Pakuba Airfield is located in Nwoya district within Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda. It has a single unpaved runway suitable for small aircraft. Managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, the airfield primarily serves tourists visiting the national park, which is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and diverse wildlife. Pakuba airfield serves Murchison falls national park as the major tourist destination within the area as well as the surrounding areas of northern Uganda
Pakuba airfield is located about 275km by air from Entebbe international and 363km by road a journey that takes 5-6hours to reach the airfield. It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by aircraft to get to Pakuba airfield.
Domestic standard chartered flights are primarily used by luxury travellers who wish to spend their time in Murchison Falls National Park participating in a variety of safari activities. Visitors to Murchison Falls national park will engage in various activities, and these include game viewing, bird watching safaris, boat cruises on the Nile, as well as involving yourself in cultural activities, especially at the Boomu village, where you will learn the African traditional style of doing things, including the local dances, and where possible, you can also do sport fishing. All these activities can be done throughout the year, but the dry season from June to September is the best time for visiting Murchison Falls National Park. Pakuba has gradually transformed how tourism flows into Uganda’s largest national park, enabling same-day game drives, easing access for international visitors, and boosting regional economic activity.
Flights To Pakuba Airfield in Murchison Falls National Park
Aero link Uganda limited is a domestic airline offering both scheduled and chartered flights to and from Pakuba airfield and to other parts of the country. From Entebbe international airport, aero link offers three scheduled flights to the airfield every week. On other days flights are available on request at the usual seat rate. You can also opt to use other airlines like Eagle air, Bar aviation Uganda which are also one of the domestic airlines offering both scheduled and chartered flights
From Entebbe to pakuba airfield, flights depart at 12pm and arrive at the airfield at 1:30pm. Flight time may vary due to aircraft routing and weather changes.
All fly-in guest needs a pre-arranged vehicle transfer usually a lodge safari vehicle or your operator’s 4×4-wheel drive. Your safari guide or lodge should meet you on the apron with a name board.
Murchison Falls National Park as A Destination
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area, covering massive spans of savanna, woodland, and riverine forests. Initially gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, the park was officially nominated as one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. It lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the Bunyoro escarpment descends into rolling, palm-dotted plains, offering one of the most dramatic landscapes in East Africa. At the center of the park is Murchison Falls, one of world’s most powerful waterfalls. At this point, the mighty Victoria Nile is forced through a narrow 7-meter-wide gorge, before plunging 45 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron below, sending up a roaring thunder and an everlasting rainbow mist. This breathtaking natural wonder marks the final act in an 80km stretch of rapids, after which the river calms into a broad, tranquil flow as it rambles toward Lake Albert. This stretch of river is one of Uganda’s greatest wildlife viewing spots, attracting giraffes, elephants, and buffaloes to the riverbanks to quench their thirst, while Nile crocodiles, hippos, and aquatic birds are the present residents.
The Park is home to a remarkable 144 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptiles, and 51 amphibians. The northern section of the park is characterized by open savanna, Borassus palms, and acacia woodland, while the southern section is dominated by woodland and forest patches, offering diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife.
Other Ways to Access Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is located 305km north of Kampala. The drive to the southern entrance gate takes 4 to 5 hours. Coming from the southwest, the 280km drive from Fort Portal takes at least 6 hours. Allow another 1 or 2 hours from the entrance gate to most of the lodges.
The park can be accessed through the different entry gates and these include kichumbanyobo which is found in the southern part of the park, Bugungu from Bulisa district, tangi gate for the visitors coming from northern Uganda and Packwach, and Wankwar gate for visitors staying at Chobe lodge
Activities To Do in Murchison falls national park After Your Flight
Nature walks
Nature walks offer captivating sightings of wildlife and birdlife. The unique bit of guided nature walks is that you focus mainly on the habitats that are hardly reached if you travelled in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
Boat cruise
If you love aquatic species, then embarking on a launch cruise should be a must in this premier park. Enjoyable along the Victoria Nile, a launch or boat tour presents you a unique opportunity to watch hippos, crocodiles, and multiple aquatic avifauna species. The notable birds to spot during the boat tour in Murchison Falls National Park include blue-spotted doves, elusive shoebill storks, African skimmers, African fish eagles, Egyptian goose, Great cormorants, African daters, bee-eaters, fish eagles, kingfishers and many more.
