Accessing Murchison Falls Park by Road: The park can be accessed using different gates, such as Tangi, Chobe, Wankwar, and others

Accessing Murchison Falls Park by Road

April 16, 2024
News Journeys Uganda

Accessing Murchison Falls Park by Road: Accessing Murchison Falls Park by Road: The park can be accessed using different gates such as Tangi, Chobe, Wankwar, and others. The park is home to the impressive Murchison Falls, which is the most powerful waterfall along the Nile River. Visitors can explore the park through alternative means of transport, such as road, water, and air transport. Its situated in the districts of Bulisa, Kiryandongo, and Nwoya in northwest Uganda. Murchison Falls National Park is the country’s largest protected area. Over 3,840 square kilometres, the national park is made up of several vegetation types, including riverine, woodlands, and savannah woodland, which serve as home to a variety of wildlife species. There are 76 different mammal species found in Murchison Falls National Park, including Chimpanzees, Red-tailed Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Olive baboons, blue monkeys, warthogs, Uganda kobs, red-throated bee-eaters, warthogs, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, lions, leopards, hippos, and Nile crocodiles. There are also over 450 different bird species, including the ancient shoebill stork, red-throated bee-eater, and swamp flycatcher, among other species.

Distance, Location, Entry Points

Murchison Falls National Park is located approximately 341 kilometers (212 miles) from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. This park lies in northwestern Uganda, bisected by the Victoria Nile into two sectors, the northern and southern sectors. There are multiple gates in Murchison Falls National Park: Kichumbanyobo and Bugungu Gate in the southern sector, and Chobe, Wankar, and Tangi gate in the northern sector. When travelling by car, it will take you five to six hours to get reach the park headquarters from Kampala or Entebbe via Masindi. When travelling by road, visitors have three options: self-drive, private transportation provided by a licenced tour operator, or public transportation, which consists of taking a bus from Kampala to Masindi town and then catching a taxi to the park’s headquarters. Travellers visiting Murchison Falls National Park by car will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, terrain, and roadside.

Accessing Murchison National Falls Park by road

The park can be accessed by road transport using various entry points, including Kichumbanyobo gate, Masindi south gate, Tangi gate, Chobe gate, and Wankwar gate

Southern Gates

Kichumbanyabo Gate: This gate is situated in the southern sector. To reach it, follow the route from Kampala/Entebbe to Luwero, then Nakasongola, and finally Masindi. From there, proceed to Murchison Falls using either the Kichumbanyabo or Bugungu gate, which takes you through the scenic

Bugungu Gate: Another entry point in the southern sector, this gate is approximately 85 kilometres (53 miles) from Masindi town via the Biso-Bulisa connection.

Northern Gates

Tangi Gate: Situated approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Pakwach, Tangi gate provides access from the western bank of the Albert Nile. It’s about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northeast of Paraa and offers excellent wildlife viewing.

Chobe Gate: About 2 kilometers north of Karuma Bridge, this gate is accessible via the surfaced Kampala-Gulu Road.

This entrance is located 2 kilometers north of Karuma Bridge on the surfaced Kampala-Gulu Road. It’s a convenient route for travelers coming from Kampala, covering approximately 260 kilometers (162 miles) in about 3 hours. If you’re overnighting at Chobe Safari Lodge, this gate is ideal.

Wankwar Gate: Situated about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Purongo, Wankwar gate is convenient for travelers between Paraa and Gulu or Kidepo Valley National Park. The well-surfaced Gulu-Olwiyo road connects to the Karuma-Pakwach road. The total distance from Kampala to Wankwar gate is 324 kilometers (201 miles), taking around 5 hours. From Entebbe, it’s about 370 kilometers (230 miles), roughly a 5–6-hour drive.

Driving Distances

When accessing Murchison Falls Park, the nearest large town, Masindi, is about 72 kilometers (45 miles) from the Kichombonyobo area of the national park. From Kampala, the capital of Uganda, the park is approximately 283 kilometers (176 miles) northwest.

Game Drives:

Embark on thrilling game drives across the park’s grasslands. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the “Big Five”: – Leopards, Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, and Giraffes and many others. The well-maintained road network ensures excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Boat Safaris:

Take a boat safari along the Nile River to the base of the Murchison Falls. These safaris allow you to get up close to a multitude of animals. The falls themselves are a magnificent sight, where the Nile River dramatically narrows and plunges through a narrow gorge.

Birdwatching:

Murchison Falls National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise and the 9th best birding spot in Africa. Exploring the southern sectors of the Budongo Forest and its Royal Mile for exceptional birding experiences offers wonderful chances for the Guinea-Congo Biome endemics. Keep an eye out for the elusive Shoebill towards the delta area, as this park provides one of the best chances in Africa to spot this unique bird.

Cultural Encounters:

Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with the communities near the park. Visit the Aruu Falls Campsite in Angagura, where you can enjoy art, dance, and a rich cultural experience presented by the Village of Lapaya.

Sport Fishing:

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, try your hand at sport fishing in the Nile River. The park offers excellent opportunities for catching various fish species mostly the heavy Nile Perch, Cut Fish, Tiger Fish, Lung Fish, Tilapia and many more fish species mostly along the Victoria Nile.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris:

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a hot-air balloon ride over the park. Witness the stunning landscapes and wildlife from above.

Scenic Stopovers:

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to make stopovers at places like the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can see white Rhinos in Nakasongola district. Spotting these Rhinos means you’re lucky enough to have glimpsed four of the Big Five mammals (Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Leopards) even before entering the park.

Best Time to Visit and Access Murchison Falls Park

Accessing Murchison Falls Park is done all year-round; the dry months from December to February and June to September are ideal for road travel.

During these months, rainfall is minimal, ensuring passable roads (especially marram roads), dry game tracks within the park, and clear views of wildlife.

Remember, whether you choose road or air transport, Murchison Falls National Park offers an unforgettable adventure with its diverse ecosystems, wildlife and magnificent falls.

Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park

When you get to Murchison Falls National Park, you can choose from a variety of lodging options. Paraa Safari Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness lodge, Budongo Eco Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Pakuba Game Lodge, Twiga Tales Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Hornbill Wilderness Lodge Sambiya Safari Lodge and Red Chilli Rest Camp are just a few of the luxurious, midrange, and affordable lodging options available.

Murchison Falls National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife and the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls themselves. Whether you choose road or air travel, your adventure awaits. When accessing Murchison Falls Park, feel at ease exploring the heart of Murchison Falls National Park and tasting its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and captivating landscapes. Enjoy your adventure.

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