MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Murchison falls national park is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, located in the northwestern part of the country. It’s one of East Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations as it is well known for its dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, powerful waterfalls called Murchison falls where its name came from, and one of the most spectaculars parks in Uganda, making it a top destination for both locals and international tourists.

Why People Visit Murchison Falls National park?

This park offers a unique combination of wildlife, beautiful sceneries, and magical adventures;

Murchison Falls (The main attraction)

The heart of this park is Murchison Falls also known as Kabalega Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging about 43 meters down and the result is incredibly a powerful cascade often called “The World’s Most Powerful Waterfalls”. The thunder, dramatic, mist, and ever seen rainbows make it a standout natural spectacle alone is enough to make anyone want to visit this magical place.

Wildlife and Safaris

The park hosts a wide range of wild animals including 4 of the big 5 (Elephants, Lions, Leopards, and Buffaloes), various antelope species like Uganda kobs, Oribis, Water bucks, Jackson’s hartebeests, and more. It also has different bird species, Nile crocodiles and hippos along the riverbanks and much more interesting attractions. Except the majestic waterfalls, Murchison is also re-known for a great taste in wildlife and biodiversity. It is home for mammals numbered between 76 to 144 alongside a bird life of over 556 species. Aquatic animals such as hippos and crocodiles are usually sighted along river banks.

Boat Cruise Safaris

Boat cruising is one of the best experiences along the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park and these kinda trips will take you to the base/bottom of the falls or downstream toward the Nile Delta. As you are on the boat cruise safari, you’ll see dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species along the way.

Birdwatching

This park harbors more than 450 bird species and it is among the best spots in Uganda for bird lovers or bird watchers. For birders, those who visit Murchison falls will enjoy sighting the different birds that will be specially seen during the short rains. They include African fish eagle, king fishers, shoebill stork,
herons and bee-eaters. Many birders love the calm shoe bill stork and can watch it over and over, even in Mabamba swamp.

Chimpanzee Tracking

In Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park, chimpanzees are commonest primates here that are usually sighted swinging on tree branches, observed nurturing their young ones, how they feed and other behaviors. They can easily seen by chimpanzee trekking, which allows visitors have a first-hand experience with them.

Photography

Photographers can also enjoy the park as there is a lot to capture such as the landscapes surrounding the area, the falls, birds and other wildlife.

Accessibility

It take about 4–6 hours (depending on traffic) by road from Kampala or Entebbe and it is also accessible by using domestic flights from Kampala or Entebbe to Pakuba Airstrip which is found inside this park.

Activities/Things To Do In Murchison Falls National Park

Hiking to the top of the falls:

Walking up the trails so as to reach the top of the falls is one exciting activity visitors engage in. When at the top, you will clearly witness how the Nile River forces its way through the narrow gorge, giving beautiful scenes.

Boat cruises:

Since the park has a water body in it, a boat cruise is a must do so that you come closer to hippos, crocodiles at also see the landscapes that you would reach during the game drive. Elephants and different birds can also be seen during a boat cruise along river banks.

Safari game drives:

These can be done either during day or night in a bid to watch the land mammals in the park. In your rented 4×4 vehicle which is most of the times adjusted with a pop up roof, you can stand in your car to watch lions, leopards, elephants, and many more. You will observe them doing different activities.

Chimpanzee trekking:

You will take the trails in the forest as guided with by the tour guide so as to spot these primates. You not only see the chimpanzees but also will get to know about the different tree species as the guide will teach.

Spot fishing:

The area below the falls is a hot spot for sport fishing as you can easily target big Nile perch and cat fish.

Bird watching:

The Park has over 556 bird species that you can sight in every season, though during the rainy season, the birds are more visible.

Photography:

Murchison falls is not the only photography spot for photographers but every bit of nature in and around the park is. For nature photographers, all activities, wildlife and birds will be too goo not to snap.

Best Times To Visit Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls National Park can be visited throughout the year, offering unique experiences
throughout each time. However, the dry season is the peak time of tourism in Uganda, which is between December to February and June to September.
During this time, animals are easily sighted because they need to move around looking for water and so they are usually located near water bodies, and are in large crowds, making them easier to see.
Visitors are encouraged to wear light clothes to easily keep up with the hot climate.

The rainy season also makes its own history as it is the real deal for adventure seekers though it is kind of hectic, especially for unexperienced drivers. This is as a result of the roads being extremely muddy for an amateur easily navigate.
The vegetation during this season is lush making a beautiful scenery for photographers. To sum it all, it gives avenue to bird watchers as they can also see migratory bird species. Visitors are encouraged to always carry rain coats, wear boats since the rains are always unexpected.
Murchison falls is still one of the greatest tourist attractions there is in Uganda and also East
Africa, providing a very unique and breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife activities. It is a suitable attraction for both those visiting Uganda and East Africa for the first time and those who a long time satisfaction through visiting the place for many times.