Top of the Falls
Travelers are encouraged to experience the Top of the Falls viewpoint, where the Nile thunders through a narrow 6-meter gorge. While the site is accessible by vehicle, the more rewarding option is to disembark from the boat and hike up through Fajao Gorge, accompanied by a ranger guide.
Birding (bird-watching)
The abundant bird population and habitats make Murchison Falls National Park one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. A variety of bird species can easily be sighted on a birding tour in Murchison, including the African blue-headed oriole, brown-crowned tchagra, papyrus gonoleks, White-crested shrike, Chestnut wattle-eye, fork-tailed drongo, shoebill storks, Meyer’s parrots, and many others.
Game Drives
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park offer an immersive wildlife experience, with opportunities to spot giraffes, lions, elephants, buffalo, and antelopes across the savannah. Early morning and late afternoon drives are ideal for viewing a variety of species in their natural habitat, including predators like leopards. The park’s open landscapes and diverse ecosystems make it one of Uganda’s prime destinations for game viewing.
Sport Fishing
Sports fishing in Murchison Falls is a popular activity, attracting anglers who target species like catfish and tigerfish. The scenic surroundings and abundant wildlife boost the experience, making it a must-try adventure for fishing enthusiasts.
The stretch of river below Murchison Falls offers an exciting challenge for anglers, with the current record for a Nile perch caught by rod and line weighing in at an impressive 108kg.
Chimpanzee tracking
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, located in the southern part of Murchison Falls Conservation Area, offers thrilling forest walks and the chance to track a habituated chimpanzee group with expert guides. This forest is also a key birding destination, home to Albertine Rift endemics and restricted-range species like the chocolate-backed kingfisher and white-thighed hornbill.
Best time to fly to Murchison falls national park
Murchison Falls National Park can be visited at any time of the year. The best time to fly to Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September, when park tracks are dry and wildlife is easy to see.
Throughout these months, there’s little rainfall, which means the tracks leading you to wildlife during your game drives remain dry and accessible. The dry season attracts animals to water sources, so it’s easier to spot them while out on game drives.
Where To Stay in Murchison Falls National
Paraa Safari Lodge: Located on the banks of River Nile, this iconic lodge offers luxurious rooms with stunning river views, gourmet dining, a swimming pool, and spa facilities.
Baker’s Lodge: Nestled along the southern bank of the river, Baker’s Lodge provides elegant cottages with private balconies, giving guests a front-row seat to the park’s wildlife.
Chobe Safari Lodge: Situated near the park’s northeastern boundary, Chobe Safari Lodge features spacious rooms, a restaurant serving delicious cuisines, and a pool overlooking the river.
Murchison River Lodge: Offering comfortable safari tents and cottages, Murchison River Lodge provides a laid-back atmosphere with river views and easy access to the park’s attractions.
Pakuba Safari Lodge: Located in the northern part of the park, Pakuba Safari Lodge offers cozy rooms, a restaurant serving local and international dishes, and guided safari activities.
Sambiya River Lodge: Located 1 km away from the junction to the top of Murchison falls. sambiya river lodge offers a relaxed atmosphere with private rooms in bandas, local and international cuisines, a bar and a swimming pool to relax in after a long day of game drives.
Red Chilli Rest Camp: Perfect for budget travelers, Red Chilli Rest Camp provides affordable tented accommodation near the park’s entrance, along with communal facilities and a bar.
Fort Murchison: Situated on the southern bank of the river, Fort Murchison offers tented rooms with a rustic charm, complemented by a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.