MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda covering over 3,840 square kilometers. The park stands at an average altitude of 127 meters above sea level stretching as far as four districts of Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo, and Masindi.  The park is divided by the Victoria Nile from east to west for a distance of about 120 kilometers. The Victoria Nile flows at approximately 45 meters over the rest of the rift valley wall creating the mighty Murchison falls, the world’s strongest waterfall.  It is here that the water squeezes through an 8-meter-wide gorge pouring into the Devil’s Cauldron creating a beautiful rainbow and a thunderous roar.

History of Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest national park in Uganda. It was established and gazette in 1952 by the then government of the British administration into a national park. Before it was gazette, it was a game reserve that was expanded to the River Nile after the evacuation of the locals due to tsetse flies. Murchison Falls National Park was originally known as Kabalega falls named after the Bunyoro King “Omukama Kabalega”. In 1863 and 1864 Samuel and Florence Baker visited and explored the park area.  They then named the waterfalls Murchison Falls after the then president of the Royal Geographical Society and geologist Roderick Murchison.

ATTRACTIONS IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Murchison falls

The powerful Murchison falls are the major tourist attraction of the park. Located on the River Nile, the falls are considered to be the strongest and most powerful waterfalls in the world. Large volumes of water squeeze through an 8-meter gorge between the rock walls. At a very high speed it plunges over a 45-meter remnant rift valley wall into a 50-meter radius Devil’s Cauldron. This intense battle between the water and the rift valley walls forms the thunderous roar of the Murchison falls and creates a trade mark rainbow above the falls. Tourists from far and wide come to observe this natural masterpiece and marvel in awe on how strong and powerful the mighty Murchison falls are.

Victoria Nile

The Victoria Nile is a large section of the River Nile that passes through Murchison Falls National Park. Victoria Nile is responsible for forming the great Murchison Falls and is also a major source of life for flora and fauna across the entire park. Victoria Nile is home to countless Nile crocodiles – the biggest reptile in the world crowded with large numbers of hippos and other animal and bird species that come in for a drink. Taking a boat cruise along the river in the park gives you a chance to view these animals and birds up close as they drink and cool off.

Karuma falls.

Karuma Falls is a natural waterfall located in the Chobe region of Murchison Falls National Park. As the waters of the Victoria Nile slope downstream, they hit the naturally cascading rocks at a high speed forming a white form. The falls then form a small pool of water as it flows calmly and many animals use this pool as a drinking point. The pool also harbors crocodiles and hippos as well as some bird species.

Multiple animal species and the big four.

Murchison Falls National Park harbors large numbers of different animal species. There are over 144 mammals and 51 reptiles that live in different ecosystems across the entire park. Murchison Falls National Park is home to four of the big five animals apart from the rhino which is in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The big five animals include the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Rhinos were present in the park when it was gazette in 1952 but the last rhino was killed by poachers in 1983. During a game drive, tourists can easily view the herds of buffaloes, elephants, impalas, and other animals as they graze across the savannah plains.

Carnivorous mammals like lions, leopards, and hyenas are rarely spotted during the day but sometimes at night as they hunt.  On a boat cruise along the Nile, tourists get a chance to spot the Nile crocodiles basking in the sun as hippos take a dip in the water. Other animals like buffaloes, elephants, topis, impalas, hartebeest, and Uganda kob to mention a few can be viewed as they come in for a drink on the river.

Other Safari Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park include bird species which are over 556 birds living in different habitats across the park. From the savannah grasslands and woodlands to the elephant plantations in the plains and riverine vegetation in the lowlands. Some of the birds in the park include Abyssinian ground hornbill, Senegal thick-knee, Black-headed lapwing, Denham’s bustard, Yellow-fronted tinkerbird, Long-tailed nightjar, Long-toed lapwing, Black-billed barbet, Rock pratincole, Giant kingfisher, Red-winged grey warbler, African darter, Standard-winged nightjar, Blue-headed coucal, Swamp flycatcher, Grey-headed kingfisher, Piapiac among others.

