This park strategically straddles in northwestern Uganda just at the extreme Albertine Rift Valley. It is largely dominated by lush savanna and forms part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area that spans to cover other areas like Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserve and Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. First, it was gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 and later in 1952, its status changed to national park thus making one of the oldest national parks in the pearl of Africa. It covers an area of about 3840 square kilometers making it Uganda’s largest national park.
Its northern section is filled with mainly the savanna grassland and Borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland while the southern sector features the woodland and forest cover. Besides, this stunning is a host to one of the world’s greatest waterfalls ‘Murchison falls’ which squeezes itself into a narrow gorge of about 8 meters before plunging about 43 meters.
What to see while on Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park
What makes this park unique is its abundant wildlife species. While on safari in this national park, expect to view wildlife species like elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, warthogs, as well as over 451 bird species are present ranging from easy variety of water birds, including the rare shoe-billed stork, dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, white-thighed hornbill and great blue Turaco a mention but a few.
Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Game/wildlife viewing
This is an exciting and prime safari activity that is offered in Murchison Falls National Park. Game drives take you through the Buligi game trail, the northern part of the park and while here, you get a chance to catch a glimpse at the African elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards if you are lucky enough as well as warthogs, giraffes, bushbucks, duikers, Uganda Kobs, Oribis as well as many bird species.
Boat cruise
This mainly offers you a great opportunity to view most of the aquatic life. It takes you head to bottom of the Murchison falls and you will be amazed by views of crocodiles, hippos and many water birds including fish eagles, kingfishers and others.
Birding
You can embark on this amazing experience by car or nature walk. This park features varied habitats that come with distinct bird species. On birding tour at this park, you have a chance to sight savanna birds, forest bird and water birds.
Hiking/nature walks
Murchison Falls National Park features a vast and breathtaking landscape. For nature lovers, there are several trails for you to embark that lead you to different stunning sites including Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo. On nature walk, you have a chance to enjoy amazing views over different birds, primates among others.
Sport fishing
This is one of the best spot for you to take part in sport fishing. While on this thrilling water sport, you have opportunity to challenge yourself with heavy fish species that weigh about 20 kilograms, 60 kilograms as well as 108 kilograms.
Cultural encounters
For the most cultural experiences, the Mubako community is that one remote area you need to pay a visit while on safari in Murchison Falls National Park. This village features traditional thatched huts and deal in wooden sculptures, hand woven items as well as offers you a chance to enjoy the experiential dances and music performances.
The other is chimpanzee tracking which is conducted within Budongo forest. There are many habituated chimpanzees within this area.
Visit to the top of the falls
Murchison falls straddles along the Victoria Nile and features not only as one of the most powerful waterfalls but also the most scenic tourist sites. While here, you will be amazed by the powerful roar of this waterfall as it squeezes itself in a narrow gorge of 7 meters prior dropping down about 43 meters. For those who will embark on a boat ride, you can be dropped off at the bottom of the falls and you hike through the designated trail or drive from the southern side of the park to the top of the falls.
In addition, you can also be part of sport fishing which offers you a chance to challenge yourself with a heavy Nile perch, hot air balloon tours, Rabongo forest walk a mention but a few.
How to get to Murchison Falls National Park
This park can be reached by road and air. By road, Murchison Falls National Park is reachable within 4 to 5 hours’ drive off Kampala. You drive via Kampala-Luweero-Masindi route. By air, you can take a flight from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield and land into airstrip north of the Nile at Pakuba and or south at Bugungu.
Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park
There are many lodging facilities for visitors to spend a night while on safari in Murchison Falls National Park. They include the Nile safari camp, Red chili rest camp, paraa safari lodge, Masindi hotel, Chobe lodge a mention but a few.
In conclusion, Murchison Falls National Park isn’t only popular for its powerful waterfalls but also for its diverse wildlife species.
