On November 3rd 2013 the world is set to witness a natural phenomenon in the form of a solar eclipse. For starters, the solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, shielding the sun’s bright rays from the earth, either partially for the case of partial and annular eclipse or entirely in which case it’s a total seclipse.
The total solar eclipse is the frenzy!, when the moon blocks all the sun’s intense rays and suddenly causing darkness during day! And then the moon – sun combination in the darkened skies is such a marvel! The dark silhouette of the moon completely obscures the intense bright rays of the sun, revealing only the much fainter solar corona. This is one of the most awe-inspiring of all natural phenomenon and occurs only a short period of time (could be up to only 7 minutes) and over a narrow track on the surface of the earth.
Uganda is one of the very few places set to witness this spectacle, with the best views you could ever have, from areas across the northern region (West Nile region).
The best spot is thought to be Pakwach, a township just outside Murchison Falls National Park. And given it is right at the edge of Uganda’s largest and richest national park offers even more advantages. As part of the experience, you could opt to do safaris in the park and enjoy a plethora of beautiful African wildlife with lots of big game such as lions, elephants, antelopes, chimpanzees, buffalos, giraffes, warthogs, and baboons, lots of birds and hike to the spectacular Murchison Falls. Three days prior to the solar eclipse would be ideal for great adventures in the park and recap it all with the lifetime total solar eclipse experience on day four.
Uganda Total Solar Eclipse and Murchison Falls National Park Safari.
African Adventure Travellers would like to organize you a short tour for the total solar eclipse experience with a Murchison Falls National Park Safari.
Our Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park
After early breakfast, your driver guide shall pick you from Kampala and depart for Murchison Falls National Park. Drive on the Kampala – Gulu highway for approximately 4 hours and get to Masindi town for your lunch break. Thereafter proceed to Murchison Falls National Park, check in via the Masindi Kichubanyobo park entrance and drive to the top of the spectacular Murchison Falls. Enjoy the magnificent views of the explosive waterfalls and incredible picture moments. Thereafter transfer to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Early Game Drive & Boat Ride
Wake up to an early cup of coffee and head off for the early morning game drive on the northern side of the Nile. Driving through the major game trucks, expect to view lots of game including lions, buffalos, giraffes, Jackson’s Hartebeests, Uganda Kob, Oribi, Hyena, Hogs, Leopard, and Elephants, a beautiful scenery and lots of savanna birds. The game drive takes about 4 hours, after which you transfer for your early lunch break. Later set out for the thrilling afternoon Launch Cruise upstream the Nile to the base of the magnificent Murchison Falls. This cruise is a big highlight of any Murchison Falls safari. Expect lots of wildlife along the Nile including Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Lizards, Warthogs, Elephants, Buffalos, and lots of game that come to drink and cool off. Lots of water birds are concentrated along the Nile. When you finally get to the base of the falls, you have an option to leave the Launch and hike around the falls to the top. It is rewarding 45 minutes hike with brilliant views of the Nile crushing through a small gorge about 7 meters wide. You meet up with the driver at the top and transfer to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Early Game Drive & Total Solar Eclipse Experience
You’ll wake to another game drive and expect to increase your game count. Return for lunch and set off to Pakwach, just outside Murchison Falls on the northern side. The Eclipse was forecasted to occur at about 5pm hence you have be in Packwach before hand and capture every moment of this natural phenomenon. The Total Solar Eclipse at Packwach is even more special than any that’ll be experience in most places. It is a Hybrid Eclipse that goes through 3 phases before a total black out! You can’t miss any bit! After this awesomeness you’ll return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Return to Kampala
After early breakfast you check out and return to Kampala.
The above Uganda total solar eclipse experience itinerary is merely a suggestion and it can be customized as per your travel interests. More days can added before and/or after the eclipse to visit more destinations around this naturally beautiful country.
It is also advisable to book for your trip as early as possible for there is really limited accommodation especially across the Eclipse areas outside the park.
Send your safari booking or inquiry at info@uganda-safaris-tours.com or call +256 782 118 037
For more Uganda safari itineraries that you could customize to include the total solar eclipse kindly visit www.uganda-safaris-tours.com
