Tangi River

The Tangi River is a little-known hidden gem in northern Uganda, flowing through Murchison Falls National Park and a tributary of the River Nile. The Tangi River lies within the Olwiyo and Pakwach districts along the Kampala-Gulu highway. This river receives seasonal floods, and the most recent devastating flooding was in November 2024, a situation that obstructed different activities and access to different places close to the river.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s most popular wildlife destination with breathtaking scenery, including the world’s most popular falls and amazing wildlife species. Murchison Falls is an excellent safari site with rich ecosystems sustaining a diverse range of wildlife and vegetation, thus providing visitors with a tranquil getaway into the wild.

Originally, this park was known as Kabalega National Park after Kabalega, the King of Bunyoro, but was later named Murchison Falls after the thunderous falls that flow through it. The river can easily be crossed when you use the Tangi gate in the northern sector of the park in Paraa region. The riverbanks are covered by Borassus palm trees, acacia trees, and in some parts have savannah grasslands. Tangi River and its banks are home to different wildlife species, including elephants, buffalo, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and birds.

What to do along the Tangi River.

Bird watching

The Tangi river and its wetlands provide an excellent habitat for both water birds and forest birds, thus becoming a convenient bird watcher’s paradise. Over 40 bird species have been recorded along the riverbanks and in Murchison Falls National Park, including both endemic and resident species. some of them include the black-crowned night heron, African openbill, Marabou stork, Green-backed heron, White-backed vulture, Palm-nut vulture, Black kite, White-headed lapwing, giant kingfisher, goliath heron, white- fronted bee-eater, hadada ibis,  black-headed gonolek. malachite kingfisher, African fish eagle, and the rare shoebill stock among others.

Fishing

This is a popular activity along the river. It is mainly done by the locals and visitors interested in sport fishing. Visitors are guided by the locals on how to use local fishing methods like hooking and angling.  Fishing can be done by visitors after obtaining a fishing permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority. Its an interesting and memorable adventure to go fishing on this river.

Game viewing.

Since the Tanga River is found within Murchison Falls National Park, the most popular activity is viewing wildlife through game drives. This activity takes you through different park trails in your 4×4 safari vehicle, where you will spot four of the five big animals, including lions, buffalo, elephants, and leopards. More to these animals are warthogs, giraffes, hippos, and different antelope species. Game drives in this park are conducted in the morning, afternoon, evening, full day, and at night.

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Boat trips

 While in Murchison Falls National Park, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile. The boat cruise offers a chance to see some of the park’s incredible wildlife and scenery.  The Nile boat cruise takes you to the bottom of the falls where you can enjoy the powerful water flow up close.  It’s also a great opportunity to see crocodiles, hippos, birds, and fish species.

You can also enjoy the delta boat cruise or a sunset cruise, all of which give a rewarding experience of Murchison falls National Park.

Hiking to the top of the falls

 Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is another amazing adventure in Murchison Falls National Park. When you take the afternoon boat trip, which lasts for at least two hours as you feel the cool waters, observe different aquatic animals, the boat will wind up at the base of Murchison Falls. From here, you can set out on a light trek of roughly one hour on a neat trail about 2km up the rocks adjacent to the waterfalls. At this place, you will have the best experience of the spectacular and strongest waterfall in the world.

Guided Nature walks

While on your visit to Tangi River, you can also engage in guided nature walks in the park and the areas surrounding the river. Trained armed park rangers will lead and guide you through the walk where you will encounter several wildlife, including buffalos, hippos, elephants, giraffes, and water birds, among others.  Guided nature walks are always conducted in the early morning or late evening hours.

Primate tracking

In the southern part of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is a serene home of different primates and other wild creatures. The most famous attraction in this forest is the chimpanzees, another group of endangered primates. You can engage in a memorable encounter with the chimps through the chimpanzee trekking excursion, which takes  3-4 hours at $130 per person for foreign non-residents, $120 for foreign residents, and $85 for East Africans.

Community tours.

Beyond the river’s natural beauty, the lively communities that surround the Tangi River have rich culture and traditions. These tribes are mainly the Alur and Lugbara. While on your safari to Murchison Falls National Park, take the opportunity to explore the nearby communities, gain a greater understanding of their rich cultural heritage, and learning about their way of life and long-standing relationship with the river.

How to get to Tangi River.

From Kampala, travel to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey that takes 4-5 hours. Drive towards Karuma bridge, which crosses the Nile following the Pakwach road. From Karuma bridge, drive 110 kilometers west until you reach Tangi gate, which is located in the northern part of the park. this gate quickly leads you to the river.

Alternatively, you can use other park gates like Chobe, Wankar, or Mubako, depending on your route plan.

Accommodations close to Tangi River.

Since Tangi River is found in Murchison Falls National Park, several accommodations can provide a comfortable stay and quick access to the river, and some of them include Chobe Safari lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Simbaya lodge, Pakuba Safari lodge, Tilenga Safari lodge, Tangi Safari lodge, Red Chilli rest Camp, Murchison River Lodge, Fort Murchison lodge, and Baker’s lodge, among others.