Boat Cruise Safari on the River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park : Murchison Falls National Park is a beautiful Uganda safari destination with some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, the park includes the most powerful waterfalls, Victoria Nile and the vast savannah plains.
Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley where bounding escarpments fade into the vast expanses of North Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park was gazetted in 1952 covering an area of 3,860 square kilometers making it the largest protected area in Uganda, the park is bisected by The Victoria Nile for 100 kilometers as it flows west from Karuma Falls to the Albert Nile. On the extreme edge of the rift, the Nile River squeezes through a 6 – meter ravine with a thundering force finally tumbling 50 meters down to form Murchison Falls – the world’s most powerful falls.
Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most remarkable safari activities offering visitors a chance to see the aquatic wildlife.
Boat cruise safari is the most popular Uganda safari activity in Murchison Falls National Park, the cruises start at Paraa and are operated by Uganda Wildlife Authority – the management Authority of the park, Paraa Safari Lodge and Wildlife Frontiers.
How Long are boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls and What to Expect
Boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park to the bottom of the falls take approximately 2 – 3 hours of immersing yourself in the beauty of the river and enjoying sightings of various wildlife including crocodiles, hippos, antelopes and elephants common on the shores of the channel drinking water.
All through the cruise, your guide will be explaining to you the various animal habitats, how they feed, their weight, gestation period and so much more.
The boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is not only enjoyable but also an informative experience fitting for all age groups. Also, visitors get to interact with fellow tourists from different parts of the world who are also enjoying the boat cruise.
Another interest thing about the boat cruise is enjoying sights of the Victoria Nile where Ernest Hemingway – an American Author had a plane cruise together with his wife. They have visited Murchison Falls with intension of taking pictures of the falls, their plane crushed and another at their rescue barely made it for takeoff when it crushed too. This is an interest story that your tour guide will tell you in details which will amaze you.
The boat cruise takes you closer to the spectacular Murchison Falls, here you will take many beautiful pictures of the waterfalls. Your drive will pick you up from the top of the falls since you do not go back with the boat cruise.
You can also do a Murchison Falls Boat cruise to the Lake Albert Delta, this is the most popular boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park taking you up the river to the bottom of Murchison Falls and is often combined with a hike to the top of the Murchison Falls.
Also, there is another boat cruise that goes all the way down the stream to the delta point where the Nile joins Lake Albert. A slow sail down the calm Nile after ranging through the falls is great for birding and watching several wildlife species along the river bank.
This boat cruise is perfect for bird lovers as you will spot various water species including the Shoebills in the marshes at the Delta.
How to prepare for the Boat Cruises in Murchison Falls National Park
Boat cruises in Murchison Falls National Park do not require much preparation, you can dress as casual as you wish. Depending on the weather, you can take put on a light clothing or warm clothing. It is important to take note of the weather patterns in Uganda.
You need shade
If you have sensitive skin, you will need to apply sunscreen