The park also has forests of Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi that are very big and have been present for many centuries. These forests harbor wildlife species from primates to birds and butterflies. The forests also have some of the rare trees and plants.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES DONE IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Boat cruise Excursions

 Boat cruise or launch is a major activity in the Murchison Falls National Park. Boat launch offers an opportunity for tourists to view different animals and birds as they come in for a drink and cool off. Such animals include buffaloes, elephants, impalas, waterbucks, and the water lovers’ hippos and crocodiles. Tourists while on a launch can have a chance to get close to Murchison Falls to witness and admire one of the strongest and most powerful forces of nature. The boat cruise or launch takes place on the calm Victoria Nile for 2 hours in two sessions, one in the morning and afternoon.

Wildlife safari Game drives

Murchison Falls National Park is known for having one of the best game drives in Uganda. Taking on a morning or afternoon game drive in Murchison Falls National Park introduces you to animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, hyenas, etc. You will watch predators hunt down prey and create an everlasting memory. Game drives in the northern and southern sectors of the park are equally rewarding.

Hiking to the top of the falls

Hiking is also a major activity in the park and also a great experience for tourists. Hiking to the top of the falls starts from the bottom of the falls after a boat cruise on the calm Victoria Nile. Here, the tourists hike on the steep hill up to the top of the falls with a professional guide ranger. After reaching the top of the hill you will be welcomed by the thunderous roar of the mighty Murchison Falls. The views of the rainbow above the falls and the steam pouring on your face won’t leave you the same.

Sport Fishing is also another activity at Murchison Falls National Park normally carried out in the area at the base of the falls. The fishing is conducted either from the rocks in the shallow waters on the bank of the river or slightly lower downstream in the pools from the comfort of a boat.

Other activities in the park include bird watching which is done across the vast ecological systems that harbor over 556 bird species. These ecosystems include savannah grasslands and woodlands, lowland areas, and tropical rainforests.

How to access Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park is approximately 305 kilometers north of the capital city of Kampala. It can be accessed either by road or by air transport depending on your choice.

By road; This is the most popular and adventurous means to travel to the park. Traveling by road from Kampala to the park headquarters at Paraa takes approximately 4 to 6 hours. The shortest and most direct route is through the southern gates of Kichumbanyobo and Masindi South Gate. This route passes through the town of Masindi from Kampala via Bombo Road.

By air; The quickest way to travel to Murchison Falls National Park is by air transport. It takes about 1 hour. The park has three airfields around; Pakuba in the northern part of the park and Bugungu and Chobe in the south. Many companies operate on domestic flights such as AeroLink Uganda Limited, and BAR Aviation.

Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park?

Accommodation at Murchison Falls National Park ranges from budget, midrange to luxury depending on what you prefer. There are various accommodation facilities both inside the park and outside in the surrounding towns and cities. Staying inside the park offers tourists a chance to view different animals, birds, and primate species. In some cases, animals and birds come in proximity with the facility such as baboons, warthogs, giant shoebills, and the rest. Some of the accommodation facilities include Chobe Safari Lodge, Red Chili Rest Camp, Baker’s Lodge, and Sambiya River Lodge among others.

What is the best time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park has different attractions to view and it is ever open at any time of the year. Different seasons offer the best times to spot different animals, birds, or primate species. For instance, the best time to spot wildlife and do game drives in Murchison Falls National Park is from December through to February and June to September. The wet season is also good as accommodation prices tend to go low hence reduced congestion in the park. The best time entirely depends on the activities you want to do.

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best tourism destinations in the world offering different tourist attractions and activities. Visiting the park gives you unique opportunities to spot the Murchison Falls, the Victoria Nile, Karuma Falls, wildlife species like elephants, leopards, lions, and more, and primate species as well as birds and butterflies. Activities like boat cruising, hiking, birding, and sport fishing are also present at the park. Murchison Falls National Park offers an opportunity for tourists to view “the world’s strongest waterfall”.