Murchison falls National park boat cruise

Murchison falls National park boat cruise : Boat cruise is one of the highlight safari activities to do in Murchison Falls national park on a Uganda safari adventure, boat cruise also known as the launch trip are a great way to enjoy the beautiful in the park from the waters and its animals and get great sights of Murchison Falls the most powerful waterfalls in the world from the bottom.

About Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is among the 10 national parks in Uganda and is known to be the largest park in Uganda covering a total surface area of 3,840 square kilometers, the park is located in the northeastern region of Uganda in Masindi district.

Murchison Falls National Park was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 and it was established as a National Park in 1952 and is also the oldest national park in Uganda.

Murchison Falls National Park was formerly known as Kabalega Falls National Park and its name Murchison Falls was derived from Murchison Falls named by Sir Samuel Baker who named it after Sir Roderick Murchison who was the president of the Royal Geographical society.

The boat cruise/launch cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is offered twice a day from Paraa at 9 am and 2 pm, the cruises are operated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and you will be greeted by an experienced team who will give you a safety briefing about the experience and a life jacket.

Knowledgeable guides are a board on every cruise, they will provide you with a lot of information about Murchison Falls and the park as well, from where Ernest Hemingsway’s plane crashed in 1954 to where the Queen Mother stayed in 1959 when she attended an inaugural cruise.

There are two boat cruises in Murchison Falls National Park that is Albert Delta boat cruise and Launch trip.

ALBERT DELTA

The Albert Delta boat cruise takes from Paraa and slowly floats downstream away from the fierce pull of the Murchison falls stretching to the shores of Lake Albert.

Boat cruise to the Albert delta offers a morning and afternoon session but the afternoon session is the most magical as you are on the river when dusk descends. The delta is enveloped by nature, the vibrant green surroundings become tinged with an orange glow as the sunsets which is a perfect setting for unforgettable photos.

The boat cruise of the Albert Nile is a trip of over 28 kilometers and takes between 4-5 hours, you will enjoy magnificent sounds from a diversity of game and water-life down by the riverbanks. You will also spot water animals such as Nile crocodiles, hippos in the waters and herds of elephants, buffaloes drinking water on the river’s banks.

THE LAUNCH TRIP

The launch trip in Murchison Falls national park leaves from Paraa starting its sail upstream towards the dramatic falls travelling from over 17 kilometers, the trip is approximately 3 hours and you will be encircled by luscious greenery and rugged rocks, peppered with holes created by the rough waters of the Murchison falls.

From the vantage point at the base of the falls, you will witness the power of Murchison falls as waters surges through a narrow 7 – metres gorge with a thunderous roar and great force which makes the surrounding to tremble. On clear days, the spray of the water falls interacts with sunlight to produce a rainbow that envelopes the falls adding to the beauty and making for perfect photo opportunities.

There are also specialist boat trips and private waterfall cruises in Murchison Falls National Park

Specialist Boat Trips

The private boat cruise on the river exclusively for activities and timings to suit you, this types of trips are combined with fishing, bird watching or simply scenic viewings as you such for the animals en-route. During the trip, your guide can show you special places for a stop off and walk or moor up for a while and enjoy your sundowners, all you have to do is let us know your wishes and they will be accommodated.

Private Waterfall Cruises

Private waterfall cruises in Murchison Falls National Park is an excellent opportunity for viewing the large resident populations of hippos and crocodiles as well as ther wildlife and extensive birdlife including a wide range of water birds and a huge colony of cliff – nesting red throated bee – eaters along the way.

Private waterfall cruises are offered in a private boat on the river exclusively for activities and timings to suit your preference and interests. Some fishing combined with bird viewing or enjoy scenic beauty from the boat in search for animals long the banks of the river.

Your guide can show you special places for a stop off and walk or moor up for a while and enjoy your sun downers.

The Cost of Boat Cruises in Murchison Falls National Park

Boat cruises in Murchison Falls National park costs $ 30 per person, this cost is exclusive of refreshments however drinks are offered to all passengers on board for a reasonable fee.

During the dry season which is also the peak season in Murchison Falls National Park, here is a high demand for boat cruses so you will need to make your arrangements in advance.

The best time to go for boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

The best time to do a boat cruise during the dry season which is December through to February and June through to September.

Murchison Falls National Park is found in one of the hottest regions in Uganda and the temperatures range between 25-32°C.