National Parks
Explore Murchison Falls National Park: Where The Nile Meets The Wild
In northern Uganda, the Nile River surges through a narrow cleft of rock, creating a magnificent spectacle known as Murchison Falls. The force of the water’s plunge creates a mesmerizing display of power and beauty, leaving visitors spellbound. But Murchison Falls National Park is not just about the falls; it’s a mosaic of ecosystems that harbor a staggering variety of wildlife.
Embark on game drives across the savannas to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and more. Take a boat safari along the Nile to witness hippos, crocodiles, and an array of water birds. Murchison Falls National Park promises a holistic experience that blends nature’s drama with the serenity of the wilderness.
About Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park, locally known as Kabalega National Park is situated at the end of the Albertine Rift Valley and it is Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park. Murchison is located 305 kilometers north of Kampala in Masindi District and can be accessed by road or flights. Murchison Falls National park was first gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1926 and is home to 76 different mammal species and 451 birds. Murchison Falls Conservation Area is made up of Bugungu, Karuma wildlife reserves and Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant valley wall, creating the dramatic falls, the park’s unique attraction and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles that can only be expereinced through Uganda safaris / Uganda tours/ Uganda trips . This is something you will clearly see when you visit Murchison Falls National Park on a murchison falls safari.
Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes and buffaloes; while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents. Notable visitors to Murchison Falls National Park include Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway and several British royals. Common activities include: wildlife viewing safaris at murchison falls / game viewing, launch trips to the bottom of the falls and hikes to the top (Devil’s Cauldron), birding and nature walks. Launch trips stand out as the most common exciting activities because it gets you close to the centerpiece of the park. For those that want an aerial wildlife viewing experience, hot air ballooning activities are available within the park. The vegetation of Murchison Falls National Park is made up of Savannah, Riverine forest and woodland. Some of the wildlife includes kobs, elephants, Rothschild giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, leopards, lions Uganda kobs, chimpanzees, and many bird species. This safari park is an all year wildlife destination but can best be visited on a uganda safari during the months of June to late September or January to mid-March.
Getting There
There are many ways to get the Murchison Falls National Park.
By Air: You can catch a flight to Pakuba Airstrip with Aero Link or Bar Aviation. The Park can be reached by air charter services. There are airstrips at Paraa and Rabongo which can accommodate light aircraft of up to six seats capacity.
By Road: You can also reach the park by road. By road, it is a 3 hour drive from Kampala to Masindi, 217 km on tarmac and 40 km on high grade murram, then an additional 2 hours (97 km) from Masindi to the Falls on murram. A 4 wheel drive vehicle is advisable as the Masindi-Paraa road is rough.
Gates to Murchison Falls National Park
There are also multiple entrances to access the park Plan Ahead Popular gates are Kichumbanyobo Gateand Mubako Gate in the south of MFNP, Wankwar Gate, Tangi Gate in the North, and Chobe Gate.
When is the Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls Park?
The park can be visited all year round. However the trend for African safari goers affects the park. You will find more travelers visiting the park during the months of June to October as well as December to March. Murchison Falls National Park is often included in safari circuits that include visits to leading Uganda parks. It is often combined with other popular adventure activities that include gorilla safaris in Bwindi and Mgahinga, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, wildlife safaris in Kidepo and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Given that most visitors to Uganda go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Park, Murchison Falls Park receives the highest number of visitors in June to September and December to March. Going on Safari in Murchison Falls National Park during the dry season makes animal viewing easier if compared with the rainy months. It is wise to plan your safari well so that you can see all the animals on your wishlist. Start planning your next Uganda safari today with our free trip planning information and get up to date travel information, news & safari deals from our preferred travel partners.
Attractions at Murchison Falls National Park
The Attractions at Murchison Falls National Park are quite many and fact is are all beautiful. The list below highlights some of them.
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is characterized by eternal war between rock and water. The waters violently compress through a narrow gorge, spraying misty droplets along their wake over a 50m radius. This creates a permanent rainbow over the battlefield and causes a continuous roar. From Baker Point on the southern side, you can also view the Nile splitting into the smaller Uhuru Falls, created in 1962 when the river burst its banks.
River Nile
A boat ride along the Nile to the foot of Murchison Falls is a rewarding experience for nature lovers, as the northern bank teems with a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. Guided nature walks along both the north and south banks are another refreshing activity, and sport fishing is also possible here. Rafting will be available starting in 2012.
Nile-Lake Albert Delta
This wide, calm stretch of water, where the tranquil Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert, is a key area for bird watchers. Its papyrus-lined banks are bursting with birdlife, including Goliath Herons, Great Egrets, and African Fish Eagles. The most sought-after species here is the rare Shoebill.
