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Murchison Falls National Park is a natural wonder in East Africa. The park hosts the world’s most powerful waterfalls and abundant wildlife and bird species. It takes its name from Murchison when Sir Samuel Baker named it so during his exploration in the 19th century. Not surprisingly, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s biggest park, spanning a land area of about 3840 sq. km containing a variety of habitats.
Discover Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park was officially created as a Uganda Park in 1952, but it was once a Wildlife Reserve since 1926. The park sits within the extensive Murchison Falls Conservation Area. It is bisected into two regions/sectors: the Northern & Southern sections; the two sections were created by the Victoria Nile that separates, forming the Murchison Falls that squeezes itself into a narrow rock of 8 meters.
Location of Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is set in Northwestern Uganda along the Albertine area. From Kampala to this park, it is approximately 300 km. Considering its location, visitors can combine their visits to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see rhinos in the wild, thus making their Murchison Falls safari a complete Big 5 Game Tour. Murchison Falls National Park has boundaries extending the Nwoya, Kiryandongo, Masindi and Buliisa Districts.
Wildlife species in Murchison Falls National Park
Within the different habitats of Murchison Falls National Park, over 76 mammal species exist. They include four of the big five game members except rhinos; Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, oribis, hartebeest, over 800 chimpanzees, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, spotted hyenas, plus more than 451 bird species.
Game drives: Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park usher you into the rich game tracks to encounter plenty of the park's animal species. The best game tracks exist in the Northern section, and this is where you can watch different wildlife species such as cape buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, duikers, lions, reedbucks, leopards, Jackson's hartebeests, giraffes, spotted hyenas, and more.
Unlike the Northern sector, the Southern region offers excellent honeymoon experiences. Honeymooners get to explore the designated honeymoon game tracks. Besides, on your trip to this park, you can encounter nocturnal species such as leopards, spotted hyenas, and other animal species as they become active.
Boat cruise: Launch cruise excursions in Murchison Falls National Park offer excellent sightings of aquatic life. This 2-3 hours guided boat cruise experience leads you to the base of the Murchison Falls while spotting the Nile crocodiles, hippos and water bird species. Another boat ride excursion can be done towards the Nile Delta, which offers the incredible feeling of navigating through the river.
Birding: During a birding tour in Murchison Falls National Park, expect to keep an eye on plenty of birds that comprise a total of 451 species in this protected area. The notable bird species of interest for birders in Murchison Falls National Park include the black-faced waxbill, black-bellied bustards, secretary bird, grey-headed bush shrikes, Abyssinian ground hornbills, pied kingfishers, Abdim's stork, African darter, Northern carmine bee-eaters, black-headed gondola, Pel's fishing owl, African jacanas,
Double-toothed barbet, yellow-billed storks, blue-headed coucal, grey crowned cranes, bluff-bellied warblers, martial eagle, speckle-fronted weaver bird, white African fish eagle, Denham's bustards, verreaux's own, goliath heron, white-faced whistling duck, squacco herons, green-winged pytilia, yellow-throated greenbul, flycatchers and shoebill storks.
The top of the falls excursion: Visiting the top of Murchison Falls is possible in two options: hiking after disembarking from the boat in 45 minutes or driving to the top of the falls. This natural wonder is considered the world's most powerful, and you can observe it. At the same time, it forces itself into a narrow rock of 8 meters and then plunges 43 meters before flowing towards the Albertine Nile.
Sport fishing: Sport fishing is an incredible excursion for anglers on Uganda safaris in Murchison Falls National Park. The prominent sport fishing locations include the base of the Murchison Falls and the Karuma Falls. This adventure is all about the catch-and-release method, with anglers challenging themselves with a catch of the heaviest Nile Perch.
Chimpanzee tracking: If you are interested in primate watching, you have a reason to visit Murchison Falls National Park for a holiday. Chimpanzee trekking in this park is best carried out in the Southern section, particularly at Budongo Forest. This lush rainforest holds up to 800 chimpanzees, and there are two sessions, morning & afternoon, for you to enjoy a chimp trek.
Hot air balloon Safari: Hot air balloon excursions provide a great chance to enjoy aerial animal views in the park instead of using a vehicle. In Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are two exceptional tourist destinations where visitors can enjoy hot air balloon holidays.
Forest walking: Nature and forest walks provide memorable experiences and close interaction with natural wonders in the park. Many rich habitats can't be reached by car in the park but are only accessible on a guided nature walk. The advantage of it is that you get up close with several species, including primates, birds, and flora. The main areas to experience the best nature walks in this park include Budongo and Rabongo Forest.
Cultural visits: Visiting nearby communities makes cultural encounters on the Murchison Falls National Park safari enjoyable. The Boom Village is the most famous area, offering unforgettable cultural experiences to tourists visiting this park. After your cultural experience, you can settle for dinner and overnight at the established bands of Boomu Women's Group.
Murchison Falls National Park is open to all holidaymakers at any time of the year. But the best time is from December to February and from June to September- the year's peak months. The low or off seasons are experienced from October to November and March to May.
Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is big; interestingly, it has various accommodation facilities distributed inside and outside. These include budget, midrange and luxury options: Chobe Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Heritage Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Baker's Lodge, Budongo Eco Lodge, Boomu Women's Group bandas, Pakuba Safari Lodge and others.
The simplest way to get to Murchison Falls National Park is by flying from Entebbe Airport to Bugungu, Chobe or Pakuba Airfield. By road, use a 4x4 tourist vehicle and drive for 6-7 hours via the Luweero-Masindi route.
Location: Plot 124, Kikumbi
P.O Box 100667, Kampala
+256759033541
+447 572778124
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