One of the most common, if not the major, tourist activities in Murchison Falls National Park, the boat cruise is arguably one of the most interesting. To top it off, when it is done in the afternoon, it serves as the best experience to entertain the visitors in an afternoon adventure film. The afternoon is characterized by strong sunshine with humid temperatures, so this boat cruise is perfect for a calm and cool breeze while sailing on the Nile. Getting in-depth with an afternoon boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is incomplete without an in-depth understanding of the park.
Murchison Falls National Park was gazetted back in 1952 as a national park. This followed a passed law by the British colonial government under the National Parks Act. Before all this, this park was a conservation area after the initial part of the parkland was expanded. This was a result of the eviction of the locals after a sleeping sickness outbreak in that area. This land was added to the Bugungu and Karuma Game Reserves, expanding the area in the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. This park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, a tributary of the Great River Nile, the longest river in the world.
The park saw a hike in popularity following the visits of the early explorers Samuel and Florence Baker. Their visits mapped the park internationally, and other visits followed, like those of Winston Churchill and later Ernest Hemingway. Murchison Falls National Park serves as an epitome of a savannah safari in Africa. It stretches for over 3,893 square kilometers of mixed vegetation from the savannah grassland and woodland plains to the riverine vegetation patterns. Over 450 bird species, 76 mammals, and 13 primates roam the park for all corners and can be encountered at any moment, even on an afternoon boat cruise.
Afternoon boat cruise
A boat cruise experience in the afternoon in Murchison Falls National Park takes place on the Victoria Nile. Visitors retreat from the land to the water for an exploration of the aquatic life of the park. This boat cruise is a discovery adventure of the untold and untamed hidden side of the park, which is sometimes forgotten. Over the years, a boat cruise experience in Murchison Falls National Park has solidified its positioning for the afternoon. This is highly attributed to a lot of factors, but the most important being the wildlife sights and the scenic views brought to life by the kiss of the sun.
Starting time of an afternoon boat cruise in Murchison
The afternoon is a wide scope of time, but this boat cruise experience starts at exactly 2 pm. It lasts between 2-3 hours on constant sailing on the Victoria Nile. The afternoon boat cruise takes place at the bottom of the falls. This is the area where the water from the falls slowly and gently loses its strength to the calm flowing river. This boat cruise at this specific sight is a dream for many visitors. The scenic views of the Murchison Falls are magical, spreading across the horizon. This is at this part of the river where there is a constant wildlife activity, as many hippos and crocodiles dwell.
The banks of the calm river breathe in a whole new population of guests from the elephants and buffalo to other animals like warthogs, antelopes, hyenas, lions, and giraffes. All are coming here for a drink and to cool off in the river from the strong afternoon sun. This boat cruise is unquestionably safe, as all visitors are handed life jackets upon boarding the boat. All the boats used for this afternoon boat cruise experience are maintained perfectly and operated by an experienced and professional captain.
What to see and do on this boat cruise?
An afternoon boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park bears enough to see and do since it unlocks the uncharted part of the park. Below are some of the things visitors should expect on this boat cruise experience.
Wildlife species
The Victoria Nile is the main source of water to Murchison Falls National Park. With this major factor, a large population of wildlife species is attracted to the banks of this river. During this afternoon boat cruise adventure, these wildlife species can be spotted. Most of these species come for a drink and a bath in the water to cool off from the high temperatures of the afternoon.
Murchison Falls
Perhaps the best scenic view of the Murchison Falls is seen from the afternoon bottom of the falls boat cruise. Visitors have a great view of the falls in the comfort of the boat as they witness this force of nature ramble the rocks, creating the best view.
Bird species
The best, if not the only, way to spot the water birds of Murchison Falls National Park is to take this boat cruise experience. These bird species nest in the vegetation on the banks of the river, and also in the floating vegetation. These birds depend on the river to survive and can be seen fishing and flying across the river. Some of these birds include the shoebill stork, grey-headed kingfisher, yellow-billed stork, giant heron, pied giant malachite, and francolin, among others.
Sightseeing
Venture across the Nile on this afternoon boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park for an incredible sightseeing experience. The vegetation surrounding the banks of the river offers an unmatched beauty in the area. This boat cruise to the bottom of the falls also brings on a sight where the famous plane crash of Ernest Hemingway with his wife. This crash happened as they were attempting to capture a beautiful aerial photo of the falls. This sighting adds a touch of historical adventure to your boat cruise experience.