Self Drive Tour of Uganda. February 2022. Murchison Falls National Park

 2nd February 2022

The car that was hired yesterday arrived at the hotel at 07.00. No paperwork necessary- just  Whats App contact details. 

We were on the road at about 09.00, driving on the new toll road out of Entebbe, around Kampala, going North to Murchison Falls National Park. 

There was a bit of concern as the first Shell Garage in Entebbe did not have fuel, but Total did so we filled up there. 

Rental Car Uganda Feb 2022

At Karumba Bridge, Uganda 

The road conditions were really good and despite a stop at the overrated Kabalega Diner we made really good progress - until about halfway down the tar road from Karuma Bridge to Pakwach. At that point the road disintegrated and there were more pot holes than road. 

We arrived at Bwana Tembo Safari Camp at about 16.00. 

Bwana Tembo Safari Camp was great. It is really close to the Tangi River Wetland and the Tangi Gate into the Murchison Falls National Park. 

Bwana Tembo Safari Camp , on the road to Pakwach

The manager, Jimmy gave us a choice of a tent of a hut. We chose the hut as it had a fan. The hut was in an elevated position with a great with a view of the Albert Nile. 

It was a good size, had a double bed with mozzie net. A small safe, a big bathroom. A really powerful shower with lots of hot water provided from the sola panels and at night -Bats in the roof- well this is Africa!  

Bwana Tembo Safari Camp

Bwana Tembo Safari Camp. Pool will be great when finished 

Bwana Tembo Safari Camp

Bwana Tembo Safari Camp

Bwana Tembo Safari Camp

Bwana Tembo Safari Camp

The bar was quite simple but had all the essentials and Jimmy produced a outstanding Gin and Tonic. The food at this camp was really good, the owners are of Italian decent and the food was very Italian, and delicious. 

We stayed two nights at Bwana Tembo, and should have stayed longer as the access to the Murchison Falls Park is perfect. But I misunderstood the logistics of the park so left after two nights to travel through the park to the Victoria Nile. 

4th February 2022

We accessed the Murchison Falls National Park through the Tangi Gate. It cost US $ 40.00 per adult and a charge for the car. 

Map of Murchison Falls National Park

There is a new MAIN road being built through the park. This is to do with the Oil that has been found in Lake Albert. On entry to the park we did not take this road but drove along the river on the Albert Nile Track. Despite the construction and the traffic the road has encouraged, we saw so much game. It is easier to say- we did not see a Leopard or a Cheetah- we saw everything else. This is a game rich park. We called in at the ruined palace that belonged to Idi Amin. 

Murchison Falls National Park 2022

Idi Amins Palace 2022

We crossed the park and used the new bridge to cross the Victoria Nile, the Paraa Ferry is not in use now. We were going to Murchison Falls River Lodge- this was because I did not understand the following....Ugandan Wildlife Authority Fees.  

I though that once in the park one entry fee would suffice, but the fees are based on a 24 hour period. You have to pay for each 24 hours you are on the park. If I had understood this then I would have stayed at Bwana Tembo Camp.