How To Get To Murchison Falls National Park
How To Get To Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National park is the National park of Uganda and the largest and oldest national park of Uganda, filled with wildlife gems and the beauty of East Africa. The park is well-known for the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile rages through a narrow gap before falling into a roaring waterfall. On a Uganda safari, the park is a rich biodiversity centre with stunning scenery and lifetime safaris. However, to reach this natural gem, you need to plan, either by being an independent traveller, in a group of tours, or as an adventurer.
Below are the various directions to use when trying to access Murchison Falls National Park providing useful pointers, means of transport and what is likely to be encountered during the trip.
Where Murchison is falls national park located?
Kampala, the capital city, is approximately 305 kilometres (190 miles) away from the Murchison Falls National Park in northwest Uganda. The larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area encompasses the entire region and includes the Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves. The park covers the districts of Masindi, Kiryandongo, Nwoya and Buliisa.
Primary Access Ways to the Park
Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed by two routes:
By Road (The Most General Choice)
The decision to take a road trip to the park is mainly made by the majority of the tourists because it is very affordable and flexible. Murchison falls national park has several gates of entry, of which the most frequently used is
Kichumbanyobo Gate (Southern Entrance): It is the entry gate of the people who travel to or leave Kampala or Entebbe. It goes through Masindi town and Budongo forest.
Tangi Gate (Northern Entrance): A perfect gate of entry for travellers arriving either through Gulu or to the northern parts of Uganda.
Bugungu gate: It provides scenic views but is a more rugged and remote entrance via the Rift Valley escarpment.
Main Routes:
Kampala-Masindi-Kichumbanyobo Gate:
The distance is about 305 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
The route: by road, drive north of Kampala through Kampala-Hoima road to Masindi, and then follow the road to Kichumbanyobo gate through Kaniyo Pabidi forest.
Kampala-Karuma-Tangi Gate (through Gulu Road):
Distance: about 350 km
Time: 6-7 hours
The usable path: A trip to Luwero and Nakasongola, then toward Karuma Bridge and turn to Tangi gate.
Road Transportation Alternatives
Self-Drive
Independent travellers prefer renting 4×4 vehicles. Several rental companies in Kampala and Entebbe have well-stocked safari cars.
Pros:
Schedule flexibility
The adventure enthusiasts will love it
Cons:
Roads are bumpy, particularly, in rainy season
You have to be assured of off-road and long-distance driving
Private drive or tour operator
The easiest means of travel is to reserve a guided tour at a well-trusted safari company. The packages have most activities, lodging, entry into the park, and transport.
Pros:
Domestic competencies and safety
It normally incorporates pick-up and drop-off services at the airport
Cons:
More expensive than self-drive
Public transport
Public buses and minibuses (matatus) operate from Kampala to Masindi or Pakwach. You will then need to travel to the entrance of the park using either a Boda-boda (motorbike taxi) or a privately hired vehicle.
Steps:
Board a bus or a matatu to Masindi (about 4 hours).
Rent a car to one of the gates, Kichumbanyobo or Bugungu.
There is no public transport available within the park; therefore, it is necessary to arrange a separate game drive.
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Cons:
Uncomfortable and time-consuming
Not advisable when one has fun-filled schedules or one has a lot of bags to carry
By air (fast and beautiful)
The journey to Murchison Falls by plane is faster and more picturesque as compared to road transport.
Chartered Flights
Several domestic companies offer charter services between Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip and the park’s airstrips.
Pakuba Airstrip (North side)
Bugungu Airstrip (South)
Chobe Airstrip (eastern side)
The airlines doing these flights are
AeroLink Uganda
Bar Aviation
Eagle Air
Flight Duration:
About 1 hour by road Entebbe or Kajjansi
Pros:
Fast and comfortable
Perfect for luxury travelers or when there is a tight schedule
Cons:
Too costly (average roundtrip price: $300 – $600)
Restrictions on weight of luggage
Hint: Another way to do so is to reserve a room early and arrange an airport transport with a lodge.
The Entrance requirements
Entrance fees: $45 foreign non-residents, $35 foreign residents, and UGX 20,000 for the east African citizens (this is subject to alterations)
Valid Passport or National ID: This is needed at the gate
Vehicle Entry Fee: According to location and the type of vehicle (and generally about $20 – $40 per vehicle)
When is the best time to travel?
Dry Season (December-February, June-September):
Best for wildlife viewing and easy road access
There is easier movement of vehicles, including the tracks within the park
Wet Season, March to May and October to November:
A reduction in the number of tourists and a decrease in cost of accommodations
However, roads and streets may become slick and flooded
Travel Tips
Fuel up in Masindi or Kurumba: Fuel stations are few around the park.
Travel by 4×4: preferably travel during rainy season
Bring Snacks and Water: There will be only a few shops and restaurants along the way
Offline Maps: In distant regions the GPS signal might be poor
Reserve Bookings of Accommodation: Lodgings are available both within and without the park and are either high-end or low-end
Recommended Stopovers and Attractions on the Way
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: This is the only sanctuary in Uganda where one can find wild rhinos, as it is situated between Kampala and Masindi. It serves as an excellent destination for a stopover.
Masindi Town: A town that was established during colonial days, known for its simple services, lodging facilities, and friendly people.
Conclusion
One of the notable experiences is travelling to Murchison Falls National Park. It is a beautiful trip no matter how you choose to make it whether by road or by air. With roaring waterfalls and exciting game drives and boat safaris on the Nile, Murchison Falls can take you through one of the wildest experiences. You better plan, get the transportation mode convenient to your preference and budget and get into a trip of a lifetime to one of the most memorable destinations in East Africa
