Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s most famous national parks, and for good reason. It is the largest protected area in Uganda covering 3840 square kilometers. Situated in the north-western part of the country, it is home to an abundance of wildlife including 144 mammals,556 bird species,51 reptiles, and 51 Amphibians, breathtaking landscapes, and the renowned Murchison Falls themselves. This Park offers a wide range of activities and experiences that will leave visitors in awe.
Game Drives
One of the main attractions of Murchison Falls National Park is the chance to see the famous four out of the “big 5” animals in their natural habitat. The big 5 refers to the African elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros, and Murchison Falls is one of the few places in Uganda where you can see all of these magnificent creatures in one place. The journey starts with a walking safari only 73Km away from the park entrance at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where efforts are underway to restore Uganda’s rhinoceros’ population which had been wiped away due to previous prolonged armed human conflict, poaching and the mismanagement of their natural habitat. The best way to experience the rest of the wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park is on a game drive. The Park offers a range of game drive routes, each offering a unique perspective on the diverse landscape and wildlife of the area. Visitors can embark on a safari through vast savannah plains, dense forests, and along the banks of the Nile River, where they can encounter a wide variety of animals in the wild. From herds of buffaloes and elephants grazing peacefully to the gentle Rothchild’s giraffe and lazy lions lounging in the shade, the game drives in Murchison Falls National Park offer an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience.
Boat Cruise
Another way to explore the park’s wildlife intimately is on a boat cruise along the Nile River. The boat cruises offer a unique perspective on the park’s landscape, allowing visitors to see animals from a different vantage point and to witness the power and beauty of the Murchison Falls up close. Hippos and crocodiles can often be seen basking along the riverbanks, while elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes come down to the water to drink. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the birds that call the river home, including the Shoebill, African fish eagles, kingfishers, storks, and herons. The white crested turaco, red winged grey warbler, can be found within the woodland in the southern bank.
Walking Safaris
The Park also offers the opportunity to go on a guided nature walk. Rangers will lead visitors through the park on foot, allowing them to explore the diverse ecosystems up close and to see wildlife in a more intimate setting. Walking safaris offer a unique perspective on the park’s flora and fauna, allowing visitors to learn about the area’s ecology and conservation efforts while enjoying the sights and sounds of the natural world.
The Murchison Falls
In addition to its wildlife, Murchison Falls National Park is also known for its stunning landscapes. The Park is home to the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking cascade of water that plunges 45 meters into the river below. Visitors can hike to the top of the falls for a panoramic view of the surrounding area or take a boat cruise to the base of the falls for a closer look at this natural wonder. The Park is also home to lush forests, and vast savannah plains, offering a diverse range of landscapes for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee trekking in Murchison Falls National Park is done in Budongo Forest Reserve, located in the southern sector of the park. Guided by experienced trackers, trekking is done through the forest, while listening for the chimpanzees and observing their interactions, grooming habits, and social structures. Budongo Forest is also home to other primates such as olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Surrounding Community & Culture
Murchison Falls National Park is not only a place of natural beauty and wildlife, but also a place of cultural significance. The Park is home to the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, a protected area that encompasses the park itself as well as the Budongo Forest Reserve (825 km2) and the Karuma Wildlife Reserve (675 km2). The conservation area is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Alur, Acholi, and Jonam, who have lived in harmony within the land for generations. Visitors to the park can learn about the traditions and customs of these tribes, as well as the conservation efforts being made to protect the area’s wildlife and ecosystems.
