Game drives in Murchison falls National park

Game drives in Murchison falls National park – Boat cruise and game drive

Game drives in Murchison falls National park is one of the best ways to see, explore and appreciate the rich diversity of Wildlife in this Park. This park is home to different wildlife species including 451 bird species and over 76 species of mammals including the Buffaloes, Jackson hartebeests, Antelopes, Lions, Uganda Kobs, Giraffes, Hyenas, Bushbucks, and Warthogs among others.

They are widely spread all over the Savannah grasslands areas, grazing or hunting for prey. This makes the park’s landscape so amazing for game drives while on a Uganda Wildlife Safari.

Murchison Falls National Park is positioned in the North-western part of Uganda and covers an area of 3,840kilometres squared, about 5-6hours drive from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. Read more about getting to Murchison falls.

It is the country’s oldest and largest National Park and hence you can spot the Big 4, leaving out the Rhinos that became totally extinct by 1983 and its good news that they were re-introduced in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary by 2005. The park is also bisected by the renowned River Nile (the longest in the world) into two parts: the Northern bank and the Southern bank.

Where to do a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park?

Game drives are best done along the Northern banks since that is where you can find a large concentration of wildlife living in its Savannah plains whereas the Southern bank has a smaller number of antelope herds and other wild animals such as the Buffaloes, Water bucks, Warthogs and Baboons.

There are different Game drive tracks found in Murchison Falls National Park that are followed while on a game drive such as; Albert, Victoria and Buligi tracks. Taking all these tracks while on the game drive gives you a totally different experience since each is endowed with various eco-systems.

The Buligi track is a 7kilometres track north of Paraa and is among the most commonly used tracks for game viewing. Also areas like Nyamsika gorge is home to a big number of water animals which come to get water and Nyamsika cliffs have a higher concentration of Buffaloes, lions as well as different bird species like the Egyptian plover and the bee-eaters.

Best time for game drives in Murchison Falls National Park

Game drives are an all year round activity. There is nothing as thrilling as watching predators such as Lions make moves after their prey, it’s an amazing experience since most antelopes are hunted down and killed without noticing.

All this is best observed during the dry season where the grass is shorter so game viewing is at its best. During the rainy season the grass is a bit tall hence give challenge especially during game viewing since some animals might be missed out.

Top Murchison falls Safaris offered by Great Adventure Safaris

Schedules of Game drives

When we talk about the times for conduction game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, there are two main schedules and that is early morning and evening game drives and these take between 3-4 hours.

However game viewing can best be done in the morning from 6:30 am, and if at all you slept in a lodge at the southern bank, you are required to cross the River by the ferry at around 7:00am. The evening game drives on the other hand start around 4:00pm local time. Sometimes you may choose to take the whole day out there exploring more of the National Park with your parked lunch boxes.

All these Uganda safaris game drives can be done only on the Northern bank of the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park which is covered with savannah; hence tourists can view game very well. For a thorough game drive within the park approximately 5 hours can be enough.

Heart of Murchison Falls National Park

While much of the Southern part of Murchison Falls National Park is covered by bush and forest, a delightful tract of savannah rolls down to the River from the Rabongo road in the very centre of the National Park.  Vehicle tracks have recently been opened in this area, which thanks to substantial herds of Uganda kobs, is becoming known as a prime location for Lions. The ‘Heart of Murchison’ lays 20kilometres east of the Masindi-Paraa road.

In January 2016 15 Giraffes were trans-located to this area and now it is possible to spot these giants on the Honey Moon track.

Sport fishing

Sport fishing is allowed on the Nile after obtaining the permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority through your tour operator. The waters after the falls on Victoria Nile provide some of the most exciting challenge to anglers with presence of Nile Perch.  The largest Nile perch recorded is 108kg.  Fishing is permitted in designated sites and places which require prior booking. You are encouraged to bring your own equipment.

Popular Nile Perch Fishing safaris to Murchison Falls

Safari Vehicles Recommended for Game Drives

Different vehicles can be used, comfortable, spacious with a pop-up roof in order to view well wildlife and take clear photos. A 4X4 vehicle is advised; this can be a Van, small or an extended land cruiser. Also other cars can be used such as coasters for bigger groups, saloon cars among others. In the park one can do a self-drive though it is important to have an armed park ranger guide with you. In addition, you should at all times follow the park rules during game drives.

Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park offer you with an unforgettable memory even when you are gone back home.

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