Game Drive Safaris in Murchison Falls National Park
Game Drive Safaris in Murchison Falls National Park: Situated in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is considered one of Africa’s best regards to its variety of wildlife. Established from the water feature of the powerful Murchison Falls where the Nile River bursts through a narrow gorge, The park covers an area of about 3,893 square Kilometers and has a variety of wild animals such as the Big Five, among others. A wholesome game drive requires one to be fitted with a pair of binoculars to scout the park that covers Murchison Falls National Park and its environs. The following is what you are likely to encounter during your game drive safari in this outstanding park.
Overview of Murchison Falls National Park
Geography and Ecosystem
Murchison Falls National park has different habitats of land, which are savannah, woodland, wetland, and riverine. The park is roughly divided along by the Nile River Where the river then flows over a massive escarpment to produce the famous Murchison Falls, otherwise known as the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’. The park has various microecology systems that make it a center for diverse wildlife hence the game reserve.
Wildlife
The park boasts an impressive range of wildlife, including;
– Mammals: Elephants lions, leopards, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Uganda Kobs, Warthogs, Hippos, Nile crocodiles.
– Birds: More than 450 avian species, of which include; Shoebill stork, African fish eagle, Goliath heron, and grey crowned crane.
– Primates: Game that is commonly sighted in the park includes chimpanzees and other primates in the park’s forests; these are found in the Budongo Forest.
Game Drive Experience
Morning and Evening Drives
From the above description of game drives, it is realized that game drives within Murchison Falls National Park are conducted at dawn and dusk. Morning drives are usually in the early morning, from sunrise up to mid morning so that it can enable one to see animals that are resulting from their activities at night and animals that are starting their activities in the morning. The evening drives give a great opportunity to see the vanishing sunset and the animals getting set for the night.
Northern Sector
Around Buligi game tracks specifically in the northern part of the park is the most favoured area for game drives. This region is characterized by open savannah and rolling plains where visibility is good hence making it easier to view the animals. It is in this part of the Buligi area that game is said to be most concentrated, a fact that makes this part of the park a very good place to spot large mammals.
Southern Sector
The southern part of the park is comparatively more closed with more trees giving you a less explored experience for game viewing. The growth of vegetation here can be thicker in some areas making the spotting of animals somewhat slightly harder but worth the effort.
Nile Delta
Another region to consider for game drives is the region around the Nile delta. This area is a birding destination and presents a view of the aquatic related animals such as hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. The delta’s scenic beauty therefore brings about extra magnetism to the game drive sentiments.
Highlights of a Game Drive Safari
The Big Five
Murchison Falls National Park is home to four of the Big Five: The fauna of this park includes lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, etc. For Big Five lovers, the park is attractive because rhinoceros is missing, but other four are present there.
Rothschild’s Giraffes
Among the attractions sought in Murchison Falls during game drives is the Rothschild’s giraffe, which is described as one of the substrains of giraffes on the vulnerable list. This park is home to quite a number of these magnificent cats and one can often sight them in the northern region.
Predators in Action
Watching the hunters at work is always the most exciting part of the game drive, I suppose. Tigers, though not so frequent in the park, if spotted, one could get to see a pride hunting or resting in the crescendo of trees. Leopards are also known to be the same although they are more scarce and can at time be seen dozing off in trees.
Abundant Herbivores
The park is has many of the large herbivores like elephants, buffaloes, hartebeests, Uganda kobs, and warthogs. These animals are mostly found grazing in the open country or around the water sources and this will give you the best shots.
Bird Watching
It can be described a dream come true for bird lovers particularly when in Murchison Falls National Park. Game drives also present excellent opportunities for bird watching as do the proper bird watching tours.
Other Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Boat Safaris on the Nile
Among the most preferred tours in Murchison Falls National Park is a boat ride on the Nile River. Such activities include taking a climax to a viewpoint near the base of the Murchison Falls, where one can appreciate the push of the largest of Uganda’s rivers through a narrow gorge. During the course of the hike, one is likely to encounter giants such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants not forgetting the various bird species. Sunset boat tours are also very appealing due to the beauty of the sceneries and the ideal places for taking photos.
Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls
If you wish to shift your gaze, go for a trek to the summit of Murchison Falls. This trail provides an opportunity to view the entire park and the Nile River most especially in the evening. At the top you make yourself feel the energetic force of the falls and get stunning views of the vista zones. This hike is generally moderate but has its own thrilling experience as an addition to the game drive. Very enjoyable.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest
Achwang is another type of forest and this is found at the interface of southern part of Murchison Falls National Park and this is bonded by Budongo Forest that harbors the chimpanzees. Tours to track the chimpanzees give the tourists a chance to view these marvelous beings in their natural environment. Other wildlife and birds are also found in large numbers in the forest; thus, a visit is highly recommended during your safari trip.
Fishing on the Nile
There are people who like to fish and for such people, fishing in the Nile River is one of the best things to do. Currently, this river supports number of fish species among them is Nile perch, the largest which can be over 100 kilograms. Angling, cruises and boat availability can be arranged through the local fishing charter operators, resulting to leisurely boat rides.
Conclusion
Sporting activities especially the game drive tours are among the magical experiences that take place in Murchison Falls National Park that presents one of the most diverse and scenic natural terrains in Africa. With its great number of the animals, such as lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, Buffaloes and especially the rare Rothschild’s giraffe; combined with interesting geographical features such as the River Nile, Murchison Falls offering the best of a true African wild experience. Game drives should be accompanied by boat safaris, hiking, tracking of chimpanzees and discovering the cultural side of this incredible location.
