Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park: generally lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley. It was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 and later declared a national park in 1952. This park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, blessed with over 76 mammals, over 450 bird species, 51 reptiles as well as 51 amphibians. As a matter of fact, this park is the location of the Murchison Falls. Here, the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge of 7m and plunges a thunderous roar into the “Devil’s cauldron” creating a trademark rainbow.
Note that, the falls were named by Sir Samuel Baker after the geologist Roderick Murchison, then the president of the Royal Geographical Society. The northern section of the park contains savanna, Borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland while the southern is dominated by woodland and forest patches. Additionally, the park is Uganda’s most popular with activities to enjoy like the boat cruises, games drives, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching and nature walks.
What to do in Murchison Falls National Park
A walk to the Top of the falls
While here, you will be able to enjoy uninterrupted clearer view of these powerful waterfalls. You will as well closely see the Victoria Nile water as it makes its way through a narrow gorge making a thunderous sound pouring downstream in the Victoria Nile. This place is good for memorable pictures and taking in the sounds and sights. Therefore, here be ready to take as many photos and videos for memories to take back home.
Nature walks
The park has various different trails along which visitors can get a chance to explore this natural wildlife habitat on foot. Here, will also come closer to encounter of birds, butterflies and see a variety of different plant species.
Game drives
The park generally has got 3 sessions of game drives and these include; morning, evening and night game drive. Note that, game drives in this park are done in the northern sector of the park. Here, you will get a chance to encounter various wild animals. These include; buffalos, waterbucks, elephants, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, oribis, hartebeests, giraffes, etc. Interestingly, each of our game drives are conducted in very comfortable 4×4 wheel drive vehicles and led by our very experienced and highly knowledgeable safari guides.
Fishing
The park is also among the leading whereby sport fishing is conducted and mainly done as a sport. Here, fishing is mainly done at Paraa and below Karuma falls while sport fishing is currently carried out mainly at the base of the falls. Its either from the boat down the stream or from the rocks on the River bank. Fishing along the Nile is an exciting experience though you are advised to take caution of the hippos and Nile crocodiles.
Boat/launch trips
This activity is a 3 hours boat ride along the course of the magnificent River Nile all the way to the bottom of the waterfalls. During this activity, you will ride close to the river banks and get a chance to have an up close view of the different wildlife. Some of these include; the giant Nile crocodiles, hippos, buffalos, giant elephants and the great profusion of water bird species. Some of the birds include; Kingfishers, Shoebill stork, wild ducks, Cormorants, Fish eagles, Herons, as well as the Bee-eaters.
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest
Here, you have a chance to trek chimpanzees in Kaniyo Pabipi forested area with Budongo Forest Reserve. However, during the trekking activity you will encounter a number of other primates as well as different bird species.
Hot Air Balloon
Hot air ballooning can only be found in this Park in Uganda. As a matter of fact, only 8 passengers are permitted to fly up in the balloon. However, little children of the age of 6 and below are excluded since the balloon goes as high as 10000 ft. above sea level which might leave them uneasy. On the other hand, you are briefed on the safety precautions, rules and regulations as you get ready to hop aboard the balloon. When up there, you are able to have a great view of the savannah below you teaming with all kinds of wildlife. Afterwards, you are handed a certificate that shows your participation and later, finish off with a special bush breakfast and a bottle of Champagne. Interestingly, this activity is perfect for those on honeymoon, the adrenaline junkies and those seeking a once in a lifetime adventure.
Bird watching
The park basically has a list of birds that have been recorded present here and these are approximately 451 species. Some of the commonly seen birds within the park include: the White-rumped seed eater, Gray-crowned crane. Blue-napped mouse bird, Spotted owls, Long-toed plover, Bluff-bellied warbler. Spotted mourning thrush, Goliath heron, Black-headed gonolek, Silver bird, African fish eagle. Saddle-billed stork, Black-headed batis, Nightjars among others.
Boomu Cultural Village Experience
Boomu is a African village experience found near Murchison Falls National Park and the word “Boomu” means “Together”. While here, you will experience and get to know how people in the rural areas of Uganda survive. This group was basically formed in 1999 aiming at reducing poverty and enabling children to go school through making different materials to be sold. In fact, they started with making crafts but later improved into now a tourism community project. These include; amazing village guided visits, gardens and traditionally made accommodation. While here, there is a great opportunity of participating in all activities like making baskets, digging and you can also decide to support the community by buying souvenirs.
Best time to Visit the Murchison Falls National Park
The park can be visited throughout the year, however, to get the most rewarding views, we recommend that you visit during the dry season. In the this season, most of the wild animals get out of their hideouts and converge at the different waterholes.
Accommodation
The park has got a lot of lodges, camps & hotels for accommodation. These range from luxury, budget and mid-range and are available both inside and outside the park. You can as well book your accommodation through our company and early bookings are advised.
Luxury
- Chobe safari lodge
- Paara safari lodge
- Pakuba safari lodge
Mid-range
- Sambiya river lodge
- Nile safari lodge
- Murchison river lodge
Budget
- Red chili rest camp
- Budongo Eco lodge
- Global village guest house
Some of our safari packages
2 Days Best of Lake Mburo Park Safari.
3 Days Murchison Falls Adventure Safari.
4 Days Kidepo Valley Wildlife Safari.
5 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari in Uganda.
10 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife and Adventure Safari.
11 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari Experience.
15 Days Best of Uganda Holiday Safari.
Our Special Safaris