Buligi Game Tracks
The Buligi game tracks, stretching between the Victoria and Albert Niles, are the Murchison Falls National Park’s most popular safari destination. At around 120-170km in length, they pass through open savannah grassland, woodland, acacia and riverine vegetation. Most of the park’s game can be viewed here, especially during early morning and early evening tours.
Paraa
Paraa is one of the top areas of interest in Murchison falls. The word Paraa comes from the local Luo language; meaning “home of hippos” and this is where all the park’s access roads converge as the northern and southern banks are connected by a passenger ferry and a number of hotels and safari lodges are located nearby. There is also, a museum and gift shop which can be found on the northern bank, and this is where most of the game drives, launch trips and nature walks take place.
Karuma Falls
Karuma falls are found in the northeastern side of Murchison Falls National Park in the Chobe region. It is a great location for sport fishing in Murchison Falls. These thundering waterfalls on the Victoria Nile are made up of a series of natural rock formations which cause the waters to ripple and give them a white foam-like appearance to the amusement and excitement of the viewer! The best accommodation in this area is Chobe Safari Lodge.
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest
Kaniyo Pabid Forest is located in the south of Murchison falls conservation are and it this forest ecosystem harbors a habituated chimpanzee group which can be tracked for those looking for Chimpanzee tracking in Murchison Falls National Park. It is also home to black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys and olive baboons. Other wildlife that visits include Elephants, buffalos, lions and leopards. A great number of forest birds can be ticked off the list here, including the chocolate-backed kingfisher, white-thighed hornbill and Puvel’s illadopsis which cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa.
Kaniyo Pabidi has a campsite, cottage accommodation, forest walks and excellent bird watching.
Rabongo Forest
Surrounded by savanna and covering just 4km2, Rabongo Forest is considered a birders’ paradise because of the endangered species found here. Rabongo is ideal for educational tours as it provides opportunities to identify animals, birds, medicinal plants and trees. For relaxation, visitors can camp and enjoy picnics by the Wairingo River.
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest is one of the key areas that lies southwest of Murchison Falls Conservation Area bordering Murchison falls with a link to the community, which is contiguous with the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest known for chimpanzee tracking. The forest – Bundongo is overwhelmingly biodiverse with 24 species of mammals, over 360 birds, 289 butterflies and 465 plants. All the forest’s tree species are on display along the “Royal Mile”, a beautiful stretch of road highly regarded for its bird watching. Budongo is also known for its primate population, which includes around 800 chimpanzees. Forest walks are possible at Busingiro Ecotourism Site on the Masindi-Bugungu route to Murchison Falls National Park.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private and non- profit conservation project for the endangered animals in Uganda. It proudly harbours a unique animal species called the white rhinos and it is the only place you can find the rhinos in Uganda after getting depleted from Murchison falls national park and kidepo national park during the massive war in the 1970s together with the rampant poaching in the 90s. Many tourists that travel to murchison falls national park opt not to miss the sanctuary visit as it hold a unique feature “White Rhinos”.visit uganda to expereince what ziwa rhino santuary holds.
Things to Do/ Attractions at Murchison Falls National Park
Top falls hike: hiking to the top of falls is most prominent amazing activity in Murchison falls national park which involves climbing to the peak of the cliff which is adjacent to a thin gorge through which river Nile forms a thunderous sound before dropping to over 40 meters above. The 45 hikes are headed by a professional guide from the bottom to the top of Murchison falls, while on the hike you encounter the refreshing misty spraying all over river Nile pouring down at 43 meters in what is termed as devil’s cauldron.
Game drive: Murchison falls national park is the best destination for any tourist intending for game drives as the park has many drive tracks, these tracks include Albert, Victoria and buligi tracks which give tourists different experience as the rare gifted various attractions. The buligi track situated north of Paraa which is of 7 kilometers and is the most used tracks in Murchison falls national park purposely for game viewing. While on the Victoria track you get a chance to view various bird species, animals and primates that is chimpanzees. On game drives of a minimum of our hours a tourist gets to see wildlife including animals like lions, leopards, elephants and many more and game drive costs US$20, there is also night derives taking place between 6 pm to 10 pm were a tourist gets a chance to see nocturnal animals costing S$100 per vehicle.
Nature walks: nature walks in Murchison falls national park of 1.5 kilometers walk in the north bank of river Nile is run by paraa safari lodge, these nature walks offer a great opportunity for bird watching were birds like are spotted Shoe bill, African Darter, Giant Kingfisher, Osprey, Long-toed Plover, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Veracious Dove, Black-headed Lapwing as they rest in their nests and play in savannah vegetation. Nature walks costs US$30 per person.
