The main attractions in Murchison falls is the mighty falls. The Murchison falls itself that is scenic, thunderous and also dramatic to look at and feel. This, coupled with the River Nile, which is the longest River in Africa. The Victoria Nile which forms the upper section of the Nile River will bless your eyes with its streaming hippo. And a number of crocodiles along the sand banks as well as different wild life species seen concentrating to drink water and bath.
Therefore, highlight of visiting the park is the launch trip up the falls to observe the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’ and the variety of wildlife. The park provides two launch trips daily, the first at 0900hrs and the other at 1500hrs. Usually starting at Paraa to the delta point right below the falls where the River enters Lake Albert. It is a 4 to 5hour exciting journey whose return trip gives you an opportunity to watch the famous shoebill, which is also one of the biggest attractions in the park, fishing. Murchison falls National Park being the oldest park in Uganda and harboring over 76 mammal species, an over 450 bird species is among the most visited parks in Uganda.
The wonderful nature of the Nile which is right below the Murchison falls offers exciting challenges for anglers and the biggest Nile perch recorded was 108kg. Sport fishing is a prohibited activity that can only be done having got permission from Uganda Wildlife Authority. The park does not provide the necessary equipment for this activity. So one has to come prepared prior, and book their spot in advance as the permits for this are limited.
The most rewarding tourist attractions in Murchison falls park is the Murchison falls. The reason as to why Sir Samuel Baker named Uganda “The Pearl of Africa”. It is best enjoyed through sight-seeing at the top as one listens to the deafening sound of the Nile crashing while experiencing the splashing waterfall with high pressure.
Listed below are the most visited top tourist attractions in Murchison falls National Park.
- The Nile
- Budongo forest
- Karuma falls
- The Kaniyo-Pabidi forest
THE KANIYO-PABIDI FOREST
This is a natural forest covered by mahogany and ironwood trees. It is home to several primates and the most common activity in here is chimpanzee trekking. There is also plenty of bird species. The unique Puvel’s illaposis as well, that can only be found in this forest. It can be noticed during nature walks in the forest alongside other birds
RABONGO-PABIDI FOREST
This is a natural forest covered by tropical rain forest and a sea of rewarding grassland in the South Eastern side of the park. It is a one-hour drive from Paraa safari lodge and is best explored on foot especially when in search of the chimpanzees. The forest also harbors various monkey types, baboons, several bird species, plenty of butterflies, and plants that act as medicine to the neighboring communities
BULIGI AREA
The savannah grassland here makes it thrilling for game viewing in addition to the attractive sights of the marvelous East African rift valley at the top of Lake Albert overlooking Democratic Republic of Congo. The activities carried out here are game drives and game viewing in the presence of an experienced guide to help with the identification of the various games seen here.
THE PARK’S FLORA AND FAUNA
Savannah grassland generally occupies the largest area of the park, followed by tropical forest and woodland. All of which are habitats to over 500 bird species and 76 mammal species, including four of the big five namely, the leopard, lion, elephant and buffaloes.
BUDONGO FOREST
Subsquently, budongo forest is situated in the South Western part of the park. It connects with the neighboring community which connects with the Kaniyo Pabidi forest known for Chimpanzee tracking. The forest walk here starts from Busingiro eco-tourism site on the Masindi Bugungu route to Murchison falls National Park. Here one will see some of the various butterfly species. There are plenty of wildlife as they stroll and a sea of bird species, some common and others rare.
KARUMA FALLS
This is the most amazing place for sport fishing found in the North Eastern part of the falls.
Accommodation facilities in Murchison falls national park
Paraa safari lodge, Nile safari lodge, and Chobe safari lodge are luxury lodges
Sambiya River lodge, Fort Murchison lodge, Pakuba Lodge, and Murchison River lodge are all midrange lodges.
Red chilli rest camp, Budongo eco lodge and Yebo safari camp are Standard lodges.
Accessibility
The Park can be accessed by road from Kampala City through the Gulu highway which is approximately a 4hour drive.
The Park can also be accessed by air through Entebbe International airport or Kajjansi Airstrip in Entebbe. Air transport is more effective and faster and only takes one hour and ten minutes.
Murchison falls national Park is the best spotlight for tourist. With scenic views and a variety of activities to be carried out during one’s safaris.
