Getting to Murchison Falls National Park : Murchison Falls National Park Uganda boasts in the largest and most popular National Park with wildlife lovers, adventurous and nature lovers. Boasting the rumbling Murchison Falls where the Nile, the world’s longest river, is forced through a narrow gorge before falling in a foaming bowl below. Uganda’s mighty Park incorporates a breathtaking variety of wildlife and gorgeous scenery. In order to get live contact with this kind of scenery, there is a certain procedure that has to be passed through before arriving at the place. This guide includes a detailed description of the ways to get to Murchison Falls National Park by car or by plane.
By Road: The most popular and cheap way of getting to Murchison falls National Park is by road transport. This way displays Uganda’s beautiful country side. The park is located about 305km north western Uganda, a 4 to 6 hours’ drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. There are several routes to reach Murchison Falls National Park, each offering its own unique experience;
Kampala via Masindi to Kichumbanyobo Gate: This is the most common and probably the easiest way to pursue the degree. From Kampala, it takes you to Masindi where by you will have to go through the Kichumbanyobo Gate which is the main one to the park. By this route the terrain is well preserved for game viewing and the countryside of Uganda is breathtaking. Kampala to Masindi is a tared road but the last few kilometers before reaching the park is a rather bumpy and dusty road especially when it is dry.
Kampala via Karuma Falls to Tangi Gate: This route is especially suitable when one is coming from the northern part of Uganda. This one passes through the Karuma falls taking the Tangi gate near Pakwach entering Murchison Falls National Park. This route offers excellent view of the Nile River and you can make a stop to view Karuma Falls.
Kampala via Gulu via Purongo to Tangi Gate: The second route is to drive from Kampala to Gulu, Purongo and enter through the Tangi gate to the park. Although longer, the route is preferred by travelers heading to northern Uganda or else coming from Gulu.
Road Conditions and vehicle choices
The approaches to Murchison Falls National Park would be a mix of tarmac and other roads that are murram, which have basically not been fixed. The bad road network also deters residents and investors because during the rainy season (March to May and October to November) they becomes muddy. The use of a 4×4 vehicle is desirable, particularly if the visitor wants to get to the park during the wet season. Most car rental firms in Kampala have 4 X 4 cars and it is easy to get a driver or a safari guide if you are not comfortable with self-drive arrangements.
The fourth way is by using a public transport which, while acceptable for some people, is less convenient if the travel is on a very tight budget. Travelers can easily secure buses that ply between Kampala and Masindi which is a bird’s stop over to the park, on arriving in the park one has to hire local taxi or boda boda to get to the park. Please bear in mind that when travelling by public transport, this can often be less reliable and may need more thought.
Self-Driving versus Tour Operating
Self-Driving: If the use of car attracts you and you are not a bit nervous to drive in other countries, self- driving is the best way to take a tour on Murchison Falls National Park at your terms. It is recommended to also have either a GPS guide or map, since signs within the park may not always be well placed. Furthermore, having extra fuel is required, since one can hardly find a fuel station in the area.
Tour Operator: Stress free event could be experienced by taking a tour from a licensed safari tour service provider. Package tours are available from the tour operators accompanied with transport, guided game drives as well as boat safaris that make organizing of your trip more convenient. Most operators also include knowledgeable guides who add value to your trip by enlightening you about the wildlife and history of the park.
By Road; People who wish to avoid the long journey in a bus but take a shorter, more comfortable one are advised to fly to Murchison Falls National Park. Internal flights can be from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to the Airstrips found in the nearby. This is good for those who are short on time or they don’t wish to endure bumpy rides.
Airlines and Flight Details: Aero link Uganda and Fly Uganda having the domestic airline business have been deemed to have chartered and scheduled flights that are usually 1 hour long, and the aircrafts are relatively small to carry about 11 to 19 passengers. These flights offer incredible views of the rolling sugar coated countryside of Uganda, the Nile and the green of the park.
Some of the familiar airstrips include the Pakuba Airstrip, the Bugungu Airstrip and the Chobe Airstrip. The most accessible airstrip for reaching the northern area of the park is Pakuba Airstrip whereas Bugungu and Chobe airstrips are nearer to southern part of the park and the Nile.
Transfers from the Airstrip
When you arrive at one of these airstrips you require a transfer to your lodge or a guided tour in the park. Some lodges use contractors to pick their guests and everybody should confirm with their lodge of choice on this service
Entry Fees and Permits
Getting to Murchison Falls National Park requires one to pay an entry fee that is controlled by Uganda Wildlife Authority. As of the latest updates:
Foreign nonresidents: $45 per adult per day
Foreign residents: $35 per adult per day
East African citizens: UGX 25,000 per adult per day
