions. The migrating birds come around November and go by April. The peak wet months of April, May, and from August to November yield an abundance of food, resulting in significant avian activity; however, trails may be slick, and highways and airstrips can present navigational challenges.
Things to do in Murchison falls National Park
The park is the largest national park in Uganda and serves as a central center for safari attractions, making it the most frequented park. Participants in these activities will undoubtedly provide an authentic African safari experience. The activities in Murchison Falls National Park are diverse, ensuring that any sort of safari enthusiast will find satisfaction.
Select a journey with Active Africa Vacations and immerse yourself in unforgettable safari experiences in Africa.
The activities in Murchison Falls National Park include
conventional game drives, boat cruises, birdwatching, hiking, cultural tours, and guided safari walks.
Game Drives
This is likely one of the premier sights in Murchison Falls National Park. The Park boasts approximately 109 mammal species and 451 bird species, complemented with a stunning and varied terrain that extends from the southern to the northern region. The game drive will familiarize you with four of the Big Five: Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Elephants. In addition to numerous other Park inhabitants such as spotted hyenas, Rothschild giraffes, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, hippos, hartebeests, jackals, bushbucks, and Oribi, among others.
Depending on your fortune, you may witness the renowned park predators—lions, leopards, and hyenas—in action.
The wildlife drives are often undertaken in the early mornings and evenings by our knowledgeable driving guides.
Be vigilant for extraordinary near wildlife encounters when you reserve your journey with Active Africa Vacations.
The wildlife drives are often undertaken in the early mornings and late evenings by our knowledgeable driving guides.
Boat Cruise Safari
For those seeking to enjoy the beauty and allure of Murchison Falls National Park, a boat tour on the Nile River is the ideal activity. In addition to witnessing the breathtaking vistas of the Nile Basin, the cruise will facilitate encounters with both aquatic and terrestrial inhabitants, such as hippos, the formidable Nile crocodiles—revered as ‘the incredible water masters’—basking along the river, as well as buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and other fauna that gather to hydrate. Additionally, various avian species will be observed, including herons, pied and malachite kingfishers, African fish eagles, egrets, storks, bee-eaters, the African skimmer, pia pia, and the elusive shoebill.
Envision traversing for more than three hours, admiring breathtaking landscapes prior to arriving at the base of the Falls at the entrance of Fajao Gorge.
A particularly spectacular experience during this boat tour is observing the Nile water surge from a tiny gorge, creating the most formidable falls on Earth.
The boat cruise safari is an experience you would not want to forgo if you seek to elevate your African adventure. Numerous boats are available at Paara jetting stations, allowing you to select based on your preference. You may opt either smaller vessels or larger ferries. The cruises are offered in both scheduled and unscheduled trips, typically occurring in the mid-morning and afternoon.
Birding
Murchison Falls National Park is renowned not only for its large game but also as a habitat for a vast array of avian species. Birding is an excellent activity to engage in during your visit to Murchison Falls National Park. The location has over 451 bird species, some of which are endemic to Africa. This park offers everything to astonish bird enthusiasts. It is more exhilarating to encounter the migratory species that populate the Park during the wet season.
Birding is a wonderful activity to engage in during your visit to Murchison Falls National Park.
Included among the species are the Dark Chanting-Goshawk, Martial Eagle, Hugli’s Francolin, and Denham’s Bustard. Spotted Thick-knee, Senegal Thick-knee, Rock Pratincole, Black-headed Plover, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Blue-naped Moosebird, Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher. Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, African Darter, Goliath Heron. Yellow-billed Stork, Abdim’s Stork, White-faced Whistling Duck, Secretary Bird, Osprey, Long-toed Plover, Black-billed Wood-Dove, Veracious Dove, Long-tailed Nightjar, Standard-winged Nightjar, Red-throated Bee-eater, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Black Scimitarbill, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and the rare and elusive Shoebill. The list appears interminable due to the numerous birdwatching locations.
The species on that list include savannah birds, woodland birds, aquatic birds, and Albert Rift endemics. Observing the majority of species is optimal during the arid season.
Nature Safari Walks and Hiking
Murchison Falls is a wonderful attraction that allows you to enjoy nature on foot, providing an optimal environment for nature treks within the national park.
We meticulously choose optimal locations for nature treks. These affluent regions will facilitate intimate interactions with Park people. Common inhabitants you may encounter include Uganda Kob, buffaloes, warthogs, and hippos, among numerous avian species, including the elusive Shoebill, in the Victoria Nile delta. During this exercise, our knowledgeable guide will teach you about animal behavior and habitat, trees, bug and plant life, as well as the various types of wildlife present in the Park.
Nature walk safaris are typically undertaken during the morning and evening hours, as this are when the park’s wildlife is most active. The duration of the exercise may extend to approximately 3 hours, contingent upon weather conditions.
You may opt to embark on a nature walk in Kaniyo Pabidi forest to observe primates and other components of the forest ecosystem, including avian species. The remarkable forest stroll will allow you to encounter our nearest human ancestors, the chimpanzees, as well as the renowned L’Hoest, black-and-white, and vervet monkeys, prominent inhabitants of this forest.
Hiking to the top of the falls is an indispensable activity during every visit to the Park. The splendor of this renowned park is evident from the summit of the falls, where one can observe the Nile River navigating through a narrow 7-meter gorge, cascading approximately 150 feet and producing a thunderous roar of white water, resulting in one of the most formidable waterfalls globally.
Cultural Tours
If you appreciate culture, the communities surrounding the Park offer a comprehensive experience. The Bubako and Boomu communities possess distinctive cultural norms, beliefs, and lifestyles that will enhance your visit and leave an indelible impression. The flawless performances and dances will wow you.
