Top of Murchison falls : Hiking to the top of the falls in Murchison falls is magnificent memorable experience during the Uganda tour. The falls are an impressive sight from the boat cruise but hiking to these falls brings you closer to the natural wonder. It gives you an opportunity to see a lot of nature during your Uganda safari tour, and any one can hike to the top of the falls because it is less challenging and it only takes 45 minutes to get their. There are two ways to reach at the top of the falls, and these include tagging the hike to a boat launch which is more rewarding, or driving to the top of the falls.
Along the trail you will enjoy the story as the guides narrate it to you about Winton Churchill and why it is called Winston Churchill trail. This trail was named in 1907 after Winton church hill trekking it. This destination is a must to see in Uganda when you are on Uganda safari, the waterfall is 14ft high, and it sits between lake Kyoga and lake Albert on the Victoria Nile.
Murchison falls hike fees
Foreign non-residents 15USD per person
Foreign residents 10USD
East African countries 10000 UGX
Though these fees do not include the entrance park fees, entrance fees are paid differently.
Time for hiking to the top of the falls
Hiking is done twice in a day that is in the morning and afternoon
Morning hours it provides the best sighting for birds because in the morning they are more attractive when they are living their nests and this hike is better because there is no sunshine in the morning so hike is more interesting.
Afternoon it is not as interesting as the morning one because in the afternoon it is hot so the sightings are usually in the hiding, however the hikes are reward after reaching the top of the falls and water splashes on you. This experience will refresh you and make you forget those continual steps.
Best time of the year to visit top of falls in Murchison Falls National Park
Hiking to the top of the falls is done through out the year though best time is during the dry season. During the dry season a lot of sightings because the park is dry and the trails, and it is in dry season that you can be able to see the beautiful rainbow, because it comes out due to sunshine shining on water.
What to wear while going for the Hike at the top of the falls
Always wear light clothes that will not will you feel uncomfortable in case you are feeling hot, wear hiking shoes like sneakers that light or hiking boots.
Hat and sunglasses: the hat will prevent you from sunshine and sunglasses will shield your eyes direct sunshine also especially when you are near the falls.
Water proof gear: this is you want to stay dry when you are at the top of the falls because the moment you extend near water will splash on you making you wet.
Insect repellent: Murchison falls is in the tropical region, so carrying the insect repellent will help you from insect biting like the lake flies.
What to carry when you are going for hiking at the top of the falls in Murchison Falls National Park
Camera
Carry a camera that you will use to capture the beauty of the falls the rainbow. And these epic photos will keep giving you the best memory.
Light jacket
Even if the weather is warm, but it can get cold when you get near to the falls due to mist.
A pair of binoculars
It helps you get a clear sight of the birds that come along during the hike to the top of the falls.
Rules and regulations to follow while going for hiking
Stay on marked trails: this will help you not to get lost or lose your way to the top of the falls.
Go with the guide: it is advisable to hike with a guide because the guide will help you to take you and protect you in case of any attack since the wild.
Avoid climbing or getting too close to the falls.it can be slippery or hazardous with mist and powerful water flow stay at a safe distance and follow the guides instruction.
Other things in Murchison falls apart from hiking to top of the falls
Boat cruise is one of the other activities you can do while in Murchison and there are two types of boat cruise, one that goes upstream to bottom of the falls where you will be able to see a lot of wildlife like hippos, then the second one is launch trip to the bottom which bis the most admires because variety of species are viewed like birds to mention but a few.
Game drives. Game drives are one of the breath-taking safari activities in the park and it mostly done in northern sector and you can a variety of animals like buffaloes, elephants, warthogs and many others.
Bird watching Murchison Falls National Park has a variety of birds and these birds include secretary birds, kingfisher, Nubian woodpeckers.
Ziplining done from samibiya river lodge it one of the best activities that give a different experience.
Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park when going for hiking at the top the falls
There is midrange, budget safari lodges, luxury safari lodges. Where one can stay when they are in Murchison Falls National Park and these include, murchison river lodge, sambiya river lodge, Uganda wildlife Bandas, park side safari lodge, Para safari lodge, Chobe safari lodge, pakuba lodge. These are the accommodations where one can while in Murchison Falls National Park.
