Murchison Falls National Park

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Murchison Falls National Park is the largest protected territory in Uganda, covering an area of 3,893 square kilometers. It was formerly known as Kabalega National Park, after one of the former kings of the Bunyoro Kingdom. Wildlife in Murchison Falls is in jeopardy due to the discovery of oil in the Albertine lift valley because the government has prioritized oil exploration and exploitation over the preservation and protection of wildlife.

Murchison Falls, located in northern Uganda, was first designated as a game reserve in 1926, and then as Uganda\’s first National Park in 1952. It is home to 451 different bird species, including the endangered shoe-bill stock, which is occasionally spotted in the delta region. It also supports approximately 76 species of animals.

Before planning a trip to this gorgeous National Park, please consider the information provided below. This article contains information on costs, activities, and travel times.

What distinguishes Murchison Falls National Park? Murchison Falls National Park is the only park in Africa where visitors can take a canoe safari, go on a wildlife drive, and encounter primates while doing so. It is also the location of the world\’s most forceful cascades.

Activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park

Gorge, located at the base of Murchison Falls, is three hours by canoe from the park\’s administrative center. The place where the Nile River narrows to flow through a seven-meter fissure and cascades down a forty-meter precipice into an immense valley below has been the park\’s most popular attraction since the 1950s. From their base, the intensity of the falls and the breathtaking scenery will steal your breath away. Large resident populations of hippos float in the water, herds of elephant, buffalo, and other antelope can be seen searching for sustenance along the riverbanks, and crocodiles recline on the shore. The river provides an exceptional opportunity for bird observers, as a variety of water birds and colorful bee eaters nest in the cliffs along its banks.

Paraa – Murchison Falls National Park Game Drive

Your guide will take you to the northern region of Murchison Falls National Park. This region is home to a wide variety of fauna, including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, oribi, hartebeest, and numerous reptiles and birds, including the elusive shoebill stork. In this sanctuary, there are many crocodiles.

Wafer Falls and Sunset Cruise

From the park\’s administrative center, you can take a sunset excursion to the head of Fajao Gorge at the base of Murchison Falls. The place where the Nile River narrows to flow through a seven-meter fissure and cascades down a forty-meter precipice into an immense valley below has been the park\’s most popular attraction since the 1950s. From their base, the intensity of the falls and the breathtaking scenery will steal your breath away. Large resident populations of hippos float in the water, herds of elephant, buffalo, and other antelope can be seen searching for sustenance along the riverbanks, and crocodiles recline on the shore. The river provides an exceptional opportunity for bird observers, as a variety of water birds and colorful bee eaters nest in the cliffs along its banks. As the sun lowers, float along the Nile with a refreshing beverage and a few light snacks.

Murchison Falls National Park, Nile River, Delta Cruise

The Victoria Nile Delta can be reached by canoe after a half-day voyage of 20 kilometers downstream from the park\’s administrative center. This three to five hour excursion provides an uncommon opportunity to observe rare wildlife and animals, such as hippos, elephants, and crocodiles of enormous size. It is home to numerous wetland and papyrus-dwelling native avian species, such as the enigmatic shoebill stork. The Nile River meanders through the center of Murchison Falls National Park on its way to Lake Albert, providing visitors with ever-changing views.

Sunset cruise on the Nile River at Murchison Falls National Park

As the sun gently sets behind the escarpments, a 1.5-hour Nile River sunset excursion is available. Observe the diversity of animals and birds that frequent the river as they make their way to their dens for the night, and listen to the various noises of the African wilderness as it comes to life.

While viewing the sun slowly set behind the escarpments, you can sail along the Nile River at twilight. Observe the numerous animals and birds that frequent the river as they make their way to their nighttime dens, and listen to the various noises of the African forest as the nighttime creatures awaken. As the sun lowers, float along the Nile with a refreshing beverage and a few light snacks.

Murchison Falls National Park and the Nile

While viewing the sun slowly set behind the escarpments, you can sail along the Nile River at twilight. Observe the numerous animals and birds that frequent the river as they make their way to their nighttime dens, and listen to the various noises of the African forest as the nighttime creatures awaken. Float along the Nile as the sun sets with a glass of exquisite South African wine and an assortment of exotic cheeses.

Chimpanzee Habituation – Budongo Forest Reserve

If you wish to spend more time with the primates, you can select a chimpanzee habituation experience.

Your day of acclimatization with chimpanzees will begin with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a 6 a.m. meeting with your guide. Consequently, you will have to stay at the only resort in the forest, Budongo Eco resort.

From there, you can observe the locations of the most recent chimpanzee sites from the previous night. You will have the opportunity to spend the day with the chimpanzees, observing them in their natural habitats from the time they typically awaken until dusk, when they begin building new nests.

