HIKING TO THE TOP OF THE MURCHISON FALLS

Hiking refers to long walks taken often by tourists for fun. Hiking to the top of the falls is a thrilling activity that lets the hikers get to see the eye-striking falls from above. The top of the falls Hike is coupled with a boat cruise as it is the only way one gets there. Staff at Murchison falls national park arrange boat cruises and take precautions before and during the cruise.

The Murchison falls national park is situated in North Western Uganda. It is the largest park in the country covering 3840square kilometers of mainly savannah vegetation, high rift valley escarpments, hills forests, among others. At the National Park, one will get to enjoy the beauty of wildlife, the falls from a narrow gorge, the various birds, chimpanzees and even the diversity of cultures around the park, thereby contributing to the overall beauty that the pearl of Africa possesses.

Murchison falls National Park is endowed greatly and naturally and most of the attractions can be seen on foot along trails demarcated by Uganda Wildlife Authority and with supervision from a tour guide.

HIKING TO THE TOP OF THE FALLS.

This is an elating activity enjoyed by most of the travelers that come to the park. It comes after the exciting two-hour boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of the falls. You will see variety of aquatic wildlife along river banks such as hippos, crocodiles and water bird species in plenty. The starting point for the hike is at the bottom of the falls. This is where the boat leaves you to hike up and get to enjoy the magnificent ‘Devil’s Cauldron’s’ view.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE TOP OF THE FALLS HIKING IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK.

After the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls at a place known as ‘Baker’s point’. A spot where it is believed Sir Samuel Baker stood at to name Uganda the “Pearl of Africa”, hiking begins. The hike is accompanied by a guide who narrates the tales you might have only read in books . How Sir Samuel Baker and the explorers came, strolled through the virgin environment, thereby bringing your imagination to life. The tour guides will also help name the various features. From the bottom of the falls to the top and also answer all your queries along the way.

You are going to be astonished at the falls as you get off the cruise boat. As the force with which the water from the Nile forces its way through the natural gorge to make a great pour is deafening and makes the ground to tremble.

During the hike, you will spot the various birds, butterflies and caterpillars at the waterlogged areas. While at the top, the water vapor falling on your face and the mild sun light penetrating through the leaves is a relieving experience that ever one should look forward to having. Still at the top of the falls is the view of Uhuru falls. This is the sister falls to Murchison falls and are a result of stray water from the main river stream. Uhuru, is a Kiswahili word meaning Independence. The falls are named so because they were formed in 1962, the year in which Uganda got her independence.

Our hiking to the top of the falls will take us about 45 minutes.