Delta Boat Cruise in Murchison National Park

Visit Uganda for the thrilling Delta boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda is the largest of its kind in the country, covering a total land surface area of 3,893 square kilometers. Murchison Falls National Park is home to various wildlife species including 76 mammals, 451 birds, 51 reptiles, and 51 amphibians.

Sitting on elevations stretching from 615-1,187 meters above sea level, Murchison Falls National Park is crossed by part of the longest river in the world the River Nile called the Victoria Nile. The park’s main feature is the explosive 40-meter-high Murchison Falls where the rapidly flowing Nile is forced through a narrow gauge.

Besides wildlife viewing, the boat cruise experience in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most exciting activities for many visitors. Murchison Falls National Park provides two types of boat cruise experiences, one downstream to the bottom of the falls and the other upstream to the Albert Delta.

The Delta boat cruise ensures that a visitor starts their trip from the dock at Paraa on either the southern or northern bank. This boat cruise experience usually starts in the evening at around 5 pm which is the reason it is known as the sundowner and it can take at least 4 hours.

While on a delta boat cruise tour, you will have the best-ever opportunities to spot a variety of wild animals on the river banks, including the hippo, crocodile, buffalo, and elephant among others. For the birders, there is a possibility of sighting the African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, malachite kingfisher, shoebill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, red-throated bee-eater, and others.

Additionally, the Delta boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is usually combined with other tour activities, including birding specifically shoebill watching, nature walks, hot air balloon safari, community tours, and sport fishing among others. The cost of a delta boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is USD 55 per person.

Best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park for a Delta boat cruise experience

Visiting Murchison Falls National Park for a delta boat cruise can be done throughout the year. However, the best time to have an exceedingly exciting time is during the dry seasons. The dry seasons in Murchison Falls National Park typically occur in the months of December to February and from May to August. During the dry seasons, you will have a high chance of spotting large gatherings of different wildlife species along the river banks. This is because the river is their main source of water during the dry season. The dry season also represents a clear sky for you to observe the surrounding scenery and tranquil waters.

Packing for a Delta boat cruise experience in Murchison Falls National Park

For any visitor to Murchison Falls National Park desiring a delta boat cruise experience, ensure to pack the following items for a successful trip.

  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants made of neutral colors
  • An insect repellent to protect yourself against mosquito bites or any other insects such as tsetse flies
  • A warm sweater with a hood and a scarf to keep you warm in the windy conditions of the Victoria Nile
  • Wide-brimmed hat, sun cream, and sunglasses to protect against direct sunshine
  • A rain jacket or poncho for the unpredictable rainfall
  • Binoculars to view faraway wildlife species
  • A camera or phone camera to take memorable photos
  • Refillable water bottle to ensure that you have as much water to avoid dehydration
  • Backpack to accommodate essential portable items while on safari

Reaching Murchison Falls National Park for a Delta Boat Cruise experience

Any visitor planning for a trip to Murchison Falls National Park for a sensational Delta boat cruise can reach there by either road or air transport. A visitor who prefers traveling by road will enjoy a scenic road trip from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda via the Kampala-Gulu highway to Masindi district. This is a 212-kilometer journey to Masindi town in the northwest of Kampala and it takes 5-6 hours. This mode of transportation also allows you to explore the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route.

If you prefer to reach Murchison Falls National Park in a relatively short time, air transport is recommended. This presents the visitor with a chance to board a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Pakuba Airstrip or Bugungu Airstrip, which takes 1-2 hours. From there, you will complete the rest of your journey on the road.