For tourism purposes, chimpanzees undergo a process of habituation that makes them more acclimated to human presence. Budongo Forest and Kibale National Park are the only locations where you can get closer to chimpanzees on these extraordinary ape habituation excursions.

Hiking in Murchison Falls National Park

Climb quickly to the summit of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River squeezes through a seven-meter gap to cascade down a forty-meter escarpment and into a vast chasm below. The force of the waterfalls and the awe-inspiring views are breathtaking. As you ascend to the summit of the falls, feel the water\’s discharge and take in the cool mist that surrounds you.

Watching Birds in the Budongo Forest Reserve

The Royal Mile in the Budongo Forest Reserve is one of the most renowned birding Destinations in Uganda. You will be accompanied by knowledgeable companions while searching for the numerous avian species in the region. This three- to four-hour hike can be tailored to your schedule and interests.

Budongo Forest Reserve Half-Day Forest Walk

You may appreciate a half-day trek through a tropical rainforest with knowledgeable animal guides. Enjoy the stunning environs, the sights and sounds of the rain forest, the numerous opportunities for bird watching and chimpanzee trekking, and sightings of the various monkey species that call the reserve home as they travel through the forest canopy.

Rhino Tracking – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to get up close and personal with Uganda\’s lone rhino. After rhinos became extinct in Uganda in 1983, local wildlife officials and international conservationists worked tirelessly to reintroduce them. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre acquired funding in 2001 to transport two white rhinos from Kenya to the rescue facility in order to initiate this difficult process. In 2005, four rhinoceros from Kenya were transferred to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. With the birth of two calves in the last two years alone, the southern white rhino population in Ziwa has increased to over ten individuals as a result of extremely successful reproductive efforts. If the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is successful, a comprehensive reintroduction effort will enable rhinoceros to once again roam freely throughout Uganda.

When To visit Murchison Falls Park

All four seasons are ideal for a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, but December through February are considered the finest. June to September is also an excellent time to visit.

Due to the lack of precipitation during these months, the game drive routes to the wildlife remain dry and accessible.

During the arid season, it is easier to identify animals during game excursions because they are drawn to water sources.

Murchison Falls National Park

Rainy season.

The months of March through May and October through November are wet. At this time of year, the landscape is at its most beautiful.

Because Murchison Falls National Park is located in a very arid region of Uganda, rain rarely interferes with safaris. However, adjacent highways may be difficult to navigate, game trails leading to the Nile delta may become inaccessible due to flooding, and crocodiles and hippos may approach camping areas.

Wildlife can still be observed, but during the inclement season they tend to seek shelter. If you want to go chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo jungle, you should wear robust footwear because the ground is muddy and wet.

the peak and off-peak seasons.

During the dry season, which runs from June to September, you can anticipate almost no precipitation. During this period, however, the park experiences average temperatures of approximately (35 degrees Celsius). The dry months coincide with the prime travel season for trekking to the Rwenzori Mountains to see gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates, so there are more tourists than usual during this time.

We recommend booking a lodge, gorilla permits, and chimpanzees well in advance because lodging is in high demand in June and July. The same remains true for individuals who drive their own vehicles.

The off-season stretches from March to May and October to November. Even though substantial precipitation is uncommon in Murchison, the river Nile occasionally overflows, forcing some lodges to close or making it difficult to reach certain game viewing locations, especially those near the hippo pool and the Delta track.

Due to the increased demand for lodges during the off-season, it is possible to make reservations at the last minute and still receive discounts.

Best Time to visit Murchison Park National Park

December to February is the best time to go on a game drive in this park to see animals.

The best months for chimpanzee trekking are without a doubt October through January, when the vegetation is shorter than during the rainy season and the fruits on the trees are ripe enough for baboons and chimpanzees to graze on them.

We recommend going on an ecotour for bird watching during the rainy season. March is the ideal month to observe some of the 451 resident bird species in Murchison Falls National Park.

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park

You could reach the southern Murchison Falls National Park by driving from Kampala to Masindi and then to the Park. The alternative route for those traveling from Kibale National Park is through the Bungugu gate. This route is very scenic because it travels by Lake Albert and the escarpments of the rift valley. If you wish to fly to Murchison Falls National Park, two nearby airfields are available. Bugungu Airfield is located in the southern sector, while Pakuba Airfield is located in the northern sector. Aerolink offers daily afternoon flights to the Murchison Falls National Park, while fly Uganda offers charter flights to the park.

The northern section of Murchison Falls National Park, known as Paraa, where the bia five may be spotted, is renowned for its game excursions. The highlight of the park\’s activities is the two-hour canoe journey to the base of the falls, where the River Nile squeezes into a small valley. The endangered shoebill stork and other species, such as the regal eagle, can be seen in Murchison Falls National Park, which is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The Budongo Forest, home to the greatest number of chimpanzees in Uganda, offers chimpanzee trekking.