Murchison Falls National Park

A typical wildlife safari in Uganda calls for a visit to Murchison falls national park in the northwestern part of the country. The park borrows its name from the mighty Murchison falls which were named after the former president of the Royal Geographical Society. Murchison falls national park is one of the most visited game reserves for wildlife tours in Uganda.

 Together with Karuma wildlife reserve and Budongo Forest reserve, Murchison falls national park forms the greater Murchison falls conservation area. In addition to the beautiful waterfalls, the park is home to major African wildlife mammals and this makes it one of the top wildlife safari destinations in east Africa. Murchison falls national park is bisected by the Victoria Nile on which boat trips to the Murchison falls are conducted

With the incredible variety of wildlife in Murchison falls national park alongside the gorgeous landscapes that includes the mighty waterfalls, tourists have plenty of things to engage while on a Murchison falls safari. They include;

Game drive

Murchison falls national park is known for its large density of large mammals hence a suitable place to watch the game in awesomely big numbers. Game drives are conducted in the northern side of the park which is mainly covered by open grasslands while the southern mainly has woodlands and forest. They offer a chance to see 4 of the Big five including Buffaloes, elephants, lions and leopards. antelopes, giraffes and hippos are common sightings.  

Boat cruise

Murchison falls national park offers two options for launch trip; the boat to the bottom of the falls which is more popular and the boat to the Albert delta. The 3 hours boat cruise to the bottom of the falls is like the switch for safaris to Murchison falls national park. It is a whole thrill that offers an opportunity to see numerous hippos, different bird species lined up along the banks of the Nile and huge Nile crocodiles before getting to the bottom of the incredible Murchison waterfalls. The bottom of the falls is admirable and worth sitting for the somewhat long launch trip just to see it. Before the u-turn back to Paraa, you are allowed sometime to take your best photos of the fascinating waterfalls.

Hike to the top of the falls

Getting to the top of the falls is exciting, but the boat cannot get closer to the devil’s cauldron because the rocks are too rugged. However, getting to that point is another exciting adventure- top of the falls hike. The hike is a good way to watch birds and enjoy lovely views of the Nile plus the landscape of the park. Hiking to the top of the falls takes about 45 minutes. It is a good way to rejuvenate and the trail is not so steep, so it can be done by anyone. As you climb higher and get closer to the top, you will be welcomed by the thunderous sounds of the water squeezing into the gorge and hitting the rocks. And when you arrive at the top of the falls, you will enjoy the showers of the water.

The tourists are transferred to their lodges by their drivers who will have arrived at the top of the falls earlier on.

A permit for the “top of the falls hike” costs US$ 15 per person per hike.

Visit the top of the falls

Apart from hiking to the top of the falls, this attractive site can also be accessed by car. You can drive there, get out the vehicle and watch the fascinating feature. Ensure not to cross where the post indicates limitation for your access.

Nature walk

Nature walks in Murchison are most rewarding when going through the major trails that go through Rabongo forest, Kaniyo Pabidi and at the Albert delta. They offer the ultimate chance to explore the park on foot. Tourists enjoy the scenery, spot a variety of bird species, learn about plants and experience the insightful feeling of getting around such a wilderness on foot.

Birding

Murchison falls national park is a great place to conduct a birding tour. The park is a haven for 450 bird species including Albertine rift endemic birds, savannah birds and waterbirds. Some of the birds of the park include the giant kingfisher, giant heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills (common in the grasslands), Nightjars, Back-bellied Bustard, Marabou stork, Black headed lapwing and pied kingfisher among others.

The park is a natural habitat for a wide range of mammals including four of the African Big Five; the elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard. Different species of antelopes are present including Uganda kobs, waterbuck and Jackson’s hartebeest. Rothschild’s giraffe are easily spotted here than any Ugandan park. Countless hippos in the Victoria Nile as observed throughout the launch trip on the Nile. Murchison falls national park has an impressive bird checklist and many of them are seen lined up along the shores of the Victoria Nile. Chimpanzees and other primates are present in the forested parts of the park

By road

Located 305km from Kampala, the easiest way to get to Murchison falls national park by road is to drive through Masindi town and connect via Kichumbanyobo Gate that takes you via Budongo forest. It takes 5-6 hours to get to the park and about 2 hours to the location of most lodges and the main Paraa. There are other several routes; Masindi southern gate also suitable for people entering the park from the south and the northern gates including the Chobe gate, Tangi gate in Pakwach.

By air

It is possible to access Murchison falls national park by air; scheduled and chartered flights are conducted from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to the park.  A flight takes less that one hour. Pakuba airfield is the most convenient to land at because it is located near most lodges and the most interesting part of the park. Other airfields include Chobe and Bugungu where you many land depending on your next activity.