Boat cruise: boat cruise in Murchison is an amazing launch trip of three to five hours operated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority from paraa. It is a 17 kilometers stretch on river Nile where tourists can enjoy the view of hundreds of bird species, elephants, leopards and in rainy seasons shoe bills surface. The boat cruise trip begins at 7 am and to participate in the cruise a permit costs US$30 per person. This trip leads to papyrus filled delta where river Nile pours into Lake Albert to the bottom of Murchison falls and it is best in the even where many animals are noticed as they gather to cool off.
Sportfishing: Murchison falls national park is a home to gargantuan Nile perch making it the best spot for fishing games which are best done in the months of December to March and June to October. Sportfishing in Murchison falls national park is only available tourists in possession of permits which cost US$50 for one day or US$150 for four days. While doing sport fishing it is very important to be mindful of wild crocodiles.
Chimp trekking: Murchison falls national park consists of numerous forest cover, for example, Rabongo, kaniyo pabidi and Budogo forests which harbor chimpanzees making chimpanzee trekking possible. These forests harbor approximately 600 individuals of mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking takes place throughout the year through October to January and is the best time as the grass is short and the fruits are ripening which attracts many chimpanzees.
Birding. Murchison falls national park is a bird haven for birding experience. The park harbors approximately 451 identified species which include Gray crowned crane(Uganda’s National bird), Giant Kingfisher, Giant Heron, Shoebill stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Nightjars, Marabou stork, Black-headed Lapwing, Black-bellied Bustard Giant Heron, African Jacana, Secretary Bird, Red-throated Bee-eater, Saddle-billed stork. These birds can be spotted while on hiking, game drives. The best time to do bird watching is in the dry season months of January to march but the activity takes place the whole year, while on chimpanzee trekking you can view mammals, birds, and nature which are enjoyable.
Animals and Wildlife at Murchison Falls National Park
The Murchison Falls National Park is dominated by savanna, woodland, river/wetland and tropical forest habitats which provide homes for 76 mammal species and 450 bird species.Though the wildlife population dwindled during the 1970s, the animals are recovering from the heavy poaching. Today a variety of animals can be seen including a profusion of hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds including elusive and bizarre shoebill.
Large mammals include lion, leopard, elephant, hippopotamus, Rothschild’s giraffe, Cape buffalo, hartebeest, oribi, warthog, and Uganda kob, The Nile corridor provides year-round water for these animals as well as a plethora of waterbirds (including the rare shoebill stork) and Uganda’s largest population of Nile crocodile.
The Kaniyo Pabidi forest provides refuges for chimpanzee and other primates as well as an impressive 360 species of bird.
Most Popular Animals to see in Murchison Falls National Park
Once you cross with the ferry to the northern section of the park you have reached your destination in the wilderness, there are a various species of mammals in tracking fields also known as circuits that were demarcated for travellers to do game drives.
Antelopes
The park has different species of antelopes that reside in the wilderness of which there are numerous herds of Kobs, water bucks, Oribs, bush backs, Jackson’s Heart beast with all of these classified differently in feeding and breeding habits. Antelopes prefer grazing around giraffes taking the advantage of their height because they can easily spot dangerous predators hiding ready to grab antelopes, the giraffes will call and send signals to the surrounding mammals for them take cover or any other protective measure.
The Uganda kob is the national animal of Uganda representing Uganda as the wildlife destination that travellers shouldn’t miss visiting to discover the undiscovered, there for if you make a safari in Uganda don’t miss Murchison falls for Uganda kobs especially in their mating grounds in morning hours.
Oribis
These are smallest antelopes compared to the Uganda kobs and other antelopes in the savanna land, this brings anxiety on your face while watching these creatures stride the road marking their territory against intruders as the on protective mechanism between them. They pair for life and by far like most of antelopes it’s only the males that have horns and females don’t.
Giraffes
Murchison Falls National Park is among the 3 places in Uganda where Rothschild giraffes can only be spotted. Scientifically, they are called Giraffa Camelopardalis rothschildi a sub species of giraffe and most endangered in the wild. In Murchison Falls National Park they can be spotted while on a game drive or hot air balloon safaris in the northern track. The giraffes are a must in Murchison Falls National Park. These are said to be the tallest mammals on the universe, with classified characters in life, dominant males are identified by change in their colors, whereby they get more darker than the other giraffes, their body locomotion is far different from others in this case one side moves in the same motion same side and the same story at once, the forward leg will move in at the same time, same direction with the hind leg.
Giraffes feed on acacia trees and shrubs and they have enjoyed sharing grazing with other +herbivorous animals apart from predators but what amazes is that they are not like other mammals that do take water occasionally, giraffes regularly go to water field for water just because they have got a longer body structure which gives them a hard time in bowing down to drink water as a result raising higher chances of predators attack by the time they get up on a standstill to start running predators like lions have already made a successful mission on them.
Elephants
Murchison Falls National Park comprises of African elephants which are also popularly called Loxodonta Africana. Elephants are a few most exciting and largest terrestrial mammal species. They come in large grey color with long flexible trunk, thick legs and pointed tusks.
