Best time visiting Murchison Falls National Park

Best time visiting Murchison Falls National Park, the park also known as Kabalega National Park is the largest, stunning, protected area located in northwest Uganda, covering an area of 3,804 square kilometers. It was first gazette in 1927 and is named after the magnificent Murchison Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that is formed as the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gap in the rocks and drops 43 meters below. It’s best to know the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park to effectively plan your safari in Uganda.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, colobus, elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffalos, and many species of antelopes. It is also a birder’s paradise, with over 450 bird species recorded in the area, including the rare shoebill stork. Visitors to Murchison Falls National Park can enjoy a range of activities, such as game drives, boat safaris, and hiking to the top of the falls for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. The park is also home to several local communities, who offer cultural experiences such as traditional dances and crafts.

One of the most popular activities in the park is the boat safari along the Nile River to the base of the falls, where visitors can witness the power and beauty of the waterfall up close. Murchison Falls National Park is enjoyable all year round, through December to February is considered the best time to visit the park. June to September is another great window to visit because there is plenty of sunshine and it rarely rains.

Throughout these months, there’s little rainfall, which means the tracks leading you to wildlife during your game drives remain dry and accessible and spotting animals becomes easier. The park is equatorial, so it’s hot all year round. The temperature ranges between 25-32°C during the day and drops down to 18°C at night.

The temperature in January and February is hot, so be sure to wear light clothes, drink plenty of water and wear sun cream. October through to January are the best months for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, due to the grass being short and fruits starting to ripen. The dry season is also the best time to visit the park if you’re interested in seeing the magnificent Murchison Falls, as the water levels are low, and the falls are at their most impressive.

That being said, if you prefer Uganda bird watching tours, the best time to visit is during the wet season, which runs from March to May and from October to November. During this period, the park is lush and green, and many migratory bird species can be seen in the area.

In conclusion, the best time visiting Murchison Falls National Park is throughout the year. Murchison Falls National Park is a spectacular destination that offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife and nature experience. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences, it is no wonder that this park is one of Uganda’s top tourist attractions.