The largest and oldest National Park in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is situated at the end of the Albertine Rift Valley in the north-western district of Masindi. The park has an area of around 4000 square kilometres, and the Victoria Nile cuts through the region to form the striking falls by plunging 45 metres over the remaining valley wall. The Bugungu and Karuma game areas make up the Murchison Falls National Park. Chimpanzee tracking is done in Budongo forest and Kaniyo Pabidi, both of which are part of Murchison Falls National Park, which is home to one of Uganda’s most amazing wildlife spectacles.
Being the largest and oldest park in Uganda, it is the home of a variety of wildlife, including over 76 mammal species, the big five animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), as well as numerous other wild animals, some of which are frequently seen along riverbanks (e.g., elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes), while others like hippos and Nile crocodiles provide the most breathtaking sightings while on a boat cruise.
Murchison Falls is one of the greatest sites in Africa to discover the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, as well as normal winged nightjars, numerous kingfishers, bee-eaters, the African skimmer, and raptors like the African Fish eagle and the martial eagle. The country is home to around 450 different bird species. This boat trip will also give you a chance to view Silverbird, Beautiful Sunbird, Piapiac, Speckle-fronted Weaver, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Vaseline Masked Weaver, Bar-breasted Firefinch, White-rumped Seedeater, Saddle-billed Stork, Sacred Ibis, Spur-winged Geese, Black Crake, Grey-crowned Crane, Spotted Morning Thrush, Northern Crombec and so many anthers.
Tourist Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Wildlife Game Drives
Many different animal species may be sighted when game driving at Murchison Falls National Park, including lions, hippopotamuses, Rothschild’s giraffes, warthogs, Cape buffalo, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s-hartebeest, and elephants. Early morning game drives allow tourists to see a wide variety of animals, while evening game drives allow you to glimpse leopards as twilight falls. You can view creatures that are typically nocturnal, such as the leopard, hyena, hippo, porcupine, genet, civet, bush babies, numerous reptiles, owls, and nightjars, on a night game drive in Murchison Falls. Elephants and other wildlife may be seen on the verdant, grassy hillsides and river below at Nyamsika Cliffs, where visitors can also take in the landscape.
Boat Cruise to the Falls
The launch voyage starts at the Paraa landing place, where the Nile River joins Lake Albert, and brings you all the way to the base of the falls. You may see hippos, waterbucks, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and a variety of birds, including cormorants, fish eagles, ducks, kingfishers, bee-eaters, and the shoebill, on a boat journey that gets you closer to the flora and fauna of the River Nile. A boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is a great way to explore the park.
Bird Watching
Spotted Mourning Thrush, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Silver Bird, Bluff-bellied Warbler, Blue-napped Mousebird, and Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver are among the bird species that are frequently observed between Paraa Rest Camp and the ferry crossing. This is the greatest location to see the native White-rumped Seed-eater together with Black-headed Gonolek, Green-winged Ptyilia, and Black-headed Batis. Along the boat ride and in the Budongo forest, one may see birds.
Spot Fishing
In the river both before and below the fall, spot fishing is possible. If you want to finish, a guest shows up with your own fishing gear. Nile perch, tiger fish, and other fish are among the species that may be caught in the river.
Guided Nature Walk
With many routes inside the park, including at Paraa winds over low hills, gullies, and woodland along the river, the park allows you to go on nature walks to experience the wild on foot while in Murchison Falls Conservation area. At the top of the falls, in Kaniyo Pabidi, and in Rabongo Forest, people embark on nature hikes. Even so, one can discover primates like chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white monkeys, birds, trees, and medicinal plants by taking a nature walk. Within the Budongo woodland Reserve, there is a tranquil region of natural woodland called Kaniyo Pabidi where you may stroll among old Mahogany and ironwood trees.
Accommodation Facilities in Murchison Falls National Park
The park offers lodging that to international standards, including the Paraa Safari Lodge, Bakers Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, and Nile Safari Lodge. Mid-range accommodations include Amuka Safari Lodge, Bwana Tembo Safari, Camp Fort Murchison Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, and New Court View Hotel. Budget-friendly options include Red Chilli, Rest Camp, Shoebill Campsite, New Court View Hotel, Budongo Eco Lodge, Global Village Guest, House Masindi Hotel, Ziwa Rhino Camp, and Yebo Safari Camp. Parkside Safari Lodge is a mid-range option.