Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park was previously known as kabalega national park and it’s the oldest as well as the largest national park in Uganda. Initially it was gazetted as a game reserve in 1926; the national park was designated as one of Uganda’s first national park officially in 1952.

At the centre of the national park is Murchison falls which is one of the most powerful waterfalls seen on a Ugandan safari. While here, the Victoria Nile forces through a narrow 8 meter wide gorge before dropping 45 meters into the devil’s cauldron below, sending a thunderous roar and a rainbow mist. The stretch is one of Uganda’s finest wildlife spotting which attracts giraffes, buffaloes and elephants to the riverbanks as well as Nile crocodiles, hippos and aquatic birds which are permanent residents.

With an area cover of 3,840 square kilometers, Murchison Falls National Park is a home to over 144 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptiles and 51 amphibians. The northern sector of the national park is represented by open savanna, Borassus palms and acacia woodland as the southern section is dominated by woodland and forest patches, thus providing diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife. These include african elephants, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, Uganda Kobs and buffaloes and can be spotted while on a Uganda safari.

The national park has attracted the most notable explorers and adventurers, such as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway and British Royalty. The legendary Hollywood film, “The african queen” starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, was filmed on lake albert and the Nile in Murchison falls national park in 1951. The film’s setting emphasized the untamed beauty of the region, bringing global attention to Uganda’s wilderness. Tourists searching for a thrilling game drive, memorable boat cruises or amazing scenery, the national park provides a truly captivating african safari experience.

ACTIVITIES IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls

Murchison falls are the major highlight of the national park and observing the world’s longest river forge its way through a narrow gap and erupt into a thunderous cascade is a sight that leaves tourists in wonder.

Tourists tend to experience the falls from the top and bottom. But a hike to the falls provides scenic views and the opportunity to feel the pure power of the water up close. The hike to the falls is one of the most extraordinary attractions on an African safari and it’s a must see while on any Ugandan safari.

Game drives

The national park provides a classic savannah wildlife experience, which many tourists expect from any African safari. Game drives usually take place in the northern sector of the park and that’s because of its open plains and high concentration of wildlife.

While on a game drive, tourists will have an encounter with lions resting under acacia trees, leopards hiding in the shadows, large herds of elephants and buffaloes, giraffes gracefully moving all over the savannah, and antelopes such as hartebeests, oribis and Uganda Kobs.

Game drives are usually carried out in the early morning or late in the afternoon when the animals are most active. The massive landscapes and variety of wildlife make each and every game drive an amazing adventure on a Uganda safari.

Boat cruise

Another unique experience at Murchison falls national park is the boat cruise along the Nile. The boat cruise is done at the bottom of the top of the falls and the albert delta and it’s done in two sessions: the morning boat cruise, which starts at 9am and the afternoon cruise at 2pm.

While on the boat cruise, tourists observe hippos resting in the water, crocodiles enjoying the shores, elephants and buffaloes drinking at the river, and bird species including kingfishers and fish eagles. The boat cruise ends at the base of Murchison falls where tourists can witness the roaring pour up close. This experience is frequently considered the major core of an african safari in Uganda.

Birdwatching

The national park is a birdwatcher’s haven for the bird lovers, with 556 bird species recorded. The various habitats, ranging from riverbanks to savannah and forest, tend to support a wide number of bird species.

Bird species that can be spotted include the silver bird, vitelline masked weaver, bluff bellied warbler, blue-napped mousebird, shoebill stork and black-headed batis, among others. Birdwatching adds peace and rewarding magnitude to your Uganda safari.

Nature walks

Tourists that tend to prefer exploring on foot, Murchison falls provides guided nature walks in established areas. The nature walks offer a closer perspective of the park’s flora and fauna as well as tracks and signs left behind by animals.

There is a trail at paraa which meanders throughout low hills, gullies and forest around the river. Nature walks take place at the top of the falls, kaniyo Pabidi and rabongo forest. The Rabongo forest ecotourism center is situated on an island of tropical river forest in the southeast of the conservation area.

Chimpanzee tracking

Situated on the southern boundary of the national park, budongo forest provides a thrilling opportunity for chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzee tracking adds a primate experience to your Uganda safari, thus completing a traditional wildlife encounter.

Accompanied by skilled rangers, tourists follow chimpanzees through the forest and observe their behavior in the wild.

Sport fishing

Sport fishing in Murchison falls is a rewarding activity where tourists can catch a large Nile perch, catfish, and other species.

Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park

While carrying out the activity, you get the opportunity to spot the biggest edible fish species. However, sport fishing in Murchison falls is not regular fishing for food but rather it’s based on a catch and release basis.

Culture encounter

While on a cultural encounter within the national park, tourists can visit mubako small craft shop that sells carved wooden sculptures and handwoven items made by the locals. Tourists will be entertained by the local cultural groups with vibrant songs and dances around the campfire of local lodges.