Murchison Falls National Park Boat Cruise in 2025: The boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the main highlights of a Uganda safari to the park. boat cruise trip is also referred to the Launch trip conducted along the Victoria Nile to the bottom of the falls or through the Nile delta. Boat cruise safaris at Murchison falls national park normally conducted and stars at Paara. Murchison Falls national park is one of Uganda’s first national parks established in 1952. The park is encompassing of savanna and Borassus palms, acacia trees, and riverine woodland. The south is dominated by woodland and forest patches. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centerpiece of the park and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. More so, the park is home to over 144 mammals,556 bird species,51 reptiles, and 51 Amphibians. With a great number of African elephants, Murchison falls is impressive all year round.
Boat Cruise to the Bottom of Murchison Falls
Embarking on a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is an unforgettable adventure. As the boat glides over the calm waters of the Victoria Nile, the surrounding scenery unfolds, showcasing lush green banks and towering trees. The air is filled with the sweet sounds of birds chirping, and the rhythmic splash of water from the paddles. A boat cruise to the bottom of the falls in Murchison Falls National Park gives you an opportunity to see several large water mammals including hippos, and land mammals like herds of elephants, and buffaloes among others that come to drink, feed, and bathe around the shores.
On reaching the base of the falls, you’re greeted by a breathtaking view. Water cascades dramatically over the rocky cliffs, sending up a mist that creates shimmering rainbows in the sunlight. You will have a chance to see the Hippos in the water and on the shores, Crocodiles, Birds, and other wildlife on the shores of the river as they drink water or even rest, and other aquatic animals. The experience is both exhilarating and peaceful, allowing you to soak in the raw beauty of nature.
A boat cruise at the park is normally conducted in a Launch Cruise and you will join other visitors the guide will help spot and identify the animals as you take pictures, and record videos, the views of the falls while at the bottom is breathtaking, and hearing the sound roars of the falls. The cruise takes 2 hours though you can opt to pay more for extra hours.
Boat Cruise to the Albert Nile Delta
The boat cruise to the Albert Nile Delta offers a different, serene encounter with nature. As the boat meanders through the tranquil waterways, the landscape transforms into a mosaic of reeds and papyrus. This area teems with wildlife, providing a leisurely yet captivating experience. You may catch sight of colorful birds flitting above and perhaps even spot the elusive shoebill stork, renowned for its unique silhouette.
Drifting along the delta, takes about 5 hours, to and from, allowing you to truly appreciate the surroundings. The calm water reflects the stunning sky, while the whispers of the wind through the reeds create a soothing soundtrack. During your delta cruise, you will have a great chance to spot rare species such as shoebill storks. Occasionally you’ll witness them shadowing hippo trails, which clears the water, so they are able to fish. Local fishing communities on stilts are dotted along the banks, giving you a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who rely on this rich ecosystem. This cruise invites you to unwind, encouraging moments of reflection as you absorb the rich biodiversity and the tranquil beauty of the Albert Nile Delta—an experience that lingers long after you leave.
Best time to go for a boat cruise safari in Murchison Falls National Park
The ideal time to take a boat cruise safari in Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry months, which run from June to September and December to February. This is when you’ll have the best chance of spotting animals along the riverbanks, as they tend to gather near the water sources. The park can as well be visited all year round and you will be able to see the wildlife and do a safari in Murchison Falls National Park, dry seasons offer great sightings of wildlife compared to wet seasons, making your experience more rewarding
Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park
While there are a range of accommodation options available in Murchison Falls National Park to cater to visitors while on a boat cruise safari, the accommodation facilities in the park range from luxury, to mid-range to budget-friendly. Some of the accommodation facilities options here include Nile Safari Lodge and Bakers Lodge. Kabalega Wilderness Camp, Paara Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Twiga Tales Safari Lodge, Red Chili Hideaway Lodge and many others
How to get to Murchison Falls National Park to do the boat cruise safaris
Getting to Murchison Falls National Park for a boat cruise is quite straightforward, whether you prefer driving or flying.
By Road: If you’re driving, you can take the main Kampala-Masindi highway and follow the signs to the park. Another option is to use the Kampala-Gulu highway and then connect through Pakuba. Both routes will lead you right to the heart of the park.
By Air: For those who would rather fly, there are daily flights available to Murchison Falls National Park. Airlines like Aero Link Uganda and Fly Uganda offer scheduled services. You can catch a flight from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield; you will fly to Pakuba or Chobe Airstrip from where you will start the drive to your lodge in Murchison Falls National Park which will take you approximately 1-30minutes depending on which you lodge you will be staying at. This makes it a convenient option for visitors looking to experience the beauty of the falls.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Murchison Falls National Park boat cruise safaris in 2025 and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Explore Rwanda Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your bout cruise safaris in Uganda.
