Top 10 Animals In Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison falls national park is one of the top visited parks in Uganda and often as the most visited park in the country. Murchison falls national park has approximately 144 mammals that live in the park. The following are top 10 animals that you should put on your must-see animals list at Murchison falls national park.
African Elephants
Elephants are among the big five mammals. They often seen in large herds in open savannas especially near the river Nile which provides water and food.
African Buffaloes
Buffaloes are key members of the big five. Buffaloes are seen in savannah grasslands in large herds of family groups.
Lions
Lions are kings of the jungle and are part of the big five. Lions are known for their diurnal (day time) activity often seen hunting or resting in the shade. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are usually the best hours to spot the lions.
Leopards
Leopards are among the parks big cats and usually spotted during morning game drives or evenings. Leopards are secretive and masters of camouflage. They spend most of time in trees and usually come down to hunt for predators.
Rothschild Giraffe
Rothchild giraffe are seen in Murchison falls national park. These are the tallest mammals in the park and are one of the most endangered giraffe species in the park.
Hippos
Hippos are always seen during the boat safari on the River Nile. They are known for being dangerous but are highlights for tourist, seen in water, grazing on grass at night.
Rhinos
Rhinos are part of the big five, but are not spotted inside the park itself, but can be seen at Zziwa rhino sanctuary on the way to or from the park.
Chimpanzees
Murchison falls national park is in a tropical rainforest in budongo which hosts chimpanzees. These are key primates of the park and can be tracked.
Warthogs
Warthogs are easily spotted in Murchison falls national park found in savannah grasslands. Surprisingly they come close to vehicles, play and have fun and offering a great photo moment.
How To See The Animals?
There are many ways to encounter or spot these animals in Murchison falls national park as shown below;
Game Drives
Game drives are guided tours with professional tour guides or game rangers. Use an open roof 4×4 safari vehicle for the best viewing angles in search for the lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, hippo and many more.
Launch Trips
This offers a unique close-up view of aquatic and river bank. Best for spotting pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the river banks and viewing herds of elephants drinking in the river. In addition, there are plenty of birds to spot on the launch trip. These include shoebill stork, kingfisher etc.
Nature Walk (Forests)
Nature walks in budongo forests or kaniyo pabidi offers a chance to see chimpanzee in their habitat. This activity requires a permit and involves walking through dense forest with experienced guide. Along the way you will notice other primates such as olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys in Murchison falls national park.
How To Travel?
Travelling to Murchison falls national park is possible by road or air transport. The distance to cover Murchison falls national park is 305 kilometers from the city. The scenic road trip takes 5 to 6 hours drive. Private means are available in 4×4 WD or drone to ensure your travel on road.
For air transport scheduled flights are available from Entebbe international airport to pakuba(north), bugungu(south) and Chobe (East). These domestic flights take a shorter duration than road transport offering beautiful unique experiences. The flight takes 1 hour and 15 mins to reach Murchison falls national park. Aero Link Uganda is the operator.
When To Visit?
The gates of Murchison fall national park are open throughout the year, you visit the destination anytime you should. Visit Murchison falls national park in the dry season because dry seasons run from June to August to February is quite dry thus ideal period to visit Murchison falls national park.