Murchison falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda, occupying up to 3840 square kilometers of land. It was named after the ferocious “Murchison falls” by sir Samuel baker in 1864, where the famous River Nile is oppressed through a narrow gorge of 7m into the ‘devils Cauldron’ creating an ever present rainbow. It is a 4 hour drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, to the park and it is the perfect destination for an exciting tour around Uganda, with the vast attraction in and around it.
The park situated in the northern end of the Albertine rift valley giving it great views of the Great Plains and forested areas and the Victoria Nile that pours into Lake Albert. The Albert Nile corridor is Uganda’s lowest area at about 612 meters at the delta point. One is able to view the falls from up as the Nile forces its way through the gorge and from below during a boat cruise on the Nile.
WILDLIFE IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
ANIMALS IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Murchison falls National Park is habitat to 76 species of mammals, including four of the big five namely. Elephant, lion. Leopard and the African buffalo. The rhinos can be seen when one visits the rhino sanctuary (seen on the way to the park). Kaniyo Pabidi, in Budongo forest which is part of the park is known to harbor several primates. Like patas, monkeys, and baboons, among others. These animals can be seen during game drives, treks or during boat safaris. The easier animals to spot are elephants, giraffes, buffalos, kobs, warthogs whereas the bug cats such as the lions and leopards are harder to spot and one will need to drive there in the morning to have a glimpse of them before the sun forces them into hiding.
BIRDS IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
With over 450 species of birds in Murchison falls national park some of which are migrant birds. Others the one stat stay in the park all year round, bird watching is a famous activity in the park. The park has forested, swampy areas, riverine woodland, savannah and acacia trees which all provide a habitat for the various birds.
SAFARIS AND ACTIVITIES IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
GAME DRIVES IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
A game drive is an adventure where one views wildlife in the comfort of a car. Usually an open roof land rover, which moves through paths created. Uganda Wildlife Authority demarcated tracks on the Northern bank of River Nile for this exciting activity. There are custom made tour vehicles at the park that can accommodate between 4-6 people. ach person having access to a window for an amazing view. Depending on one’s interests and activities one intends to carry out, the game drive could last anything from 4hours to an entire day. One is advised to carry their cameras along with them to be able to capture beautiful moments. The animals to look out for during the drive include the elephants, bushbucks, giraffes, leopards, lions among others.
BOAT SAFARIS ON THE NILE
Boat safaris involve one viewing the remarkable assemblage of animals, birds, plants and scenery on a boat. At Murchison falls national park, these safaris are on Victoria Nile towards the falls. While at it, you will get to see aquatic animals and those coming to water. Namely; crocodiles, buffaloes, hippos, lizards, antelopes coming to water among others. There are several birds to look out for as well as you take on this trip. Especially at the delta where the shoebill fishes from. There are two launch trips daily, the first at 9am and the other at 2pm.
CHIMPANZEE TRACKING AT KANIYO PABIDI IN BUDONGO FOREST
Kaniyo Pabidi is a section of Budongo forest which is in Murchison falls national park, from where one can track chimpanzees. Other primates like baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys. Rare birds, buffaloes and bush pigs can also be found in this section of the park.
To track chimpanzees at Murchison falls national park, one needs to first book with Uganda Wildlife Authority. Or Budongo eco lodge. Then, they will be guided through the trek that lasts 3-4 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees slept the night before. Once tracked, the tourists can stay for about an hour or so, watching the way of life of these interesting primates that share up to 98 percent DNA with humans. There is also an opportunity for a full day Chimpanzee habituation experience if one needs more time with them or to learn more about them and this, also has to be booked prior to your safari.
SPORT FISHING
This is the use of hooks, fishing rods or other methods to catch fish for fun, hobbies or recreational purposes. At Murchison falls national park, one must first obtain a permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority before they can indulge in that thrilling activity, the waters after the falls provide some of the most exciting challenge to anglers with presence of the Nile perch, the largest recorded so far being of 108kg. Having attained permission to fish at certain designated areas of the Nile that are shown to you by the guides at the park, one is also encouraged to come along with their own fishing equipment.
BIRD WATCHING IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
With over 450 different bird species, Murchison falls was named the ninth best birding spot in Africa by the Africa Bird Guide. These various bird species are able to survive at the park due to the abundance in savannah and water. They are also easy to find and watch because of the grassland. Save for the few hindrances at the forested areas which make it a little difficult. Numerous birds can be seen by the waters and swampy areas. They include, the shoebill, heron, bee-eaters, lapwings among others.
NATURE AND FOREST WALKS
Most of the nature walks happen in forests in the park, there is Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forests from where one can trek through to enjoy the view of the various fauna and flora. Also, one should walk up to the top of the falls to experience the waters of the Nile be squeezed through the narrow gorge. This hike takes less than an hour.
COMMUNITY WALKS AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
What is a safari without a little interaction with the indigenous people? Indeed, for one that would love to engage with the local community during a Murchison falls national Park tour. The Boomu women’s group, right outside the park will take you through their day to day life and share experiences with you. You watch them weave, smith, cook and various other activities and lifestyles you would love to know about depending on your time.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
It should be noted that Murchison falls National Park is open all year through. Enjoyable to visit any time of the year however, the months of December to February and June to September are the most favorable times within which to visit the park. This is because this is generally a dry season. Hence the roads leading to the park are generally navigable as well as the trails within which trekking occurs. In addition, the months of June to September are not only favorable for game viewing. They are also part of the high season within which the park receives a lot of visitors. So it is necessary for one to book their accommodation services months prior to their visit as the competition will be high.
ROUTES TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
The park can be accessed by either road transport or air transport means. By road, the park has a southern gate for people travelling from Kampala through Masindi. Or those travelling from Fort Portal. It has access through the North for those travelling from Kampala through Karuma. Or those travelling from Gulu or Kidepo National Park.
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK- SAFARI LODGES AND CAMPS
In the park
- Paraa Safari lodge
- Pakuba Safari lodge
Park boundaries
- Murchison River lodge
- Bakers lodge
- Fort Murchison
- Nile safari lodge
