Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s Natural Treasure

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest conservation area in Uganda.

Murchison Falls National Park is located in the northwest of Uganda, extending across the districts of Bulisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo, and Masindi and it is believed to cover a total surface area of 3893 square kilometers.

In 1862, the first European explorers visited the falls, which by then were known as Kabelaga Falls. This exposed the falls to the outside world. Due to this exposure, in 1863, Samuel and Florence Baker also visited the Falls. Baker renamed the falls to Murchison Falls after the then-president of the Royal Geographical Society, Roderick Murchison.

Murchison Falls National Park is famous for the spectacular Murchison Falls which it was named after. The Nile River forces its way through a narrow cliff gap, creating a splendid waterfall that plunges 43 meters into the Albert Nile.

Although the National Park is majorly famous for its falls, there is a blend of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage that have left many mesmerized hence an increase in the number of people visiting the Park. The park’s varied terrain includes savanna, woodland, and riverine forests, making it a unique ecosystem that supports a wide array of flora and fauna.

Among the wildlife you would expect to see during your visit to Murchison Falls National Park includes the big four: elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. You can also make a stopover at the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the Rhinoceroses en route to Murchison and you tick the big five.

Other Species: Visitors can also encounter giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species, making each safari a unique adventure.

Activities And Attractions In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Game Drives In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for its population of the famous Big Four: Lions, Buffalo, Elephants, and Leopards. In addition to these prominent species, the park also boasts a diverse range of other wildlife, including Uganda kobs, Rothschild’s giraffes, hippos, and various types of antelopes.

Birdwatchers will also delight in the diverse avian life found along the riverbanks and in the park’s scattered woodlands.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat and the park’s vast savanna plains provide excellent visibility from your safari Vehicle.

The park is divided into two sections: Bugungu (South) and Paraa (North) and all have of plenty wildlife for your view. Be sure to bring binoculars for spotting animals from a distance, and don’t forget insect repellent, as Murchison is home to tsetse flies.

Boat Cruises In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

A highlight of any visit, boat cruises on the Nile River take you close to the base of Murchison Falls, offering views of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Below are some of the boat cruises that can arranged on the Nile River:

Bottom of the Falls cruise: You can enjoy a three-hour boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls either in the morning or afternoon. The journey begins at the jetty and takes you down to the Fajoa Gorge, and you can choose to go as part of a group or have the boat all to yourself. The cruise stops at a point where the powerful falls meet the calmer waters of the river, from there you have uninterrupted views of the water cascading down the cliffs.

Delta cruise: The Victoria Nile Delta, located about 20 kilometers downstream from Paraa, is a haven for rare wetland birds, including the elusive shoebill and species unique to papyrus. This relaxing cruise takes you down to Lake Albert, where you can spot elephants, hippos, and large Nile crocodiles. The trip lasts around 4 to 5 hours and starts at 7 a.m. from a jetty on the south bank of the Nile River.

Sports Fishing In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

At the base of the magnificent falls, the fresh waters are home to a variety of fish species, with the Nile perch being the most common. Experienced fishing guides, well-versed in the river’s best spots, will assist you during your trip.

Fishing is done using engine speedboats, each designed to hold a maximum of three anglers. This activity is available year-round, although it’s less productive during the full moon and not ideal during the rainy season.

The boats are equipped with essential gear, including rain suits, life jackets, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and a cooler for drinks and picnic lunches. While basic fishing equipment like lures for trolling is provided, anglers are encouraged to bring their own gear.

You can choose between half-day or full-day fishing trips. It’s advisable to pack sun protection, sandals, lightweight clothing, a camera, and insect repellent.

To promote sustainability and conservation, a catch-and-release policy is strongly recommended.

Chimpanzee Tracking In Budongo Forest In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Budongo Forest, located near Murchison Falls, is one of Uganda’s premier conservation areas, renowned for having the highest concentration of mahogany and iron trees in East Africa. It is also home to over 900 habituated chimpanzees, making it an exceptional spot for chimpanzee tracking. Additionally, the forest boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including 290 butterfly species, 130 moths, and 465 types of trees.

Your day begins with breakfast, followed by a drive to Kaniyo Pabidi, the starting point for your adventure. Here, you’ll receive a briefing from ranger guides about the rules and regulations to ensure a safe experience.

