Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park: The Jewel of the Nile

Location

Located in Northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is one of the country’s largest and oldest protected areas, covering 5,072 square kilometers. The park is named after the breathtaking waterfalls on the Nile River, which were named Murchison Falls by Sir Samuel Baker in 1864.

The Murchison Waterfalls

The dramatic waterfalls are the park’s main attraction, where the Nile River contracts from a grand stream to explode violently through a narrow six-meter gorge into the cauldron of turbulent water 40 meters below, known as the Devil’s Cauldron.

History Of Murchison Falls

The British Colonial government gazetted the park’s boundaries in 1952 It has since become famous for its abundant wildlife populations, including herds of elephants, buffalos, and giraffes. Notable visitors to the park include Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemingway.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls Boat Cruise: A Signature Experience

The crowning jewel of Murchison Falls National Park is the unforgettable boat cruise from Paraa to the Falls. This tranquil 3-hour journey is best savored in the afternoon, when the golden sunlight dances across the spray, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Choose Your Return Journey

Opt for a return boat trip or disembark at the Falls and meet your driver-guide for a scenic road transfer back to your lodge, which is ideal for those staying on the south bank.

Comfortable and Intimate Wildlife Encounters

Relax comfortably on a double-deck boat or smaller motor cruiser, gliding smoothly along the riverbank, and enjoy up-close encounters with majestic mammals, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. Witness a serene six-tonne bull elephant drinking mere meters away – a truly magical experience.

Hike to the Top of the Falls

For the adventurous, disembark at the foot of the cliff and join a guided hike through lush riverine forest, along the cliff face, and onto the break of the Falls. Stop at scenic viewpoints and embrace the invigorating spray – an exhilarating experience that will leave you beaming.

Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park: Unparalleled Excitement

While river cruises offer a unique perspective, game drives provide an unparalleled thrill. Imagine placing yourself amidst a resting pride of lions, watching giraffes browse peacefully from acacia tops, or slowly navigating through thick bush, never knowing when you’ll encounter the next elephant – all from the comfort of your safari jeep.

Explore the Buligi Peninsula

The majority of game drives in Murchison Falls National Park take place on the Buligi Peninsula, where over 200km of tracks weave through diverse landscapes: open savannas, woodlands, acacia trees, and riverine vegetation. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best opportunities to spot an array of wildlife, including:

– Elephants
– Buffalo
– Uganda Kobs
– Hartebeest
– Giraffes

Spot the Big Cats

Lions are increasingly sighted, with most of the park’s prides found here, preying on Ugandan kob. Keep an eye out for leopards, too!

Delta Point: A Scenic Stopover

The tracks converge at Delta Point, where the Nile flows north out of Lake Albert. Take a break here to enjoy refreshments while viewing waterbirds and distant hippos offshore.

Sportfishing at Murchison Falls

Fishing is a popular activity in the park, with opportunities to catch Nile perch, catfish, and other species. Fishing equipment and experienced guides are available.

Chimpanzee Tracking at Budongo Forest

Embark on a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Budongo Forest, boasting an impressive 80% success rate. While slightly lower than Kibale National Park, it surpasses Kyambura Gorge’s rates.

Join one of six guided groups (max 3 people) in the morning or afternoon for a 3-hour excursion, typically encountering chimps after just an hour’s walk. For a deeper experience, opt for a full-day habituation tour. Benefit from expert guides, trained by the Jane Goodall Institute, who offer insightful storytelling about the chimps and forest ecosystem, enriching your encounter.

Bird Watching at Murchison Falls National Park

“Discover a birdwatcher’s paradise in Kaniyo Pabidi’s southern forests, renowned as one of Uganda’s premier birding destinations. Embark on captivating bird walks, exploring the forest’s edges, lodge surroundings, and road verges, where an incredible array of avifauna awaits. The Shoebill stork, a prized sighting, can be easily spotted in the Nile Delta. With over 53 raptor species recorded, bird enthusiasts will delight in the diverse habitats, featuring aquatic forests and grasslands. Look out for other highlights, including:

– The majestic Goliath Heron, the world’s largest
– Uganda’s national bird, the Grey Crowned Crane
– The striking Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
– The elusive Puvel’s Illadopsis, found only in East Africa

Get ready for an unforgettable birding adventure in Kaniyo Pabidi!

Sample Itineraries

– 2 days Murchison Falls National Park
– 3 days Murchison Falls National Park
– 4 days of Wild game and primate experience at Murchison Falls

Getting There

Murchison Falls National Park is located 305 kilometers from Entebbe/Kampala, a six-hour drive. Charter flights are also available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba Airstrip in the park.

Accommodation at Murchison Falls National Park

A range of accommodation options are available, including:

– Paraa Safari Lodge and Baker’s Lodge (upmarket)
– Murchison River Lodge and Fort Murchison (moderate)
– Red Chili Camp (budget)

 

Conservation

The park has faced challenges in the past, including poaching and insurgency, but conservation efforts have helped to recover wildlife populations. Visitors can support conservation efforts by choosing responsible tour operators and respecting park rules.