Located in North western Uganda, Murchison falls national park is the largest national park in Uganda famous for the world’s strongest waterfalls the Murchison falls which flows through a 7meter wide gorge and before it plunges 45 meters with a thunderous roar into the “Devil’s Cauldron”, creating an exquisite rainbow. Formerly Kabalega National Park, the park was gazetted in 1926. The park covers up to 3,893 sq Km extending inland from the Victoria Nile’s edge at Lake Albert up to the Karuma Falls. The Victoria Nile, which spans over 200 kilometers from East to West, cuts the park in half.
Sir Samuel Baker gave the place the name Murchison in honor of geologist Roderick Murchison, then the president of the Royal Geographical Society during his 19th-century explorations of Uganda. Due to its large size, visitors on a Uganda safari tour at Murchison falls have the ability view a number of iconic wildlife species in the park. Plus, the diverse ecosystem the Murchison Park boosts of which include savanna and Borassus palms, riverine woodland, woodland and forest patches.
The park is home to more than 76 different mammal species, includingthe lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo, four of the “big five” animals. Other species include giraffes with three-quarters of the world’s population of Rothschild giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbucks and warthogs, bushbucks, Uganda kob, hyenas, etc. Hippos and crocodiles are among the many native wildlife that may be seen along the Nile’s shores and in its waters. The Murchison Falls National Park is home to several primates, including baboons and various kinds of monkeys.https://ugandawildlife.org/national-parks/murchison-falls-national-park/
More than 450 kinds of birds have been reported in the park, including the uncommon shoebill stork, which is especially prominent along the banks of the Nile. Given that it is situated in the western arm of the east African rift valley, the park is also home to 23 Albertine rift endemics.
Things to do while in Murchison falls national park
Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park
These early morning and early evening adventures give you the chance to see a variety of creatures up close. A nocturnal game drive gives visitors the chance to witness nocturnal predators including leopards, lions, hyenas, serval cats, and many others. The 2-hour nighttime game drive allows you to witness nocturnal animals in their natural settings. The primary game watching regions in Murchison falls national park include the southern sector, Buligi Peninsular, and the Delta area.
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
At dawn, take in an aerial perspective of the park’s stunning scenery and abundant animals. Hot air balloon safaris are only done here in Uganda. Costs for this trip range from $380 to $400.
Boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
During the boat cruise on the Nile, travelers may see wildlife like elephants bathing, crocodiles lazing in the heat and schools of hippos in addition to birds like the shoebill stork and African fish eagle. The Murchison Falls bottom is the destination of the boat cruise.
Bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park
Featuring a variety of species, including endemic birds of the Albertine Rift, water birds, and savanna woodland birds for example the rare shoe-billed stork, dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, white-thighed hornbill and great blue turaco. The rewards for birders will be great. Both the boat cruise and the game drives offer opportunities for bird observation with the help of our expert guides.
Nature Walks & Hikes in Murchison Falls National Park
The park has a number of routes that may be traveled for example the Sir Samuel Baker trail at the top of the falls and other trails in the park you can trek on foot to observe birds and primates for example in the Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests.
Cultural Tours in Murchison Falls National Park
While relaxing by a campfire, take in the exhilarating, energizing cultural dances performed by the Mubako. You may also go on village tours to see the villagers’ way of life and purchase at the Boomu Women’s Group’s craft store.
Rhino trekking
You may make a stop at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, one of the big five animals, while traveling to Murchison Falls.
For your accommodation, lodges in Murchison falls park include; Paraa safari lodge, Nile safari lodge, Baker’s lodge, Twiga safari lodge and Pakuba lodge. The mentioned mainly offer luxury accommodation in Murchison falls national park however there several other accommodation options for both budget and mid-range tourists in the park.
