Night walking safaris in Murchison Falls National Park: Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park covering an area of approximately 3,893 square kilometres. stunning natural wonder situated in the northwestern part of Uganda covering districts of Kiryandongo, Masindi, Nwoya, and Bilisa among others. Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda offers wildlife tours with about 76 mammal species including Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, and Leopards. Almost 450 bird species can be seen in the park. Aquatic species, butterflies, reptiles, and many more species in the park. The park is home to the world’s stunning waterfalls. The park is known for its incredible wildlife and stunning scenery. While many visitors opt for traditional game drives during the day, one of the most unique and thrilling ways to experience the park is through a night waking safari.

Night walking safaris in Murchison Falls National Park offer a completely different perspective of the park and its inhabitants. As the sun sets and darkness descends, the park comes a live with nocturnal animals that rea rarely seen the day. This fascinating activity is a guided experience where visitors have the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of the park during the night on foot, using spotlights to search for the impressive elusive creatures such as leopards, hyenas, civets and servals, bush infants, porcupines, night jar, hippos feasting and other animals relaxing. This exciting night walking safari at Murchison Falls National Park starts around 7:00 p.m. after dinner, with an armed park and it last around 2 hours and will take place on wide savannah grassland.

Walking through the park at night is a surreal and exhilarating experience. The sounds of the bush come alive, with the cells of nocturnal birds and rustling unseen creatures adding to the atmosphere. The thrill of sporting a leopard or hyena hunting under the cover of darkness is unmatched and offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these elusive predators.
In addition to the thrill of spotting nocturnal animals, night walking safaris also offer the opportunity to learn about the smaller creatures that call the park home. Night walking safaris are also available in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semliki National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. A night walking safari in Murchison Falls National Park can be combined with activities such as day and night game drives, a Nile River boat cruise, birdwatching, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest, sport fishing, hot air balloon safari, community cultural tours and hike to the top of Murchison falls among others.
How to get to Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed both by road and by air transport means whereby you will drive from Kampala vial Masindi to the park headquarters which is approximately a 5-to-6-hour drive.
You can also get to Murchison Falls National Park by flight. This offers a unique experience, fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala-kajjassi to Pakuba Airfield near Murchison Falls National Park. Pakuba Airfield, 16 km from Paraa, can be reached using chartered aircraft from Entebbe International. You can book the flight through a tour operator to have all arranged for you, including transfers at the airport and at the park to your hotel.
What to pack for a night walking safari at Murchison Falls National Park.
Night walking safari at Murchison Falls National Park requires some specific items to ensure your comfort and safety. Here is the list of essential items to pack for a night walking safari in Murchison Falls National Park.
- Comfortable walking shoes; opt for sturdy and closed-toe shoes that provide good support and protection
- Camera/ binocular; capture the wildlife and scenic views you encounter during the night walking safari
- Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt; protect yourself from scratches, insect bites and exposure to the elements by wearing long clothing.
- Snacks; pack some energy-boosting snacks to keep you fuelled during the safari
- Water bottle; stay hydrated during the safari by bringing a reusable water bottle.
- Flashlight/headlamp; a reliable light source is essential for navigating through the dark during the safari
- Insect repellent; mosquitoes and other bugs are active at night, so make sure to pack insect repellent to protect yourself from bites.
- Backpack; Carry all your essential items in a comfortable and lightweight backpack
How to get to Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda is about 305 kilometres from Kampala and may be reached by road or plane. Travelling from Kampala to the national park through Masindi will take approximately a 5-to-6-hour drive, with a possible stopover at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Masindi
You can also get to Murchison Falls National Park by flight. This offers a unique experience, fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala-kajjassi to Pakuba Airfield near Murchison Falls National Park. Pakuba Airfield, 16 km from Paraa, can be reached using chartered aircraft from Entebbe International. You can book the flight through a tour operator to have all arranged for you, including transfers at the airport and at the park to your hotel.
The best time to go for a night walking safari in Murchison Falls National Park
The best time to go for a night walking safari in Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons which run from June, July, August, September and December and then from January to February since the weather is mild during this time oof the year. Travellers should be aware that June to September is the peak time, so there will be crowding during these months. the are two low seasons due to heavy rains from March to May and October to November. Additionally, the dry season is the best time to spot nocturnal animals such as lions, leopards, civets, servals and bush infants, it is important to note that the night walking safaris require a permit and should be accompanied by a skilled guide for safety reasons.
Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park
While on a night walking safari in Murchison Falls National Park, accommodation facilities can be found, for example, in Murchison Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison Tree House, and Geo Lodges. Nile Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Yebo Safari Camp, Murchison Falls, Nile Breeze Bamboo Lodge, Fort Murchison Safari, Murchison Bush Lodge, and Geo Lodge Nile Safari Lodge are among them.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about walking safari in Murchison Falls National Park and then book with our tours and travel companies, such as Achieve Global Safaris, who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.
