Murchison Falls National Park was founded in 1952 and is Uganda’s largest park, measuring 1,503 square miles. It can be found in the Kiryandongo, Masindi, Nwoya, and Buliisa districts in northwestern Uganda. The Nile River flows through the park, cutting it in two and leaving behind stunning waterfalls. Sir Samuel Baker, a British explorer, was astonished by one of the park’s waterfalls and named it Murchison Falls, which was eventually given to the park.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda following disagreements with the western world over his human rights record, Ugandan dictator Idi Amin sought to rename the falls Kabarega (after the King of Bunyoro), however this only lasted during his reign. Murchison Falls National Park includes primarily of Savannah grasslands, woods, open plains, and wetlands.
The park is part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which also contains the Karuma Falls and Bugungu Wildlife Reserves. It contains big forests such as Budongo, Rabango, and Kaniyo Pabidi. Kaniyo Pabidi has huge mahogany and ironwood trees. All three forests are home to a diverse range of bird and primate species, including chimps, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and black and white colobus monkeys.
The Murchison Conservation Area boasts the highest concentration of crocodiles and Roskilde Giraffes in Uganda. The park is a lion conservation unit, featuring approximately 445 bird species and 76 animal species. During Idi Amin’s dictatorship in the 1970s, many mammals died as a result of unregulated poaching and killing for sport and meat. The few white rhinos that once inhabited the park have been nearly extinct; however, efforts are being done to reintroduce them from the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has attempted to eradicate poaching in the park, but it remains prevalent, albeit on a local scale, largely for bush meat. The park was also impacted by the Kony insurrection in Northern Uganda in the 1990s, with some countries proclaiming it a no-go zone for its residents. Since 2005, peace has returned to all parts of the country, and the number of tourists has climbed dramatically.
The main attractions are the Savannah grasslands:
Murchison Falls, Karuma Falls, the Nile River, and woods such as Kaniyo Pabidi, Budongo, and Rabongo.
How reach Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is approximately four hours’ drive from Kampala. The route from Kampala to the park is well paved; however the stretch leading to the park is built of hard dirt. Travelers can use public transportation, such as buses, their own cars, or the services of a tour operator like Naleyo tours and travels no public buses travel through the park.
Attractions of Murchison Falls National ParkFrom Kampala, take a bus to Masindi and then a tiny commuter bus to Paraa. From Paraa, a visitor would need to hire a private automobile to participate in park activities. International visitors pay $40 to enter the park. Public transportation might be inconvenient in a developingPublic transportation can be inconvenient in a poor country like Uganda because busses seldom stay on Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda time and make unplanned stops to pick up and drop off passengers.
It is highly advised that you hire a private automobile directly from Kampala or employ the services of Naleyo tours and travels company. There are also chartered flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to small airstrips in Pakuba, near the Nile’s northern bank, and Bugungu, near the park headquarters. From these sites, one must go by automobile to the park headquarters in Paraa or their lodging.
Main Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park
Visitors planning a safari to Murchison Falls National Park can expect to participate in activities such as going to the top of the falls, wildlife drives, bird viewing, chimp trekking, nature walks, fishing, boat cruises, and camping, among others. A three-day safari to Murchison Falls may not be enough to include all of the activities in such a huge game park. One would need at least six days. Let’s go over some of the activities in greater detail.-
Things to do in Kahuzi Biega National ParkVisiting the Top of the Murchison Falls:
Most guests begin their visit to the falls by going to the summit. The Murchison Falls form when the Nile flows through a tight canyon on its way to Egypt. It is undoubtedly one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, second only to the Victoria Falls.
To reach the top of the falls, no guide is required; however, it is recommended that you travel with a group or someone who is familiar with the area. The initial view of the waterfalls from the summit is breathtaking. The tremendous boom as the water fights its way through the gorge before crashing 42 meters below is one of the park’s most memorable experiences.
The mist created by the power of the water combines with the sun’s rays to make beautiful rainbows that are breathtaking to see. Boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park. On a hot day or during the dry season, the mist from the waterfall is refreshing and peaceful, especially after a full day of activities. This place is ideal for photography, and you should not visit without a camera. After viewing the waterfall from above, a walkway leads down to the river or to the smaller Uhuru Falls before the Murchison Falls.
