Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park located in northwestern is part of the large Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA) which is Uganda’s wildlife conservation area that also comprises of the Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserve and Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. It is inside this beautiful park that the water of River Nile (the longest river in the world) explodes through a narrow gap (gorge) and cascades downwards over a height of 43 meters thunderously to form a calm river. The banks of the river are swarmed with giant Nile hippos, crocodiles and several water birds. Other wildlife within the park includes: waterbucks, lions, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, chimpanzees, giraffes, oribis, leopards, elephants and buffaloes living in its varied habitats such as the woodland, open savannah as well as the riverine forest
What to do in Murchison Falls National Park
Bird Watching
This beautiful has a total of 451 bird species that have been recorded here that can be seen during our exciting Bird watching Trips among which are: the Blue-napped Mousebird, Spotted owls, Verreaux’s Owls, Nightjars, Spotted Mourning Thrush, Goliath Heron, Silver Bird, Saddle-billed Stork, Bluff-bellied Warbler, Grey-crowned Crane, Black-headed Batis, African Fish Eagle, Black-headed Gonolek Pel’s Fishing Owl, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Green-winged Ptyilia,Long-toed Plover, African Skimmer, Vitelline Masked Weaver as well as the White-rumped Seed eater.
Wildlife Safaris / Game Drives
Game drives are conducted in the early morning as well as in the late afternoon along the Albert, Queen’s and Buligi tracks found north of river Nile during which you will see the various animals living in this park including waterbucks, lions, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, chimpanzees, giraffes, oribis, leopards, elephants and buffaloes among others. Our game drives are guided and conducted in comfortable four wheel Drive vehicles.
Launch Trips on River Nile
This is the highlight activity inside this park. There is a two hours launch boat ride on the great River Nile to the bottom of the falls. This amazing ride will take you close to the different wildlife living on the river banks as well as in the shallows of the river among which are giant crocodiles, hippos, elephants, waterbucks plus various water birds such as the rare Shoebill, Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, Herons, Cormorants, Bee-eaters as well as wild ducks. Don’t leave your camera behind when going on this boat ride. It offers you a great chance to take wonderful photographs.
Sport Fishing
Tiger fish together with the Nile Perch will offer anglers quite an exciting challenge. And just below the waterfalls you can enjoy a good fishing experience.
Nature Walks
There are number of trails available in the park along which you can explore this beautiful park on foot. During these you will come closer to the different plant, butterfly and bird species here. You will also enjoy great views of this park’s varied terrain.
A Walk to the Top of the Falls
There is a trail right from the bottom of the falls where a boat lands that will take you up to the top of the falls. This will offer you a clearer view of the falls and take you closer to the narrow gorge through which the water plunges.
Chimpanzee Tracking In Kanio Pabidi
Kanio Pabidi is pristine natural forested area found in Budongo Forest Reserve in which you will have an opportunity to track Chimpanzees. As you search this forest for the chimps you will see several birds among which are: the Puvell’s Illadopsis and the Chocolate backed Kingfisher.
Primate Watching in Rabongo Forest
There are guided walks in this forest during which you will have a chance to see various primates such as the black and white colobus monkeys, baboons red tailed monkeys and if lucky spot the rare chimpanzees. You will see some birds and even learn about a couple of medicinal plants within the forest.
Best time to Visit the Murchison Falls National Park
Fortunately, this beautiful Park can be Visited all year round however for the most rewarding wildlife viewing, we recommend that you visit during the dry months when the animlas have come out and converged at the water holes to drink water. Also during that time, the vegetation is not very thick so this makes game viewing much easier.
Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park / Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation facilities inside and around the park available for all types of tourists depending on one’s budget. Among these are Campsites, budget facilities, mid range as well as the luxury facilities such as Chobe Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge as well as Paraa Lodge Safari Lodge