Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls Conservation Area covers an area of 5025 sq km and it is perhaps the largest protected area in Uganda. This conservation area includes Murchison Falls National Park, Karuma Wildlife Reserve, Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, and Budongo forest in the south.
The altitude ranges from 619 m at the delta on Lake Albert and 1.292 m at Rabongo hill, River Nile (Victoria Nile) crosses through this Murchison conservation area to connect Lake Albert and Lake Kyoga.
Murchison Falls National Park derived its name from the magnificent falls on the river-which plunges through a narrow cleft in the rift valley escarpment and turns into a a froth of thunderous white water-typically the best falls to visit in the walls of Africa. Murchison falls National Park features woodland, savanna and riverine forest vegetation.
- Best visited in dry season
- Uganda, East Africa
- “Big African Five” animals to see
- Can rain any time
- Good fitness level required
Tourist Attractions
Over 76 species of mammals are recorded in this park including four of the big five species of Africa namely leopards, lions, elephants and buffalos. Other wildlife includes; giraffes, bushbucks, waterbucks, hyenas, Uganda Kobs, and Oribis among others with a bird list of 450 species including the rare most sought after shoe billed stork.
The world’s famous Murchison-Waterfalls are a MUST SEE for every visitor. The most impressive view is from above the falls. At this point, after twisting its way east before reversing direction, the Nile forces its water mass through a mere 7-meter gap in the rocks and tumbles 43 meter down, then flows westwards further down its course where the water becomes still again and flows on into Lake Albert.
From this vantage point a path leads the visitor to the bottom section of the falls. Even at this place one is presented with a great view, the river pours itself into the valley with such force that the water forms froth and is accompanied by the tossing roaring noise. Here you will feel the rocks and its surroundings virtually tremble at the world’s most powerful natural flow of water.
Park Activities in Murchison
Safari Boat cruise to the “bottom of the falls”
The 17km soothing boat cruise a long river Nile up to the bottom of falls, explore a variety of wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, waterbuck, hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, water birds like shoebill, pelicans, cormorants and so much more.
Hike to “top of the falls”
Explore the spectacular Murchison falls with a Hike to “top of the falls”, to see them at close range.
Safari Game drives
In the northern sector of the park- North of river Nile and at Lake Albert Delta (Buligi, Albert and Queen’s tracks).
track the rhinos that were almost instinct
Sport fishing
Sport fishing of Nile Perch and tiger fish
Bird watching
Bird watching throughout the area like in Budongo forest and Kaniyo Pabidi Forest Reserve.
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest where you will enjoy views of these amazing primates as they jump from tree top to tree top.
Rhino Tracking
En-route stop at the Ziwa rhino sanctuary for visitors to search and track the rhinos that were almost instinct
Accommodation in Murchison
There are many accommodation facilities in and around Murchison Falls National Park ranging from luxury to midrange to budge and camping.
Luxury accommodation facilities;like the Paraa safari lodge, Chobe safari lodge, Nile safari lodge & Bakers Lodge among others
Mid-range accommodation facilities include; Budongo Eco lodge, Sambiya River lodge, Murchison River lodge, Fort Murchison, Bwana Tembo and many more
Budget accommodation facilities include; Red chill rest camp, Sambiya River Bandas & Uganda Wildlife bandas among others.
How to get there
Various road routes can be used to reach at Paraa-the park headquarters which adjoins through Karuma and Bugungu wildlife reserves.
By air; Pakuba airfield receives scheduled flights from Entebbe airport, Pakuba airfield is just 13km away from the park headquarters.
By road; The route from Kampala through Masindi town to Kichumbanyobo gate is the most used route and this is about 300km long-taking about 4-5hours drive. This is the shortest route and perhaps the most convenient since 175km of the road is tarmac and 125km has fine murram.
Please contact your travel agent for assistance.