Mwani Ojara Emmanuel's Murchison Falls Experience

Accounts Assistant at Great Lakes Safari/Uganda Lodges, Mwani Ojara Emmanuel, had time to fill us in on the amazing Murchison Falls. Having worked for two years with the company which has Primate, Simba and Budongo lodges he told us that the hospitality industry is a very busy one as people are always coming into the country also including business from the local tourists. According to Emmanuel, the high season lasts from July to September.

Asked about why people come to visit Murchison Falls specifically, Emmanuel pointed out that the area is great for Chimpanzee tracking and several people from far and wide come to see these interesting animals. He noted that the area is also popular for bird watching, forest walks, hiking to the top of the falls, game drives and boat cruises. On the way to Murchison Falls, you could also pass by the Zziwa Rhino sanctuary.

Emmanuel says that one of his personal favourite memories in Murchison Falls National park is taking a selfie with a herd of elephants at a close distance.

To get to Murchison Falls it would be a 5-hour drive non-stop using two routes either through Masindi then the Pakwach highway. Alternatively one may decide to take on the Budongo forest route that will provide magnificent views overlooking Lake Albert from the direct position of the rift valley escarpment over Butiaba or you can also access the Falls from the north through Chobe Gate, Karuma Falls along with Tangi. The Gate that is close to Pakwach covers an area of about 25km to Paara in addition to Wankwar Gate close to Purongo. Once you get there you would have to pay park entry fees.

“The rates are also quite affordable. If you are a Ugandan resident to enter the park you pay 15,000 UGX and for the non-residents, they have to pay 40 dollars,” says Emmanuel