Flights To Murchison Falls National Park | Murchison Falls National Park Flights | Flying Safaris To Murchison Falls

Flights To Murchison Falls National Park: One of the most magnificent and biodiversity-rich parks in East Africa is Murchison Falls National Park, which is situated in the northwestern part of Uganda.

The park is characterized by a dramatic waterfall in which the great Nile River struggles its way through a deep gorge and then the river cascades over 40 m in a series of memorable falls.

Other than the amazing views, this park is full of diverse wildlife encounters.

Regardless of your intentions, whether it’s to sight the Big Five, enjoy a boat safari up the Nile River, or simply experience the raw power of Murchison Falls, efficient transportation can significantly enhance your experience.

Although it takes between 5 and 7 hours travelling by road to the park depending on Kampala, in order to reach the park, one may take a flight, which is faster, more comfortable and, on many occasions, more scenic. This article is a detailed discussion on destination flights to Murchison Falls, including options, airstrips, airlines, the fare and some tips for a tourist travelling to this destination.

Why visit Murchison falls by Air?

Road travel in Uganda is exciting in a western sense, with fast and good observation of the countryside, but it also takes much time and in terms of the weather, it might prove at times risky too. The experience of flying, however, reduces the time required to travel and gives the visitor an opportunity to spend more time at the park.

Some main reasons to consider when flying:

Saves time: The flights last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours as opposed to driving, which takes 6 hours.

Convenience: No rough roads, no hours on the road, no chances of delay regarding roads.

Scenic: Aerial sights of green areas in Uganda, rivers and savannah are memorable.

Accessibility: It is suitable for luxurious travelers or older people or anyone with a tight schedule.

Airstrips near Murchison Falls

In or near Murchison falls national park, there are a number of airstrips. These include:

Pakuba Airstrip

The airstrip in use mostly is Pakuba, which is in the northern part of the park. It is perfect when it comes to the tourists visiting lodges such as Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, and Nile Safari Lodge.

Bugungu Airstrip

This airstrip is nearer to the southern gate of the park and it is convenient for a traveler staying on the south bank of the Nile. It is also close to the headquarters of the park.

Chobe Airstrip

This airstrip is close to the opulent Chobe Safari Lodge and can easily access its clients or anyone who would want to involve themselves in fishing trips and Nile boat safaris.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority operates all three airstrips, which are accessed either through charter flights or scheduled local flights.

Airlines That Fly to Murchison Falls

There are some domestic carriers that have flights to Murchison Falls both charter and scheduled. The most remarkable ones are the following:

AeroLink Uganda

Type: Scheduled internal flights

Flights: Between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Pakuba, Bugungu or Chobe airstrips.

Frequency: Daily or several times per week during the season.

Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Aircraft: Tiny aircraft (Cessna Grand Caravan)

It has been the most preferred airline by tour companies and individuals traveling since it offers a good safety record and a dependable schedule.

Aerolink

Kampala Executive Aviation / Fly Uganda

Type: Chartered flights

Ideal when you have small groups, luxury travelers or even flexible itineraries.

Departure points: Entebbe, Kajjansi or other domestic airfields.

Bar Aviation Uganda

Type: Charter flights, scheduled flights

Benefits: Modern airplanes, several departure times and superior local coverage.

Other Services: Scenic flights around Murchison Falls, which are very convenient for photographers and newlyweds.

Booking Flights

It is possible to book flights either on the internet sites of airlines or through tour operators. The majority of tourists who end up at Murchison Falls National Park are all on organized safari tours that cover their internal flights, accommodations, and game drives as a package. Nevertheless, individual travelers are able to purchase flights individually and make lodge pickups.

Booking Tips:

It is best to book as early as at the beginning of the peak seasons (June-September and December-February) to get a seat.

Weigh your luggage and advise the airline of your luggage weight (Light aircraft will have a strict weight limit (per person) and normally be restricted to soft bags and 15kg).

It will be easy when your lodge knows when you are arriving to organize transfers off the airstrip.

Murchison Falls Flight Prices

The prices also will depend on whether you book a scheduled flight or a charter flight.

Scheduled Flights:

Entebbe to Pakuba or Bugungu: $250-$300 one way per person.

Round-trip tickets: $450-$600 based on availability and time of the year.

Charter Flights:

Private aircraft hire: The hiring cost ranges from $1500 to $2500 one way, depending on the type of aircraft and the number of people that you will be carrying.

A group of 4 or more people will find it cheaper to travel via charter flights.

What to Expect Upon Arrival

As soon as you arrive at one of the airstrips, you will mostly find a lodge vehicle or a Uganda tour guide to take you to your hotel. The airstrips lie within a 15- to 30 minutes’ drive of most of the lodges. This transfer is frequently used in its form as your initial game drive, where you have the possibility to see elephants, giraffes, antelopes and even lions on the way.

Things to Do When You Get There

By flying to Murchison Falls, one has more time to spend doing what the park offers. The best attractions are the following:

Game drives: See spotted elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes and buffalo.

Boat cruise to the bottom of the falls: This will be a must-do experience in which you will spot hippos, crocodiles and birds.

Top of falls hike: Visit the spot where the Nile gushes through a 7-meter-deep canyon.

Birding: In particular, the highly sought-after shoebill stork.

Sport fishing: Sport Nile perch by means of the mighty waters of the Nile.

When to Fly

The climate of Uganda enables it to be a year-round destination, although the most appropriate season to have a flight is during the dry seasons:

December to February and in June to September

During these months, the wildlife will be more visible, and the roads will be better, which is ideal for those who enjoy flying and driving.