Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

The Gem on the Nile River”!!! Murchison Falls National Park is set apart as one of the most beautiful Nature Sanctuaries on Planet Earth.  Occupying a total are of 3,840 km², Murchison Falls is the largest National Park in Uganda. Crediting it to the park’s indescribable natural beauty, Murchison Falls was recognized as a National Park in 1952 after it was earlier on gazette as a game-reserve in 1926. Murchison Falls (locally known as Kabalega Falls) goes from being about a kilometer wide river and funnels through and 8m gorge!! It roars at a terrific speed and settles at the “Devil’s Cauldron” forming spectacular rainbow patterns.

The only National Park crossed by the Mighty Nile River, Murchison Falls N.P. is a haven to 76 Mammal Species. The members of the wild animals in this park are Elephants, Nile Crocodiles, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Nile Buffaloes, Hippos, Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Lions, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Bush-bucks and Jackson’s Hartebeest among others can be seen during game-drives and Waterfall Boat-launches. On the south-bank, primates such as Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Grey-cheeked Mangbeys and Red-tailed monkeys among others wander and reign in the Kanio Pabidi Rainforest.

Avid birdwatchers marvel at the 451 recorded species in this Park. Along the Nile, they can spot the rare Shoe-bill Stork, African Fish Eagles, Pied Kingfishers, Grey Herons, Species of Egrets, Pied Kingfishers, Goliath Heron and the Saddle-billed stork among others. Forest Birds such as the chocolate-backed kingfisher, white-thighed hornbill and the Pulvels Illadopsis (specific to Murchison Falls in the whole of East Africa).

Apart from Game-drives, Boat Launches to the Delta Section and the iconic Waterfall Boat, and the Hike to the Top of Spectacular Murchison Falls, Murchison Falls is one of the few Parks in East Africa with Sport-fishing activity. The Nile Perch is one of the sought-after fish-species that can weight over 100kgs. Others are Cat Fish and Tiger fish plus many other smaller species.

With events like the shooting of “The African Queen Movie” in 1951 featuring Humphrey Bogart and the visit of influential figures like Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway and Theodore Roosevelt, Murchison Falls National Park has a mark in modern history.

The Gem on the Nile River”!!! Murchison Falls National Park is set apart as one of the most beautiful Nature Sanctuaries on Planet Earth.  Occupying a total are of 3,840 km², Murchison Falls is the largest National Park in Uganda. Crediting it to the park’s indescribable natural beauty, Murchison Falls was recognized as a National Park in 1952 after it was earlier on gazette as a game-reserve in 1926. Murchison Falls (locally known as Kabalega Falls) goes from being about a kilometer wide river and funnels through and 8m gorge!! It roars at a terrific speed and settles at the “Devil’s Cauldron” forming spectacular rainbow patterns.

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
  • Transportation to and from!!
  • Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
  • Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
  • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
  • First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
  • All the required permits and paperwork

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare
  • Visa Charges
  • Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
  • Your travel and medical insurance
  • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
  • Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
  • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
  • Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.

Frequently asked Questions

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda