Murchison Falls National Park, is one of the country’s most popular and diverse wildlife destinations, located on the western side of Uganda just north of the midway part of the country. The park covers an area of 1,503 square miles (3,893 sq km) creating the largest national park in Uganda. The national park is part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area which includes Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve creating over 2,072 square miles (5,366 sq km) of protected wilderness. Although the park is renowned for the stunningly powerful Murchison Falls, it is an amazing place to take a safari and witness some of Africa’s incredible wildlife. The falls are on the Victoria or White Nile River home to the largest population of Nile crocodiles. Not forgetting the powerful Victoria Nile forces its way through a narrow gap in the rocks, creating a magnificent waterfall. The Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Are you thinking of wildlife safari in Uganda? Murchison Falls National Park has to be the first sought after! This savanna national park is located at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, bisected by the Mighty Victoria Nile, that flows from the west of the park and pours into L.Albert on the East of the park. The Murchison National Park is one of the largest national parks in Uganda covering 5308 square Kilometres.
It was gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 and its Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 birds . The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall creating the dramatic Murchison falls the centre piece of the park and the final event in an 89km stretch of rapids. The might cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. At Murchison falls, the Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the ‘’Devils cauldron’’ creating a trademark rainbow. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. The riverbanks have got regular visitors, buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds which are permanent residents.
The Murchison Falls
Along the mighty Nile in the park, there is a small section which forces the vast Nile to force itself through plunging into a 45m over ridge with a thunderous roar, creating the dramatic Falls, and thus, the name Murchison Falls National Park, the centerpiece of the park.
Along this might Nile, there is a habitat for wildlife as hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents as well as regular visitors to the riverbanks including elephants, giraffes, waterbucks and buffaloes among others
Things to See
Wildlife population in Murchison which include Giraffe, Elephants, Buffalos, lion, leopard, bushbuck, among others have now largely recovered and the population increased.
Apart from the big five, there are also primates in the park including Chimpanzee, baboons, Vervet monkeys among others. These are found in the Budongo Forest, which is in the southern part of the park.
The Murchison Falls National park also has the rare bird species including the Shoe Bill which is found on the Albert Nile and can best be seen by taking a boat cruise down to the Nile.
Getting to Murchison Falls National park
Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda by road and is approximately 300KMs from Kampala.
From Kampala, you pass through Luweero and Nakasongora area with a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongora. You then branch off from River Kafu and pass via Masindi, which is the nearest route. The other alternative is passing via Karuma and proceed to Pakwach, entering through Pakwach gate.
Apart from road, there is also chattered flights into the park as well as regular flights which fly from Entebbe to Pakuba airstrip, from where you can be picked up and transferred to the booked accommodation.
Many travelers would like to take weekend trips to Murchison Falls National park given that the most popular trips are 3 Days Tours.
Where to Stay
There are several accommodations in the park and these range from camps to lodges. Some of the accommodations include; Budongo eco lodge, Pakuba Lodge, Sambiya river lodge, Kabalega wilderness camp, Paraa Safari lodge, Chobe safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge among others.
What to see.
Murchison Falls National Park is rich in attractions ranging from nature, cultural, wildlife. Most fascinating in the park is the breathtaking Murchison Falls where the Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge plunging down with a thunderous roar. The other activities include chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, Birding in Budongo and along the Nile river, game drives along the northern sector, Launch Cruise along the mighty Nile river, Spot Fishing on the might Nile river among other activities.
Visiting the park can at least take three days including transfer to and from Kampala, but to fully exhaust the park’s attractions, one need at least four days. For more information here is the Murchison Falls Game park website
Conclusion
In conclusion, Murchison Falls National Park is a diverse and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. From the dramatic Murchison Falls to the abundant wildlife and fantastic birding opportunities, there are plenty of reasons to visit. Whether you are taking a boat trip on the River Nile, going on a game drive in the Buligi Game Tracks, or tracking chimpanzees in the forests, this park provides a unique and memorable experience. Murchison Falls National Park is truly one of Uganda’s most remarkable natural treasures.