Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park was established in 1952 and is the largest park in Uganda covering an area of 1,503 square miles. It is found in northwestern Uganda in the Districts of Kiryandongo, Masindi, Nwoya and Buliisa. The River Nile flows through the park dividing it in two and leaving behind beautiful waterfalls. The British Explorer Sir Samuel Baker was stunned by one of waterfalls in the park and gave it the name Murchison Falls which later given to the park.

Why visit Murchison Falls National Park?

The Victoria Nile flows through the middle of the park and empties into Lake Albert, creating a delta. En route the river hurtles over Murchison Falls creating the greatest natural water force on Earth.

Not only does Murchison Falls National Park encompass a variety of beautiful landscapes, it’s also home to an abundance of wildlife. There are various large mammals to be sighted such as lions, elephants, giraffes and leopards. The park also boasts iconic birds, like the grey crowned crane and shoebill. Very welcoming of tourists, visitors to the park can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, and a waterfall hike.

Things to do in Murchison Falls National Park

Visitors planning on a safari to Murchison Falls National park should expect to get involved in activities like walking to the top of the Murchison Falls, game drives, bird-watching, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, fishing, boat cruises and camping among others.

Visiting the Top of the Murchison Falls

The first activity most visitors do is to visit the top of the falls. The Murchison Falls form when the river Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge as it makes its way to Egypt. It is arguably one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world after the Victoria Falls. One does not need a guide to go to the top of the falls though it is important to move with a team or someone knowledgeable about the area.  The first sight of the falls from the top is amazing. The thunderous roar as the water forces its way through the gorge before falling 42 meters below is one of the most memorable moments while in the park.  The mist resulting from the force of the water combines with the suns raise to form spectacular rainbows which are awesome to watch.

Boat Cruise at the bottom of the falls

This is one of the most popular activities while at the park and is similar to the launch cruise at the Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth National Park.  The cruise lasts about 3 hours starting and ending at the bottom of the falls. The top of the falls offers a breathtaking view of the waterfall and the loud roars coming from the water rushing down to the river.

The section of the Nile after the falls shores has abundant wildlife and some of the greatest collection of hippos and crocodiles in Africa. Visitors can also see buffaloes, elephants and various species of antelopes drinking by the shores of the river. The water birds include bee-eaters, cormorants, ducks, fish eagles, herons, kingfishers and shoebill Storks. After taking photos and seeing enough of the birds and animals, the captain will turn the boat upstream to bottom of the falls for visitors to disembark and climb up to level ground.

Boat ride to the Nile Delta

The Nile Delta is the point where the River Nile connects to Lake Albert. The boat ride to the Nile Delta involves going further upstream beyond the point where the boats used for the normal cruise make a turn. This activity requires sparing half a day and is a must for birders. Visitors usually take a boat downstream on the Nile until the point where it enters Lake Albert. On the way to the lake, there are opportunities to spot more mammals congregating to drink by the shores of the river Nile and birds at the papyrus swamps around Lake Albert. The areas around the Nile Delta are home to several bird species including the rare shoebill stork.

Karuma Falls

These falls are found in the north-eastern section of the game park near Gulu district. The falls form at a point where the river Nile squeezes through several rocky formations before dropping with a roaring sound. The foamy water resulting from the contact between the rushing river and rocks are beautiful to behold. Moreover the area attracts several bird species and animals like the baboons, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, Leopards, lions, monkeys, antelopes like the Uganda Kob and Hartbeest.

Game Drives

This is arguably the most enjoyable activity in the park. Game drives can be done alone although the presence of a ranger from the park turns it into a more educative activity because they can help identify the types of birds and mammals or take you to the best places to find them. While on a 3 hour game rive to Murchison Falls, expect to spot animals like buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, Hippopotamus, Leopards, lions, Monitor lizards, Side Striped Jackals, Spotted Hyenas and warthogs. Among the antelope species in the park include the Bohor Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, Hartebeest and many more.

