Visiting the Boomu Women’s Group Near Murchison Falls
Boomu Women’s Group sits about 21 kilometers from Masindi town. It is a perfect stop for cultural lovers visiting Uganda. You will find Boomu at the edge of Murchison Falls National Park. This park is the biggest in Uganda and home to the world’s strongest waterfalls. If you are entering Murchison through Kichumbanyobo Gate, you will pass by Boomu Bandas. It is easy to stop for a cultural walk or even spend a night. The place offers clean and comfortable bandas for visitors on safari or forest tours in Budongo.
Boomu means “togetherness” in the local language. The group works together to support families and the community. It is a proud member of the Uganda Community Tourism Association (UCOTA).
Boomu Women Group Cultural Experience
At Boomu, you will enjoy real Ugandan village life. Women share their traditions through food, farming, crafts, and storytelling. You can join cooking classes, basket weaving, or farming sessions. Visitors learn how people live, work, and celebrate in this part of Uganda. You will taste local dishes cooked on wood fires. You will also see gardens where the food is grown. Traditional songs and dances are part of the experience. Children and adults perform with great pride. Spending a night here gives you more time to enjoy village life under the stars.
Other Things to Do in Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park sits in northwestern Uganda. It takes about four to five hours to drive from Kampala. The park was named a World Heritage Site in 1991.There is a lot to do inside and around the park. Wildlife lovers, bird watchers, and adventurers will find many activities.
Game Drives in Murchison Falls
Game drives are the best way to see animals in the park. The drives take you through different areas like savannah, wetlands, and woodlands. During the drives, you will spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, and leopards. Other animals like warthogs, waterbucks, oribis, and Uganda kobs often appear too. The best times for game drives are early morning or late afternoon. Animals move more during the cooler hours. The delta area near the river is also a good spot to see animals grazing. Game drives happen on both the north and south banks of the park. You can choose morning, afternoon, night drives, or even a hot air balloon safari.
Boat Cruise on the Nile
The boat cruise offers a closer look at the falls. You start from the calm waters of the Victoria Nile. The boat moves upstream towards the base of the roaring Murchison Falls. Along the way, you see hippos, crocodiles, and many birds resting along the riverbanks. You will witness the crushing white water hitting the cliffs with great force. It forms a loud roar and often a beautiful rainbow in the mist. Booking your boat trip early helps you get a better seat. Many tour operators include this in their safari packages. For nature lovers, a full-day trip with a boat cruise and a nature walk is very rewarding.
Bird Watching
Murchison Falls National Park is a bird lover’s dream. Over 451 bird species live here. Bird watching is best during the early morning or evening. The Paraa and ferry crossing areas are great starting points. Birds you might see include the Abyssinian ground hornbill, giant kingfisher, and black-billed barbet. You may also spot the rare shoebill stork along riverbanks and swampy areas. Using a 4×4 vehicle with an open roof will give you better views. Guides often know where to find the rare birds.
Nature Walks
Nature walks show you hidden beauty that is missed during game drives. Guided walks happen in Rabongo, Kaniyo Pabidi, and Budongo forests. The forests have tall mahogany trees and are home to chimpanzees. You also might see black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and baboons. Other animals include small antelopes like duikers and shrubbacks. Bird lovers may spot the chocolate-backed kingfisher and white-thighed hornbill during walks. You will also enjoy the stunning views at the top of Murchison Falls. Here, the Nile squeezes through a narrow gap with huge power. Walks also happen around Paraa, offering views of rolling savannah and low hills. You will experience the quiet beauty of the park on foot.
Sport Fishing
Sport fishing is a fun activity along the Victoria Nile. Many travelers enjoy catching large fish species. You might catch Nile perch, catfish, tilapia, tigerfish and electric catfish. Some travelers bring their own fishing gear, but guides are available too. Fishing happens mostly in the evenings when fish are more active. The river provides a peaceful but exciting fishing experience for those who love the sport.
How to Get to Murchison Falls
By Road
Driving is the most common way to reach the park. It takes about four to five hours from Kampala. You pass through beautiful countryside and small towns like Masindi. From Masindi, you continue to the park’s southern gates like Kichumbanyobo or Bugungu. Roads are generally good but a 4×4 vehicle is best for the dirt roads inside the park.
By Air
Flying saves time if you prefer a quicker journey. Scheduled flights leave from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airstrip. You land at Pakuba, Bugungu, or Chobe airstrips inside or near the park. Iconic Africa Safaris often arranges pickups from the airstrip to your lodge. Flying gives you a great view of Uganda’s landscape from above.
