Among all the national parks in Uganda, Murchison falls is the largest and it is the only national park where river Nile runs through, dissecting it into 2 regions, northern and southern. Murchison falls national park is found in the north western direction of Uganda, about 315km from Kampala and the journey is approximately 5 hours’ drive by road. Most travelers get onto this popular Nile cruise in Murchison falls knowing that they will spot the stunning aquatic wild. Though you can’t fully predict in which manner you will find them. That’s the beauty of a Nile cruise at any day in Murchison falls national park.
It is always an amazing journey and you can’t compare it with any boat cruise in the world. For safety you’re assured as a life jacket is given to everyone and a little briefing right before you begin the Nile cruise on the waters in Murchison falls national park.
Boat Trips Along the Nile
One of the best ways to witness the fascinating the mighty Murchison falls is by taking on a boat cruise upstream from Paraa and get impressive front view of the falls a must see for every guest to the park. This activity takes approximately 4 – 5 hours, the incredible thing you can’t tell how time will run so fast because you will get lost into viewing the magnificent sceneries and also spotting the Nile Crocodiles, Hippos and multiple wildlife on the shores of the river.
The boat departs twice a day both morning and afternoon but, birders enjoy the morning hours ride down stream to the Nile Lake Albert providing opportunities of sighting the rare beautiful shoebill. The five hour boat trip unveils not only the park bird species but also hippos, elephants and other wildlife. Still afternoon is fun for nature lovers and allows all age to take part. Its upstream provides mind blowing views to tourists who enjoy and witnessing the fight between water and rocks as it squeezes each other to the bottom.
Several arrangements are made at the park even for private rides. Booking your space in advance is important because tickets for this boat cruise get filled up. If your trip is organized by a travel agency no need to bather because agents book earlier than anyone in order to ensure their clients safety. Depending on the schedule of the boat cruise, one can use the other time to explore the park without missing out the Budongo chimpanzee sanctuary found close to the wildlife paradise area. Ensure to get to the park with a private safari vehicle the best way to move around and to be in a right place at aright time. Eats and drinks are always provided by your lodge of residence that is if you cleared for full board basis but for other meal arrangements, one need to buy eats and drinks at the park lodge restaurants.
The overall duration for the afternoon boat cruise which is everyone’s favorite is 2 hours starting from 2.00pm -4.00pm local time. The tour ends with a simple hike to the top of the falls a point where you can view the entire water fall and get the best photo shoots ever. Many enjoy this adventure during Uganda wildlife trip to Murchison falls National Park, the largest conservation area in Uganda.
How to Pay for a Boat
The Nile cruise in Murchison falls is at $30 per person and what’s more interesting is that refreshments are always available on board at very affordable price. All the cruises have a fixed schedule every day, so you’re free to choose between a morning or afternoon Nile cruise. Usually the morning Nile cruise begin at 9am and the afternoon Nile cruise start at 2pm. Payments are made to the trip organizers at the time of booking and tourist wait for just the right time to come for the trip. However if travelling on your own, payments are made directly to the boat cruise management team.
Safety on the Cruises
No tragedy has ever been recorded during the so many Nile cruises that have been done before. It is always a good practice to make sure you are safe during the Nile cruise in Murchison falls national park, so great caution is always taken right before you get on board.
Besides enjoying the Nile cruise, it is also an informative activity for all age groups. Still this activity gives you a chance to interact with other people from different parts of the world who are enjoying the Nile cruise like you. Meeting new people and being drawn under a common cause, tourism and more so cramped comfortably in one boat and just being able to share in the passion you both have for nature.
Conclusion
The Nile cruise takes you closer to the spectacular Murchison falls, here you can get out and take plenty of pictures with falls in the background. Hence giving the most exciting experience which will keep in your brain for years. You can also choose to hike to top of the Murchison falls which is highly recommended as you will get to enjoy the best view of the spectacular waterfalls. It is a must for you to speak with your tour driver who is supposed to pick you from top of the falls since you don’t go back with the boat cruise.
It doesn’t matter what you have heard or what your past experience was like, it is a sure deal Nile cruise in Murchison falls national park get more and more interesting with new adventure. Besides Nile cruise, Murchison falls has multiple activities that you can choose from while on a Uganda safari through the Murchison Falls National Park, the most popular of all Uganda’s national parks.