Night Safari Game Drives In Murchison Falls National Park
Night safari drives at Murchison Falls National Park offer a fantastic wildlife experience. Visitors can observe the nocturnal residents of this beautiful protected area in their natural environment. Accompanied by armed and highly knowledgeable Ranger guides, these excursions present a fantastic opportunity to uncover the hidden wonders of the wilderness after dark, ensuring your safety and enhancing your experience.
Though many guests opt for daytime game drives, we encourage wildlife lovers to join us for a night safari drive in Murchison Falls National Park. This represents a unique chance, not everyone gets, to witness the African wilderness awaken after sunset. It allows one to see nocturnal wildlife in their natural settings, guided by an experienced Ranger. Coupled with the excitement of exploring the moonlit terrains of Murchison Falls National Park, these adventures are truly unforgettable.
Starting time and duration of night safari drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Night safari drives in Murchison Falls National Park depart between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Visitors should arrive at the designated meeting spot for a briefing at 6:45 p.m.
These drives last from one and a half to two hours, with occasional stops for wildlife viewing and photography.
What you should expect to see during Night Safari drives in Murchison
As you set out on this 1.5 to 2-hour night safari drive, remember to use bright spotlights to light up the African bush and uncover the mysterious nocturnal wildlife. Likely encounters in Murchison Falls National Park during your adventure include lions, leopards, civets, spotted hyenas, bushbabies, porcupines, and genets.
On these drives, you will encounter lions and other predators that are typically more active at night, increasing the likelihood of spotting them. This experience also provides a chance to understand the unique behaviors of various wildlife species from your Ranger guide, whose expertise ensures your safety and enhances your experience. Most nocturnal animals like bats, owls, and porcupines become active during this time.
Night safari drives in Murchison Falls National Park offer an enchanting experience of the African wilderness at night, featuring the distant, thunderous roars of lions and the haunting laughter of Spotted hyenas.
A typical day during your Night safari drive in Murchison Falls National Park
Enjoy an early meal at the Safari Lodge or Camp, then embark on a 4X4 safari jeep adventure beneath a starlit sky. Observe the wildlife as Murchison Falls National Park awakens with various animals.
More than during the day, nighttime is the domain of predators. This is when you might catch sight of lions moving stealthily between trees, searching for concealed antelopes, while spotted hyenas howl with excitement as they scavenge for scraps. In the quiet of the evening, you will look out over the African bush for a pair of glowing eyes, wondering if they belong to a bush baby or a timid civet. Your knowledgeable Ranger guide is alert to every sound and won’t miss a single rustle, adding to the thrill of the experience!
In addition to the regular safari driver guide, a UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) Ranger guide is positioned in the front with a spotlight, scanning the African bush for hidden and fascinating sights. You’ll be amazed to see the massive hippos emerging from their ponds in search of fresh pastures, while predators prepare for their nighttime hunts alongside other nocturnal creatures, such as porcupines. Unlike day safari drives, the night safari drives in Murchison Falls National Park are typically shorter, lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Following your remarkable journey, you’ll be taken back to your lodging in or near Murchison Falls National Park.
What to wear or bring for your Night Safari Drive in Murchison Falls National Park
- For your Night Safari Drive in Murchison Falls National Park, bring warm clothing, such as a sweater or jacket, to stay comfortable for the 1.5 to 2-hour adventure. Choose dark blue, brown, khaki, or green items to help you blend into the natural surroundings.
- You should also wear neutral-colored long sleeves and safari pants to shield yourself from mosquitoes and insects.
- An insect repellent is essential to safeguard you from annoying mosquitoes and other bugs lurking in the dark.
- It’s advisable to bring water and snacks to help you stay hydrated and energized throughout the night safari in Murchison Falls National Park.
- To fully enjoy the night safari drive, it is essential to capture nocturnal animals and stunning natural scenery; therefore, it is vital to have a camera equipped with extra batteries and memory space.
- A flashlight or headlamp is essential for navigating the dark and observing various nocturnal wildlife as they engage in their natural behaviors.
- Binoculars help spot distant wildlife during your night safari drive in Murchison Falls National Park.
- When packing toiletries for your Uganda safari, we suggest bringing hand sanitizer, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a hair comb or brush, and hand and body lotion, especially for the night safari drives planned in Murchison Falls National Park.
Best time to undertake night safari drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Night safari drives in Murchison Falls National Park operate year-round, with seasonal variations in the experiences offered. The dry season, usually from June to December and again from December to mid-March, is favored for multiple reasons.
The dry season brings less rainfall, resulting in sparser vegetation, which facilitates the spotting of nocturnal animals during their usual activities. Moreover, the decreased rainfall leads to drier and more navigable paths during night safari drives in Murchison Falls National Park, creating unforgettable experiences.
If you’re seeking discounted accommodation rates, book your night safari drive during the wet season (mid-March to May and October to November) when many lodges provide reduced prices. Be ready for muddy and slippery park roads, which make forest navigation difficult. Additionally, heavier rainfall leads to denser foliage, making it more challenging to spot nocturnal and elusive animals during night safari drives.
Where to stay when visiting Murchison for a night safari drive
Choosing accommodations in Murchison Falls National Park for your night safari drive can be daunting. However, our curated list simplifies this process. Options include Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Fort Murchison, Murchison River Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, and Murchison Bamboo Village.
Getting into Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park has three airstrips: Pakuba, Bugungu, and Chobe. A one-hour flight from Entebbe to Murchison Falls is available during peak seasons (June to October and December to February). Depending on the location of your safari lodge or camp, it takes a few minutes to several hours by car from the airstrip to reach it.
Murchison Falls National Park has five primary gates, primarily accessible by 4WD. Please remember that speed limits within the park are strictly enforced at 40 kilometers per hour on Murram roads.
