Murchison Falls National Park How To Get There
Murchison Falls National Park How To Get There : Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is an ideal Uganda safari location offering visitors opportunity to spot four of Africa’s famous Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards and cape buffaloes.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to some of the most unique natural beauty in Africa and hosts the longest river on Earth – River Nile and the world’s most powerful waterfall.
If you are planning a Uganda Safari visit to Murchison Falls National Park, here is all you need to know about the location of Murchison Falls National Park and how to get there to this incredible Uganda Safari destination.
Where Is Murchison Falls Located?
Murchison Falls National Park located approximately 305 kilometers (190 miles) northwest of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda. The Park is part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area covering nearly 4,000 square kilometers of wilderness on both sides of the Nile River west of Karuma Falls and east of Lake Albert.
Murchison Falls National Park straddles the Ugandan district of Nwoya, Buliisa, Kiryandongo and Masindi – the nearest large town to the Kibanda area of the national park is about 72 kilometers (45 miles).
To south, west and east, Murchison Falls National Park adjoins Bugungu Wildlife Reserve (782 square kilometers), Budongo Forest (825 square kilometers) and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserve (720 square kilometers). These reserves are diverse ecosystems in their own right but serve a vital functions as buffer zones between the game parks and the nearly local communities.
Murchison Falls National Park is a predominantly savannah – woodland park dotted with Borassus palms and encompassing tracts of tropical forests, grassland and wetlands which host a range of savannah wildlife such as lions, buffalos, leopards, hyenas, elephants and giraffes.
The dense papyrus marshes of Murchison Falls National Park are home to the pre-historic Shoebill Stork.
What Is The Best Way To Get To Murchison Falls?
The best way to get to Murchison Falls National Park is by road or plane from Kampala or Entebbe, due to improved roads and flight connections the process of getting there is smooth. Also, there are several points of entry into the park. So access is easy no matter where you are coming from
Getting To Murchison Falls From Kampala
By Road
From Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park headquarters at Paraa it takes roughly 4-6 hours (305 kilometers), along the way you will pass through amazing Uganda rural villages, bustling towns and enjoy some beautiful scenery.
When visit Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala, we highly recommend visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District to track rhinos on foot, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only home for wild rhinos in Uganda. This offers visitors a chance of seeing all the Big Five on your Uganda trip.
From Kampala, the most direct route to Murchison Falls National Park is through the southern gates that is Kichumbanyobo and Masindi South Gate.
Also the northern gates of Purongo and Takigate – Packwach are also a great option. Although longer in distance, they take you straight to the most interest sections of the park.
Note: Allow another hour or 2 from the entrance gate to most of the safari lodges in Murchison Falls National Park.
By Air
Taking a small plane is the quickest way to Murchison Falls National Park, it is possible to fly to the park by chartered craft or the daily scheduled flight from Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala. The flight is approximately one hour and the most convenient airstrip to arrive at is Pakuba because of its proximity to the park headquarters and the main accommodations.
Alternatively, you can fly to Chobe Airstrip and Bugungu Airstrip.
Pubic Means (Buses)
You can use a public transport mean like bus to get to Murchison Falls National Park, however no public buses are allowed inside the national park. from Kampala city, you need to take a bus to Masindi town and then take a small commuter bus up to Paraa.
From Paraa area, you would need to hire a private car to use for activities within the park.
Please Note: Public transport can be inconveniencing in a developing country like Uganda because the buses never keep time and make unplanned stoppages to pick and drop passengers. It is highly recommended that you either hire a private car right from Kampala or use the services of a Uganda Tour Operator.
Getting To Murchison Falls From Entebbe
By Air
When flying from abroad, you arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). It is located 46 kilometers (29 miles) from the capital – Kampala City.
Your local tour operator will usually arrange your pick up at the airport and will take care of all further transportation as part of your safari package. It is possible to fly to the park by chartered or scheduled aircraft service from Entebbe International Airport (EBB), as part of your Uganda tour package, domestic flights are usually arranged by your tour operator.
Scheduled domestic flights regularly run by Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation, domestic flights from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park can be booked directly with your domestic flight company. The second option is booking the flight through a trusted tour operator.
Getting To Murchison Falls From Kidepo
Murchison Falls National Park is situated closer to Kidepo Valley National Park than any other major national parks in Uganda, it is possible to combine your safari with Murchison Falls and Kidepo.
It is a drive of about 4 hours or short internal flight directly from Kidepo to Pakuba.
Getting To Murchison Falls From Fort Portal
From the south, the drive is around 360 kilometers from Fort Portal Area or Kibale Forest National Park taking about 6 hours.
FAQs About Murchison Falls Location
- How Long Is The Drive To Murchison Falls From Kampala?
From Kampala City, it is a drive of approximately 4-6 hours (305 kilometers/190 miles) to Murchison Falls National Park.
- What Gate Should I Use If Driving From Kampala?
If you are driving from Kampala, the southern gates (Kichumbanyobo and Masindi South Gate) near Masindi are the closest. However, going via the Northern gates of Murchison Falls National Park will have a more scenic route.
- Can I Fly To Murchison Falls National Park?
Yes, you can fly to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or from the Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala or. The flight time to Murchison Falls National Park is just under one hour.
- How Much Is Entrance Fee At Murchison Falls National Park?
As for 2024, the entrance fee for Murchison Falls National Park is 45 for Foreigners Non- residents, USD 35 for Foreigners residents and UGX 25,000 for all East African citizens.
- How Many Days Do You Need In Murchison Falls National Park?
The usual duration for a stand – alone Murchison Falls National Park tour is 3 days, but 2 day and 4-day safari itineraries are also offered by many Uganda tour operators.
Given that the drive there and back requires around 6 hours, a 2-day safari will be very rushed and is not recommended unless you absolutely cannot extend your trip any longer. A 3-day safari will be more relaxed as it effectively doubles the time you spend in the park, as per our view, 4 days is even better especially if you want to track chimpanzees and visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en-route.
