Airfields in Murchison Falls National Park
Are you planning a flight to Murchison Falls National Park and wondering how many airfields are there? This article is yours to read. Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda and is the largest national park in Uganda. The park originates its name from the falls within the park called the Murchison Falls. The park is covered by the savannah type of vegetation experiencing a tropical type of climate. It also hosts the strongest falls in the world which is the Murchison Falls.
More so, Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed by both road and air transport. Using the road, travelers take about 5 to 6 hours to reach the park from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. Alternatively, the park can be accessed by air transport which is one of the quickest means of transport to the park. Murchison Falls National Park has several airstrips or airfields within the park. Airfields in Murchison Falls National Park are located in different sectors. This allows tourists a seamless travel experience of witnessing the pristine attractions within the area. Domestic flights are scheduled from either Entebbe International Airport or the Kajjansi airstrip to the different airfields in Murchison Falls National Park. Airfields in the Murchison Falls National Park offer different chartered flights from the park to the different areas around the country.
Which airfields are found in Murchison Falls National Park?
There are 3 airstrips in the main airstrips in the park and they include;
Pakuba Airfield
This is the largest airfield in the Murchison Falls National Park found in the park’s northern sector. It is the most popular airstrip for travelers since it is near the hotels and lodges around the park. The airfield is near most tracks of the park for the game drive and also near para. This makes it easy for travelers on a flying Uganda Safari to kick start their game drives as soon as they land.
Bugungu Airfield
Bugungu Airfield is found in the southern part of Murchison Falls National Park. Travelers on the Uganda safaris interested in exploring the southern sector of the park usually choose this airstrip. This airstrip is usually far from the tracks of interesting tracks of the park.
Chobe Airfield
This is one of the best airstrips as it is near the luxurious Lodge of Chobe. Chobe Safari Lodge offers the most amazing luxurious facility for travelers. On landing at this airstrip, travelers are usually picked up the shuttles of the Chobe Lodge.
Activities done on a Uganda flying safari to Murchison Falls National Park
While in the Murchison Falls National Park, there are several activities that travelers on their Uganda safaris usually engage in and they include;
Game drive or game viewing
This activity is done by travelers to encounter the wildlife in the park. It is done in a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up roof. Game drives in this park are done in the morning, afternoon, evening, night, and full day. They are carried out in the different tracks of the park. Wildlife that is usually seen includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, and many others. A typical game drive in Murchison Falls National Park can start from any airfield within the park.
Boat cruise excursions on the River Nile
Boat cruises are carried out on the Victoria Nile which crosses Murchison Falls National Park. These boat cruise excursions take travelers through the different attractions on the water. Travelers use motorized boats to cruise on the Nile to see the different wildlife on the banks of the Victoria Nile. During a boat cruise, travelers will have a view of the Murchison Falls. From any airfield in Murchison Falls National Park, tourists can easily connect to the starting point of a boat cruise just in time.
Birding tours
Murchison Falls National Park is home to different bird species that travelers encounter during their birding safari. Bird species in the park are about 500 in number. They are usually seen on the savanna woodlands and riverine vegetation of the park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest
This is the encounter with large primates chimpanzees that live in the Budongo forests of the park. The chimpanzee shares about 98% of the DNA with man. Chimpanzee trekking or chimp tracking requires travelers to book in advance to ensure availability.
Hiking to the top of the Murchison Falls
Hiking to the top of the Murchison Falls is one of the most interesting activities that travelers on their Uganda safaris usually do. The hike to the top of the falls offers a view of the large sums of water squeezing into a 3-meter gorge. Just after your chattered plane has landed on any of the airfields in Murchison Falls National Park, you can easily take a walk to view the top of the falls. This is a vintage point for photography on a Uganda Safari.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is one of the sports activities in which travelers are rewarded trophies for the best catch of the fish. It is done on the Victoria Nile where the fish caught are usually released back into the water.
Nature walks
Nature walks or safari walks are one of the activities that travelers encounter in the National Park on foot. This activity involves the ranger guide who will take you through the park and ensure your safety.
What to see in the Murchison Falls National Park?
There are several attractions that tourists usually encounter during the Uganda safaris and they include;
Wildlife
The park is blessed with several wildlife which are usually encountered by travelers during the safaris. The wildlife in the park includes over 72 mammal species that travelers during their safari encounters. The park is home to some of the big five animals like lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. The other wildlife in the park includes giraffes, hippos, warthogs, chimpanzees, and many others.
Murchison Falls
This is one of the attractions in the park which is named after the park. The falls are within the park which are considered to be the world’s strongest falls. Murchison Falls are formed by water squeezing into a 3-meter gorge which makes it the strongest falls.
Birds
Bird species in this park range about 450 species in number which makes the park a great destination for birding. The bird species range from the Albertine species to water birds, and savannah species. Bird species in the Murchison Falls National Park include; the silver bird, African fishing eagle, martial eagle, giant heron, African jacana, thick-knee, swamp flycatcher, pied kingfisher, grey crowned crested crane, and many others.
Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park?
There are several accommodation facilities situated around the park which travelers on their Uganda safaris usually engage in for the safari. These facilities range from midrange to luxury, and budget facilities. The beauty of it is that most of the accommodation facilities are located near airfields. Some of these accommodation facilities in the park include; Chobe Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison, Paraa Lodge, Hornbill Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, and many others.
Now that you have learned about different airfields in Murchison Falls National Park, how about you book a flying safari with us?