After the briefing, you’ll embark on a trek that lasts at least three hours, depending on how quickly you locate the chimps. As you approach their territory, you’ll likely hear their distinctive hoots, prompting you to quicken your pace to catch up, as they tend to move deeper into the forest.

Many visitors find their excitement intense upon first spotting the chimps swinging from branch to branch, displaying a variety of poses. It’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive at first, but any fear quickly fades as the chimps exhibit their friendly nature.

You’ll spend one hour with the chimps, taking photos and learning from the ranger about their behaviors, reproduction, feeding habits, and more. After this incredible experience, you’ll exit the forest to receive your certificate as a memento of your adventure.

Birding And Nature Walks In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided hikes and nature walks allow visitors to explore the park’s lush landscapes and learn about its ecology including the bird life.

Murchison Falls is renowned for its incredible bird diversity, home to over 556 species of both aquatic and terrestrial birds. Among these are the rare shoebill and notable species such as the martial eagle, African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, marabou storks, Great Blue Turaco, and osprey.

Birdwatchers can spot various species in the savanna grasslands along the Buligi Trail and along the riverbanks of the Albert Delta Nile during game drives and boat cruises. Additionally, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has established marked trails for nature walks in the Budongo and Rabongo forests. Here, tourists can explore the serene environment on foot, guided by knowledgeable rangers who will lead you through the forest canopy and highlight the best spots to see various mammals, birds, monkeys, insects, and ancient tree species.

It’s a good idea to bring a walking stick to help clear a path through the shrubs and binoculars for better visibility.

Top Of The Falls In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

The top of Murchison Falls is a must-see destination that no visitor should miss. While you may have admired the falls from your boat cruise, this visit allows for an intimate experience with the powerful rapids.

Previously, access to the top was possible via a boat ride from the base, followed by a hike. However, due to the high water levels covering the hiking trail, visitors now need to drive around to the Paraa side to reach the top of the falls. You can choose to make this excursion on your first day in the park or on your last as you prepare to leave.

After registering with the UWA ranger, your guide will lead you down to the top of the falls. The roaring sound of the water crashing through the gorge greets you, and soon you’ll feel the refreshing mist cooling you down from the heat of the park.

Surrounded by lush greenery and large rocks, it’s essential to tread carefully to avoid slipping. While exploring, keep an eye out for various wildlife, including birds, colorful butterflies, and even caterpillars on the damp leaves.

Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary Enroute To Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only location in Uganda that is home to white rhinos. Situated in the Nakasongola district, north of Kampala, the sanctuary currently houses 32 white rhinos. Visitors can also spot a variety of other wildlife, including over 300 bird species like the rare shoebill, as well as Uganda kobs, warthogs, oribis, bushbucks, and waterbucks.

You can explore the sanctuary on foot or take a canoe trip through the swamps. Experienced rangers will guide you to the rhinos, but be prepared for a short drive into the ranch, as the rhinos roam freely across an area of about 27 miles. The trek to find them typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, depending on their location.

Remember to wear closed-toe shoes, bring drinking water, long pants, insect repellent, and, of course, your camera to capture this unique experience!

Cultural Experiences Around Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park offers visitors a rich tapestry of cultural experiences through interactions with local communities. You can visit nearby villages to learn about traditional lifestyles and crafts, enjoy vibrant cultural performances featuring music and dance, and participate in workshops to create local handicrafts like baskets and jewelry.

Accommodations In Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some popular choices:

Luxury Lodges: Murchison Bush Camp, Anyadwe Guest House, Nile Safari Lodge and Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge among others

Mid-range Lodges: Twiga Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, and Murchison River Lodge among others

Budget Lodges: Red Chili rest camp, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Bamboo Nile Safari, Sambiya River Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge among others

How To Get To Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park is accessible from various routes, and here are the main ways to reach this stunning destination:

1. By Road

From Kampala: The park is approximately a 5-6 hour drive from Kampala. You can take the Gulu Highway, which leads directly to the park.

From Entebbe: The drive from Entebbe to Murchison Falls is similar in duration to that from Kampala, typically taking around 6 hours.

2. By Air

Scheduled Flights: There are daily scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba or Bugungu Airstrip, which are located near the park. The flight takes about 1 hour, offering a scenic aerial view of Uganda.

Book your visit to Murchison Falls National Park through Nirvana Tours and Travel. Kindly contact us throughnirvanasafaris@gmail.com