“The Crocodile Bar” is a must-visit;
This is a spot near the bottom of the falls where crocodiles assemble to await unlucky animals and fish that are dragged down by the tremendous water. Crocodiles of all sizes lie quietly waiting for their next victim.
Boat Cruise at the bottom of the falls:
This is one of the most popular activities in the park, and it is comparable to the launch cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kazinga Channel. The cruise lasts around 3 hours, beginning and terminating at the bottom of the falls. The top of the falls provides a beautiful view of the cascade and the deafening roars of the water tumbling down into the river.
Launch Cruise at Murchison Falls National Park:
The part of the Nile after the falls contains an abundance of wildlife, including one of Africa’s largest collections of hippos and crocodiles. Visitors can also view buffaloes, elephants, and a variety of antelope species drinking along the riverbank. Water birds include bee-eaters, cormorants, ducks, fish eagles, herons, kingfishers, and shoebill storks. After snapping photos and witnessing enough of the birds and animals, the skipper will turn the boat upstream to the foot of the falls, where tourists can exit and walk to level land.
Boat ride to the Nile Delta:
The Nile Delta is the point where the River Nile meets Lake Albert. The boat voyage to the Nile Delta takes you further upstream than where the typical tour boats turn. This activity occupies around half a day and is essential for birders. Visitors typically ride a boat downstream on the Nile until it enters Lake Albert. On the route to the lake, you can see more creatures congregating to drink along the Nile’s beaches and birds in the papyrus swamps surrounding Lake Albert. The surroundings around the Nile Delta are home to various bird species, including the uncommon shoebill stork.
Waterfalls in Murchison Falls National ParkKaruma Falls:
These falls are located in the northeast area of the game park, near Gulu district. The falls occur as the Nile River squeezes through many stone formations before tumbling with a roar. The foamy water that forms as the rushing river meets the rocks is stunning to see. Furthermore, the environment draws a variety of bird species and animals, including baboons, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, monkeys, and antelopes such as Uganda Kob and Hartbeest.
These falls are located in the northeast area of the game park, near Gulu district. The falls occur as the Nile River squeezes through many stone formations before tumbling with a roar.The foamy water that forms as the rushing river meets the rocks is stunning to see. Furthermore, the environment draws a variety of bird species and animals, including baboons, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, monkeys, and antelopes such as Uganda Kob and Hartbeest.
Game Drives:
This is probably the most entertaining activity in the park. Game drives can be done alone, but the presence of a park ranger makes it a more educational activity because they can help identify the different sorts of birds and mammals or direct you to the best spots to see them. Expect to see buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippopotamus, leopards, lions, monitor lizards, side striped jackals, spotted hyenas, and warthogs during a three-hour game drive to Murchison Falls with Naleyo tours and travels .
A safari in Murchison Falls National Park.
Among the antelope species in the park are the Bohor Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, Hartebeest, Oribi, and Uganda Kob, among others. The park’s primate species include Baboons, Black and White Colobus, Patas Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and Chimpanzees live in the Rabongo and Budongo Forests.
The park also has reptiles such as the African rock python, mambas, cobras, and various smaller snakes.In addition to the day game drives, tourists can participate in a two-hour night game drive. While on a night game drive, the chances of encountering predators such as hyenas, lions, serval cats, and, in especially, leopards increase. The rangers move with flashlights, ensuring that no action is missed. The night game drives begin late in the evening, or when it gets dark.
Rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located on the road to Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala. Because of widespread poaching, rhinos no longer wander Uganda’s national parks. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was intended to conserve the remaining rhinos while also boosting their numbers via careful breeding before returning them to larger parks once they reach 20. The major activity here is tracking rhinos on foot, which is normally overseen by sanctuary rangers.
The Rangers provide information about rhinoceros, the sanctuary’s history, the breeding program, and overall conservation activities. They then escort guests up close to the large mammals as they graze. Apart from rhinos, the large sanctuary is home to a variety of small monkeys and birds. Visitors can also go on nature hikes to witness birds such as the Shoebill Stork. All profits from visitors are directed toward rhino conservation efforts. Visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is best done before or after a two-day safari in Murchison Falls National Park.
