Big 5 Photography Safaris in Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda boasts a remarkable collection of the Big 5 animals, including Rhinos, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Elephants. If you’re interested in captivating Big 5 Photography Safaris, Uganda is the perfect destination. This safari offers a unique opportunity to trek Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and encounter the remaining four members of the Big 5 in Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. These exceptional locations not only allow you to witness the Big 4 animals but also provide remarkable wildlife encounters.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to an array of diverse wildlife species. With over 76 mammal species and 451 bird species, you can spot Buffaloes, Elephants, Jackson hartebeests, Antelopes, Lions, Kobs, Giraffes, Hyenas, Bushbucks, Shoebill storks, Warthogs, and more. These magnificent creatures inhabit the sprawling Savannah grasslands, engaging in grazing or hunting activities. The park’s breathtaking landscape creates an ideal backdrop for wildlife viewing, making the game drives in Murchison Falls National Park a truly worthwhile experience.
The game drives commence in the early morning, usually around 6:00 am, offering the best chance to spot elusive cats until evening. These drives can be enjoyed at any time of the day and primarily take place in the Northern Part of the Park along the Victoria, Albert, and Buligi Tracks. Our safari vehicles are equipped with pop-up roofs, providing clear visibility even from a distance and ensuring excellent photographic opportunities. Your knowledgeable driver guide will assist in identifying the diverse range of animals and birds encountered during your leisurely exploration.
How are game drives in Murchison Falls National Park?
Investing in yourself through the payment of entrance fees for the Game drive in Murchison Falls National Park is a rewarding experience. It grants you the opportunity to witness captivating wildlife and indulge in the breathtaking African wilderness scenery. The money you contribute also plays a significant role in the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of their natural habitat within Murchison Falls National Park. Consequently, the expenditure on game drives becomes a worthy investment.
Furthermore, the funds allocated to game drives and park entrance fees also bring substantial benefits to the local communities residing near and within Murchison Falls National Park. This support fosters a sense of responsibility among the locals, encouraging them to actively participate in the conservation and protection of the park’s wildlife. A noteworthy aspect is the 20% allocation from the park entrance fees, which directly benefits the local communities. This allocation is utilized for various purposes, including direct payments to community members serving on lead committees, as well as indirect investments in infrastructure, projects, education, healthcare facilities, and agricultural initiatives. Consequently, the money spent on game drives in Murchison Falls National Park becomes even more valuable, as it contributes to enhancing the livelihoods and overall well-being of the local communities.
What is the cost of game drives in Murchison falls National Park?
When visiting Murchison Falls National Park, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of game drive schedules as part of your planned itinerary. You can opt for morning, afternoon, evening, and even night game drives to fully immerse yourself in the park’s offerings. Keep in mind that engaging in multiple game drives may require extending your stay accordingly.
To participate in the game drives within Murchison Falls National Park, it is necessary to pay park entrance fees. For non-foreign residents, the fee stands at USD 40 per person. Night game drives, on the other hand, incur a separate charge of USD 40 per person per day for foreigners, and UGX 40,000 per person per day for East Africans. For day game drives, foreigners are required to pay USD 30 per person per day, while East Africans are charged UGX 30,000 per person per day. These fees can be paid directly to the Uganda Wildlife Authority either at the park headquarters or their head office.
Please note that the payment of these fees allows you to access and enjoy the remarkable game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, ensuring a fulfilling and memorable wildlife experience.
Best time to book the Big 5 Photography Safaris in Uganda
The optimal period for engaging in Big 5 Photography Safaris in Uganda is during the dry season, which typically occurs from June to September and December to February annually. However, it’s important to note that Murchison Falls National Park remains accessible and captivating throughout the year. Regardless of the season, you will have the opportunity to witness wildlife and partake in exhilarating safaris.
That being said, the dry seasons are particularly advantageous for wildlife sightings when compared to the wet seasons. The scarcity of rainfall during these times makes it easier to spot and photograph the Big 5 and other remarkable wildlife species in Murchison Falls National Park. The drier conditions provide increased visibility and make it more likely to encounter a diverse range of animals during your safari expedition.
Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets for your safari adventure. Whether you prefer high-end luxury or more affordable choices, there is something for everyone. It is important to consider the proximity of the lodges to the airstrip you’ll be using for convenient access. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, and Bakers Lodge are excellent options to consider. These lodges provide top-notch amenities and services to ensure a truly memorable stay. For a midrange budget, Kabalega Wilderness Camp, Para Safari Lodge, and Murchison River Lodge are great choices. These lodges offer comfortable accommodations and a range of facilities to enhance your safari experience.
If you’re on a tighter budget, there are several budget lodges available, such as Pakuba Safari Lodge, Twiga Tales Safari Lodge, and Red Chili Hideaway Lodge, among others. These lodges provide affordable yet decent accommodations without compromising on your overall experience.
Feel free to reach out to us with your preferred lodge, and we’ll be happy to tailor your itinerary accordingly or provide suggestions that best match your budget and preferences.
How to get to Murchison Falls National Park
There are two main road routes to reach Murchison Falls National Park. The first option is to take the Kampala-Masindi highway and then connect to the park. Alternatively, you can take the Kampala-Gulu highway and then connect to the park via Pakuba. Both routes provide access to the park by road.
If you prefer to travel by air, there are daily scheduled flights available to Murchison Falls National Park. Domestic airlines such as Aero Link Uganda Limited and Fly Uganda offer these flights, which depart from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airfield. The flights will take you to either Pakuba or Chobe Airstrip, from where you can drive to your lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. The duration of the drive to your lodge will vary depending on the specific lodge you are staying at, but it generally takes around 1 to 30 minutes
Why book Big 5 Photography Safaris in Uganda with Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd?
At Iconic Africa Safaris, we specialize in creating personalized safaris specifically designed for Murchison Falls National Park. Our dedicated team takes great pride in their work, ensuring that your inquiries are promptly addressed within 30 minutes by our professional tour consultants. With their expertise, they will craft a tailored travel plan, answer any questions you may have, and handle all your bookings in advance to ensure a seamless experience. Additionally, we offer highly knowledgeable safari guides who can accommodate your language preferences. Your satisfaction is our priority, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on our captivating Big 5 Photography Safaris in Uganda.