MURCHISON FALLS BOAT CRUISES, WILD FRONTIERS UGANDA
The 3893km2 Murchison Falls National Park forms the core of Uganda’s largest protected area. Together with the adjoining Bungungu and Karumu wildlife reserves, it forms a vast wilderness covering 5072km2 and containing a wide variety of wildlife including big game, forest primates and 450 bird species. The mighty Nile, the longest river in the world, flows through the heart of the park for a distance of 120km, on its 6500km journey from Lake Victoria to Egypt and the Mediterranean sea. The park’s centrepiece is the explosive, 40m high Murchison Falls where the Nile is forced through a 6m gap in the rift valley escarpment. The Falls separate two very different rivers. Upstream, the river races down a turbulent 80km channel punctuated with rapids. Downstream, the Nile flows quietly towards Lake Albert which it enters through a large papyrus delta. It is this peaceful 40km stretch of river which provides the park’s prime wildlife spectacle and which our boats explore.
Our River Craft
Two Duroboats are the perfect craft for small groups. Their light aluminium hulls each provide comfortable seating for up to five people plus a skipper/guide. They are also suitable for fishing with up to three persons.
Our two medium sized game viewing boats with their 8.5m long, shallow V-hulls have been designed for use on African rivers and provide comfortable seating for groups of up to 14. Both boats have a carpeted upper deck that allows views of wildlife beyond the reeds that fringe the shoreline and can also be used for fishing groups up to 5 persons.
Our big double decker river vessel has a capacity of 35 people. It has two decks with seating and has a river guide. The covered lower deck provides welcome shade while the open, upper deck – standing 3m above the river - allows wildlife to be seen beyond the screen of reeds and grasses that fringe the river. Pontoon hulls and solid wooden decking provide stable photography platforms. The boat’s twin Yamaha outboard motors are powerful enough to approach within metres of the Murchison Falls, providing spectacular views into the gorge.
Our boats are brand new and powered by Yamaha outboard engines. All boats are staffed with an experienced skipper and guide(s) and equipped with lifejackets for all passengers and a comprehensive first aid kit. Communication with base camp is enabled by mobile phone and VHF Radio.
Drinks in cooler boxes on board our boats can be arranged before boarding our boats. Snacks and even light meals can also be provided on board by prior arrangement. Specialist guides can be invited to bring additional interest and insights to your cruises. If you have a special request - please just ask so we can try to accommodate you.
Murchison Fallls Boat Cruises - Rates 2010
- Scheduled boat trip to the bottom of the falls - 2.30pm every day - From USD20- per adult, subject to boat type and mimimum numbers on board.
- Unscheduled / Private boat trip to the bottom of the falls - timings to suit - From USD35- per adult, subject to boat type.
- Delta cruises - half day / full day - From USD285- per boat, subject to timings and boat capacity / type.
- Sunset / sunrise cruises - 1-2 hours - From USD15- per adult , subject to boat type and minimum numbers on board.
Children under 5 years - FREE OF CHARGE. Between 5-15 years – HALFPRICE.
Please note that the above prices are a guideline and are subject to change and are only verified when reservations are confirmed.
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