Fishing:
The area below Murchison Falls is one of Uganda’s top fishing spots. Huge Nile Perch measuring more than 200 pounds can still be captured in this area of the Nile. Tigerfish and Tilapia are also commonly caught here. Visitors can go fishing on the Nile River by boat or stand at the bottom of the Murchison Falls and pass through their line. Fishing can also be conducted at the Karuma Falls or any of the riverfront pools. Visitors must obtain a fishing license and carry their own fishing gear. To catch the Nile Perch, first catch and utilize smaller fish as bait. Fishing can be paired with game drives and boats.
Forest and nature Walk:
These woodland treks are appropriate for educational reasons and can be conducted in Chobe or, more preferable, Rabongo and Budongo forests. These two forests are home to a variety of bird species and primates such as chimps and monkeys. An expert guide or ranger who is familiar with the various species of birds, trees, and animals should lead the treks. Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s greatest birding destinations. The activity can be done on nature hikes or with a safari vehicle. As a big park, Murchison Falls offers numerous possibilities and sites to go birdwatching. It could begin right outside your resort and continue to the Savannah grasslands, woods, and the Nile River.
Safaris in Murchison Falls National ParkKaniyo Pabidi forest region also offers opportunities for bird watching.
Abdim’s Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African Darter, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, African Quail-Finch, African Skimmer, Bar-breasted Firefinch, Beautiful Sunbird, Black Crake, Black Scimitarbill, Black-billed Barbet, Black-billed Wood-Dove, Black-faced Waxbill, Black-headed Batis, Black-headed Gondola, Black-headed Gonolek, Black-headed Plover, Black-lored Babbler, Blue-headed Coucal,Blue-naped Moosebird, Bluff-bellied Warbler, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver. Dark Chanting-Goshawk and Denham’s Bustard, Double-toothed Barbet, Eastern Grey Plantain Eater Fawn-breasted Waxbill, Giant Kingfisher, and Goliath Heron Gray crowned crane, Green-winged Ptyilia. Grey crowned cranes, Grey-headed Bush Shrike with Hugli’s Francolin Long-tailed Nightjar, Long-toed Plover. Malachite Kingfisher, Martial Eagle. Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Northern Crombec, Osprey Pel’s Fishing Owl. Pennant-winged Nightjar (Piapiac) The Pied Kingfisher, The red-throated bee-eater is The Red-winged Grey Warbler Rock Pratincole, Sacred Ibis. Saddle-billed Storks and Sandpipers Secretary Bird, Senegalese Thick-knee Shoebill Stork, Silverbird Bluff-bellied Warbler, Spotted Mourning Thrush, Spotted Owl, Spotted Thick-kneed Spur-winged Geese Squacco Heron, Standard-winged Nightjar, Sulphur-breasted Bush Shrike, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Swamp Flycatcher, Vaseline Masked Weaver, Veracious Verreaux’s Owl, Vitelline Masked Weaver, and Weaver Birds Whistling Cisticola White African Fish Eagle, White-backed heron and among others.
Chimp Trekking in Budongo forest:
Budongo Forest is located south of the park and is part of the Budongo-Kaniyo Pabidi Forest Reserve. The forest is home to over 464 plant and mammal species, including 820 chimpanzees. Jane Goodall has a research station in Budongo forest, thus chimpanzee tracking is the most popular pastime there.
Chimpanzees at Murchison Falls National Park.
Chimpanzee tracking begins at 8 a.m. and concludes about 3 p.m. The odds of sighting chimps are great; however it depends on the time of year. The ideal time to see the chimps is between May and August. The activity can go for a long time, but trackers should never get bored in such a magnificent forest with birds (about 360 species) and smaller primates such as black and white colobus, blue monkey, forest galago, pattos, and red-tailed monkeys.
Visitors are frequently led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide who can assist them recognize the various species of birds, animals, and plants. Chimpanzee habituation experiences can also be conducted in Budongo forest during times when there are fewer trackers. The cost of chimp trekking permits in Budongo is $130. If you wish to combine a safari with chimp tracking, choose our 6-day safari in Murchison Falls and chimp tracking in Budongo package.
Hot Air Balloon Wildlife viewing:
Murchison Falls is Uganda’s sole park that offers hot air balloon safaris.This activity begins early in the morning with gathering and inflating the balloon. Tourists are then briefed on safety concerns before taking off. The activity lasts approximately one hour and allows participants to observe and photograph wildlife and woodlands from above ground.
