Game drives at Murchison Falls National Park

The game drives at Murchison Falls National Park are the most significant and memorable aspect of any safari, as is the case in other national parks and protected areas. Murchison Falls National Park is the sole designated region where one has the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” wildlife of Africa. Although the black rhinos have become extinct in Kidepo, this is due to the presence of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park is renowned as the premier national park in Uganda because to its exceptional array of attractions, including the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, diverse wildlife, and many bird species, among other notable features.

Murchison Falls National Park is situated in the northeastern part of Uganda, specifically in the northwest of Kampala. Murchison Falls National Park is the most expensive national park in Uganda, succeeded by Queen Elizabeth National Park. The name “Murchison Falls National Park” is derived from the renowned Murchison Falls, which were named after a geologist from the Royal Geographical Society during the 18th century. Murchison Falls National Park is a constituent of the largest conservation area in Uganda known as Murchison Falls Conservation Area. This is mostly due to the fact that Murchison Falls National Park serves as a habitat for a diverse array of unique wildlife species and endemic avian species.

The game drives in Murchison Falls National Park primarily take place in the northern region of the park. The northern section of Murchison Falls National Park is mostly characterized by expansive savannah grasslands and compact savannah forest shrubs. Nevertheless, there are activities conducted in the southern region of Murchison Falls National Park, regardless of its dense forest cover. Game drives are more favorable in open terrain as it provides unobstructed visibility of the animals, as opposed to shaded forested regions.

Experience a 9-day wildlife safari in Murchison Falls, Kidepo, and Pian Upe. Enjoy thrilling game drives and track various wildlife species.
The primary method for conducting game drives in Murchison Falls is through the use of the Buligi track, which is a triangular grassland area bordered by the River Nile. The most exceptional game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are conducted in the buligi area. Buligi offers many opportunities to observe a diverse array of wildlife, including hartebeests, crocodiles along the banks of the Nile River, jackals, hyenas, lions, leopards, buffaloes, water bucks, warthogs, bush hicks, Rothschild’s giraffes, hippos, bush bucks, and more.

At Nyamsika cliff, one may observe many species, including buffaloes and antelopes, which in turn attract predators such as lions. Nyamusika Cliff is an excellent location for birdwatching, allowing you to observe many bird species such as the bee-eater, Egyptian plover, and Nahan’s francolin.

Additional game routes in Murchison Falls National Park include the Victoria Truck near the Victoria Nile. This region provides an excellent opportunity to observe the wildlife. The presence of water sources attracts a variety of animals and water fowl, making it convenient to observe a wide diversity of wildlife along the Nile. The game drives at Murchison Falls National Park also encompass the Albert Delta, where one may observe various water birds and animals, including buffalo herds, crocodiles, lions, and Rothschild’s giraffes, among others.

What is the optimal timing for a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park?

The optimal period for game drives in Murchison Falls National Park is typically during the dry season, which spans from December to February. During this time, animals congregate near the primary water sources to satisfy their thirst. The dry season is distinguished by the presence of short, dry grass on the open savannah of the buligi game drive trails. This facilitates wildlife viewing more effectively compared to the thick grass in the wet season.

In Murchison Falls National Park, you have the option to participate in either the morning or evening game drive shifts. The optimal time for a game drive at Murchison Falls National Park is in the morning, specifically at 7:00 am. This is a favorable opportunity to witness the majestic big cats emerging from their hiding places and preparing for their daily hunt. It is important to mention that if you have stayed in a different lodge in the southern region of Murchison Falls, you may be required to utilize a ferry in order to travel to the northern side for your wildlife drive.

In contrast, the evening game drive commences at 4:00 and spans a duration of 3 to 4 hours, providing ample opportunity to observe grazing animals like as buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes, among others. If you are fortunate, you may have the opportunity to observe the lions surveilling their prey in Buligi. Additionally, it is possible to observe the game at Murchison Falls National Park from a hot air balloon, which offers a significantly more thrilling and daring opportunity for wildlife observation. The game drive in Murchison Falls offers a unique opportunity to experience the untamed wilderness of Uganda’s game parks and witness the majestic presence of Africa’s iconic “big five” species.