They are largest land animals in Africa and the African elephants are bigger than the Asian elephants. The males stretch up to 3.64 meters and do weigh about 5455 kilograms whereas females stand about 3 meters and have weight of about 3636 to 4545 kilograms. You can catch a glimpse at these remarkable mammal species while on a game drive in the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park.
Hippos
Hippos are herbivorous animals they best feed in the evening and lately in the night as they are seeing very early morning slopping down the river to relax and cool their bodies when the sun comes during day. Relax as you get an informative talk about the hippos calling for each other in the school as the sign of dominance. As mentioned before hippos live in a group called a school with members between 10 to 30, there is always a dominant male that protects the territory from intruders.
After this that hippo experience kindly get on board and continue for other activities in the park alternately a bonus game drive in the other game drive circuits for anonymous wildlife.
Cape buffaloes
Scientifically called Syncerus caffer, the Cape buffaloes are a few most remarkable and famous wildlife species you need not to miss to catch a glimpse while on Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park. The cape buffaloes are a subspecies and the largest in size in Southern and East Africa. In Murchison Falls National Park, they form part of the big game and can easily be spotted in large herds while you are on game drive in the north bank of the park.
African lions
Lions a few big cat species to see in Murchison Falls National Park while on Uganda safari. Scientifically, they are called Panthera Leo and the males usually weigh about 250 kilograms and they feature as the second largest living cats just after the tiger. Females have a gestation period of 110 days. A pride comprises of up to 15 individuals and in Murchison Falls National Park, they can be sighted while you are on a game drive along the northern track.
African leopards
Leopards are a few most popular animals to see in Murchison Falls National Park. They are scientifically called Panthera Pardus one of the species in genus Panthera that is extant. Leopards are listed among a few vulnerable species in IUCN Red list as their numbers are highly threatened today due to habitat loss and fragmentation. They are nocturnal species and known to run up to 54 kilometers per hour and do hunt antelopes, fish, insects, repellents and fish
Accommodation at Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation and lodging within and outside the national park comes in variety of packages. Lodges, guest houses, hotels, camp sites are all choices that one can make depending on their budget. It is advisable to choose one that is close to the park and can allow you easily go for game drives, bird watching, chimp tracking or other activities of your choice. Here are a few notable ones.
Nile Safari Lodge: This papyrus surrounded forest lodge overlooks the river Nile on its southern bank. It is well fitted with tents, cottages and a large swimming pool to give you an all-exclusive experience. The beauty of the lodge is made complete by their balconies that overlook the African wilderness and the wonderful Nile river. Every evening, the air is filled by the sound of African music from traditional dancers who charm visitors around the embers of the campfire.
Paraa Safari Lodge: Located in the lush green of the national park, Paraa Safari lodge is one of the oldest lodges in the Murchison area. It is close to the northern bank of the Nile with balconies overlooking the river. The 53 luxury rooms are made and largely decorated with African art to match the experience with the wild. With proximity to the Nile, chances of spotting animals taking a bath from the balcony of one’s room are very high. Other amenities in the pace include a large swimming pool, a bar area, a large compound, a restaurant serving international and local cuisine three times a day.
Red Chilli Rest Camp: Built on the southern part of the Nile, the Red Chilli Rest Camp is built to give you that feeling of being in an African homestead, complete with bricks and grass thatched roofs. The Red Chilli is known for their late evening barbecue and camp fires. It’s location also provides an opportunity for one to spot some of the animals coming near the camp.
Sambiya River Lodge: The Sambiya river lodge is a budget facility fitted with 26 cottages that are all self-contained. The room balconies provide the opportunity to spot game animals as well as the Sambiya River. The lodge is located on the Masindi-Paraa road near the Murchison Falls. A swimming pool, bar and restaurant are within the vicinity to cater for your needs. This lodge is recommended for visitors who plan on taking the bird watching and chimpanzee tracking experience.
Pakuba Safari Lodge: Built along the banks of the Nile river, Pakuba Safari lodge has 46 rooms. All are self-contained to cater for your needs. For those who would like to organize meetings, conferences and workshops coupled with game rides, this is the place for you. They have large conference facilities, single and shared family rooms. The lodge is an excellent place to use as a base for game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks and many of the other park activities.
Murchison River Lodge: This large garden lodge is well fitted with single, double rooms and dormitory rooms. It is comprised of a large balcony and a swimming pool to allow visitors relax. Wi-Fi is free but there is also a flat screen available in all the rooms.
Masindi Hotel: Located in the outskirts of Masindi town, Masindi Hotel is one of the traditional hotels in Uganda. It has 22 rooms offering mid-range services to guests. The hotel is a suitable stop over for lunch and relaxation before proceeding to the national park or spending a night.