It is breathtaking floating above large herds of giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and the big predators returning from their night hunt. At the end of the activity, travelers had seen more animals than they would on a regular safari. Visitors are entitled to a certificate of participation at the conclusion of the activity.
Camping:
Camping can be provided at the lodges, but it is preferable to do so in the wilderness or forest, such as Kaniyo Pabidi. Campers are supplied with firewood, water, and tents. You may need to carry your own food and equipment, however you can arrange for these through your lodge or park authorities.
Boomu Women’s Group.Cultural visit to Boomu Village:
This activity might last a few hours or several days and is organized by the Boomu Women’s Group. The organization arranges village visits, lodging, and a shop selling African art.Village walks provide opportunities to meet and connect with the village’s residents. You can also stay overnight and experience what it is like to sleep in a traditional African hut with a rural African family.
The organization arranges village visits, lodging, and a shop selling African art. Village walks provide opportunities to meet and connect with the village’s residents. You can also stay overnight and experience what it is like to sleep in a traditional African hut with a rural African family. After spending the night with the family, the visitor can get up and assist with garden chores or cooking with the village women.
Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park
There are several resorts, campsites, and motels in and around Murchison Falls National Park. The final choice of lodging facilities is totally dependent on the traveler’s budget. The nicest lodges are located near the Nile River or near where game drives are scheduled. Let us look at some of the hotels and resorts.
Nile Safari Lodge:
Built on the park’s western edge, the lodge is surrounded by a papyrus grove. This luxury resort, which overlooks the Nile on the southern bank, has six tents, cottages, and a large swimming pool. The tents are self-contained, with hot showers and balconies that overlook the nature and the Nile River. The tents are self-contained, with hot showers and balconies that overlook the nature and the Nile River. Other amenities include a bar, restaurant, and a lovely compound garden. An evening campfire is typically set up, with traditional dancers hired to amuse guests.
Paraa Safari Lodge:
The Paraa Safari Lodge is one of the oldest and most established lodges in the Murchison Falls area. It includes around 53 luxurious self-contained rooms designed with indigenous African art. The rooms have balconies that overlook the Nile’s northern bank. Other amenities include a swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Clients are offered three meals every day, which include both international and local foods. The lodge is conveniently positioned for wildlife drives, sport fishing, and boat cruises on the Nile River. Because of its proximity to the Nile, buffaloes and elephants can be seen bathing along the riverbank.
Red Chilli Rest Camp:
This facility, previously known as Paraa Rest Camp, is located on the southern bank of the Nile River. The rooms are self-contained and constructed of masonry with grass thatched roofs. The hotel’s amenities include a kitchen, restrooms, a restaurant, and a bar. A campfire is frequently started late in the evening with barbecue. Because of its strategic location within the park, it is possible to see park creatures such as antelopes, warthogs, and birds approaching the camp.
Sambiya River Lodge:
This resort provides budget-friendly accommodations. It was built at the Masindi-Paraa road, near the Murchison Falls.The lodge features 26 self-contained cottages with baths and big balconies. From the balconies, one can see game and the neighboring Sambiya River. Other amenities include a restaurant, eating area, bar, and swimming pool. Food is served around the swimming pool. Those hoping to view birds and monitor chimpanzees in Budongo Forest will find this resort quite convenient.
Pakuba Safari Lodge:
This lodge, which is likewise situated on the banks of the Nile, features 46 self-contained rooms with their own toilets. Some rooms can be shared by two or more persons. The lodge includes spacious rooms for social groups, corporate meetings, and weddings. Special options for guests who stay for three or more nights include free game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, and nature hikes on top of the falls.
Murchison River Lodge
Offers double, single, and dormitory accommodations surrounded by vast grounds.
The hotel features a bar, a swimming pool, and spacious balconies with stunning views of the landscape. There is free Wi-Fi, a place to stow luggage, a pool table, and a flat television.
Masindi Hotel:
Located in Masindi, this hotel is ideal for visitors who arrive late and are unable to travel directly to the park. Masindi Hotel features twenty-two rooms and provides mid-range service. The hotel was built during the colonial era but has been updated with modern amenities.