Murchison Falls Ferry Crossing — Murchison Falls National Park, established in 1926, sprawls over approximately 3,840 square kilometers and is diligently managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This conservation haven safeguards a diverse natural heritage encompassing wildlife, bird species, and captivating landforms. Nestled in the north-western part of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park extends from Lake Victoria up to Karuma Falls, embracing the arm of the East African Rift Valley.
The Masindi-Paraa-Pakwach road spans south-north through the Conservation Area for 87 kilometers. The majestic Nile River, flowing across the park from East to West, is crossed at Paraa via a regular vehicle ferry. On the north bank of the Nile River, a network of game tracks explores the Buligi sector in the west and Chobe in the East. Both the northern and southern sides of the River Nile provide vehicular access to Murchison Falls National Park.
The Nile offers navigability for 40 kilometers between Murchison Falls and the Lake Albert delta point. Beyond the falls, conventional watercraft faces impediments from rapids.
The ferry facilitates south-north and north-south crossings at specific times throughout the day:
Murchison Falls National Park, a haven for over 76 mammal species and 450 bird species, supports a plethora of tourism activities. Visitors can embark on hikes to the summit of the falls, relish the captivating launch cruise, engage in the renowned game drive across the savannah grassland teeming with Lions, Elephants, Buffalo, Leopard, Hyena, Giraffes, and more. The Budongo forest within the park hosts over 600 Chimpanzees for those seeking a unique chimpanzee trekking experience. Fishing, nature walks, and immersive interactions with local villages round out the diverse activities, providing insights into varied cultures and ways of life.
The River Nile bisects Murchison Falls National Park into southern and northern sectors. To explore the wildlife in the park, one must utilize the ferry to access the northern side of the Paraa area for an enriching game drive experience. The ferry operates from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, with scheduled crossings at 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 7:00 pm EAT. The ferry fees vary based on the transported items and the nature of the clients. Navigating Murchison Falls with its ferry crossings ensures an immersive and seamless exploration of this captivating national park.