Tangi River
The Tangi River, a tributary of the Nile, is located in the northwestern region of Uganda, specifically within the districts of Olwiyo and Pakwach. It traverses the Pakwach highway, which connects West Nile to Gulu and Kampala. This river is notorious for flooding, particularly in the West Nile region, with a recent event occurring on November 27th, 2024, devastating thousands of properties. This flooding also obstructed access to the areas surrounding the river. While traveling to see this river, you should understand the river’s conditions. The Tangi River flows through Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and most popular national park. It was initially known as the Kabalega National Park and later named Murchison Falls since they are located within the park. When preparing to cross the river, passing through the Tangi gate is essential, as it begins in the northeastern section of the park near Purongo. The Borassus palm trees dominate the landscape around the river Tangi in the south. The other kinds of vegetation around the river are the acacia, savannah-type vegetation, and small palm tree species. This river is home to wildlife commonly seen during safaris, including elephants, buffalo, warthogs, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and more.
What activities can one participate in during safaris along the Tangi River?
As you plan a safari to encounter the Tangi River, there are several activities that you can engage in, and some of these include;
Game viewing
One of the main activities at Murchison Falls National Park, particularly near the Tangi River, is wildlife viewing. This experience occurs along the park’s numerous designated trails in a 4×4 safari vehicle equipped with a pop-up for enhanced wildlife observation. During this game drive, you can see various animals, including lions, leopards, buffalo, warthogs, giraffes, hippos, and more. Game viewing is done in several sessions around the park, including morning, afternoon, evening, full-day, and night sessions.
Boat cruise
The boat cruise on the Nile River offers a chance to experience the wildlife and scenic landscapes of the area. Typically held in the afternoon, the cruise allows you to observe various species, including buffalo, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds, within the park’s surroundings. You will also get a front-row view of the falls.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is a primate activity in the Budongo forest, part of the park area. This experience allows encounters with various chimpanzee species inhabiting the forest. Notably, chimpanzees share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans. To prepare for human interaction, chimpanzees in this forest are first habituated over two years. The tracking of chimpanzees typically takes around 4 to 6 hours, culminating in an encounter with them. To participate in this activity, you must obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit. The fees for chimpanzee trekking are 120 USD for foreign non-residents, 110 USD for foreign residents, and 80 USD for East African residents.
Hiking to the top of the falls
Hiking to the top of the falls takes you to the encounter of the world’s most substantial falls, Murchison Falls, converging into a 13-meter gorge. This hike also offers scenic views of the park and the Nile River.
Nature walks
Nature walks are activities conducted on foot in the park surrounding the Tangi River, allowing participants to encounter various wildlife. These walks are led by a ranger guide who facilitates wildlife encounters. They take place early morning and late evening to observe animals such as buffalo, water birds, hippos, elephants, giraffes, and many more.
Accommodation near Tangi River
During your safaris in Uganda to explore the Tangi River, you’ll find numerous accommodation options around Murchison Falls National Park. Notable facilities include Pakuba Safari Lodge, Savannah Lodge, Hornbill Lodge, Tangi Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison, Heritage Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, and many more.
How to get to the Tangi River?
Tangi River is accessible by both road and air transport. When using road transport from Kampala, you will take the Kampala-Luwero-Karuma road to reach the northern part of the park where the river is located, which will take about 7 to 8 hours. For air transport, you can utilize domestic chartered flights scheduled from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba Airstrip within the park. From there, you will be transferred by road to the river.
