As the sun sets and darkness covers the park, stars begin to light up the sky over Murchison Falls. Book a stay inside the park to add stargazing to your safari, with clear night skies thanks to the park’s remote location and low light pollution.
What You Can See at Night
Tourists can clearly see the Milky Way stretching across the sky, with planets and constellations visible to the naked eye. Using binoculars or a small telescope improves the view further, giving clearer sight of countless stars. Thanks to Uganda’s location near the equator, stargazers at Murchison Falls can see both northern and southern sky objects such as the Southern Cross, Orion’s Belt, and the Big Dipper.
Astrophotography at Murchison Falls
Astrophotographers can take advantage of the dark skies to capture the night sky using long exposure photography. The lack of artificial light around the park gives photographers a clear field for star trails and wide sky shots that are harder to get near cities.
Best Time for Stargazing
The best time for stargazing in Murchison Falls is during the dry seasons, from June to August and from December to February, when the skies are clearer and have fewer clouds. Good places for star viewing include areas near the Nile River and the delta region of Lake Albert, where the view stays open and free of light pollution.
The Sounds of the Night
As stars shine above, the sounds of night animals like leopards and hippos add to the experience, giving stargazing at Murchison Falls a different feel from a standard city night sky session.
Tips for Stargazing
- Use a red-light flashlight to protect your night vision
- Bring a star map or use a stargazing app
- Dress warmly, as nights can get cold
Stargazing Challenges
The biggest challenge to stargazing in the park is the rainy season, when clouds often cover the sky and limit visibility. Planning a visit during the dry season gives the best chance of a clear night for stargazing.
Stargazing at Murchison Falls National Park adds a memorable touch to a night at the park. Book your stay at a lodge inside the park to combine game drives, boat cruises, and a clear view of the night sky in one trip.