Apart from the day game drives, visitors can also choose to go for the two-hour night game drive. While on the night game drive, the chances of seeing predators like hyenas, lions, serval cats and particularly leopards become higher. The rangers move with spotlights so that any action is not missed.  The night game drives start late in the evening or when it gets dark.

Fishing

The area below the Murchison Falls is one of the best places for fishing in Uganda. Huge Nile Perch weighing over 200 pounds can still be caught in this part of the Nile. The other common specie caught here is the Tiger fish and Tilapia. Visitors can go fishing on river Nile by boat or stand at the bottom of the Murchison falls itself and through their line. Fishing can also be arranged at the Karuma falls or one of the pools on the riverside. Visitors need to acquire a fishing license and bring their own fishing gear. In order to catch the Nile Perch, smaller fish need to be first caught and used as bait.

Forest and nature Walk

These forests walks are suitable for educational purposes and can be done in Chobe or more preferably in Rabongo and Budongo forest. These two forests have several bird species and primates like Chimpanzee and monkeys. The walks should be led by an experienced guide or ranger who is knowledgeable about the different species of birds, trees and animals.

Birdwatching

Murchison Falls Park is one of the best places for birding in Uganda. The activity can be done during the nature walks or using a safari vehicle. As a large park, the Murchison Falls provides countless opportunities and places to go birding. It could start right outside your lodge, then to the Savannah grasslands, the forests and the river Nile. Birdwatching can also be done at Kaniyo Pabidi forest area. The bird species in the park include the Abdim’s Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African Darter, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, African Quail-Finch, African Skimmer, Bar-breasted Firefinch, Beautiful Sunbird, Black Crake, Black Scimitarbill, Black-billed Barbet, Black-billed Wood-Dove, Black-faced Waxbill among others.

Chimp Trekking in Budongo forest

Budongo Forest is found south of the park and is part of the Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forest reserve. The forest has over 464 species of plants and mammals including over 820 chimpanzees. There is a research station by Jane Goodall in Budongo forest and hence tracking chimpanzees is the most popular activity in the forest. Chimpanzee tracking starts at 8am and ends at around 3pm. The chances of seeing the chimps are high but will depend on the season of the year. The best time to see the chimps are in May and August. The activity can go on for long but trackers should never be bored in such a beautiful forest with birds and smaller primates. An experienced and well-informed guide usually leads visitors to help them identify the different species of birds, animals and vegetation.  The chimpanzee habituation experience can also be arranged in Budongo forest during periods with fewer trackers.

Cultural visit to Boomu Village

This activity is arranged for a few hours or whole days with the Boomu Women’s group. The group organizes village tours, accommodation and a shop for African art. The village walks offer opportunities to mingle and interact with locals living in the village. One can also stay for the night and experience what it is like sleeping in a traditional African hut with a rural African family.  After spending the night with the family, the visitor can wake up and help with garden work or cook with the village women.

Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park?

There are a variety of lodges, campsites and hotels offering accommodation facilities within and outside Murchison Falls National Park. The final choice of accommodation facility depends entirely on a traveler’s budget. The best lodges are those near the river Nile or in areas near where the game drives are arranged. These facilities include Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Sambiya River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Masindi Hotel and others.

The best time to visit Murchison falls national park

The best time to visit the park, however, is the dry season from December to February and June to September. Predator in action. During the dry season, the animals are easier to see because they are drawn out of the dense bushes and closer to the water sources. Trails for tracking chimpanzees are clear, and the weather in general is good for game drives and sightseeing. There are hardly any mosquitoes so the chances of getting malaria on a safari to Uganda during this season are very low. There is usually a lot of sunshine and very little rain in this season. December, January and February are the hottest months. June and July are usually also quite dry.

How to access Murchison Falls National Park?

The most direct route to Murchison National Park from Kampala is through the southern gates (Kichambanyobo and Masindi South Gate). Alternatively, the northern gates (Purongo or Takigate-Packwach) are also a great option, although longer in distance, they take you straight to the most interesting sections of the park.