Uganda’s Murchison Falls National park is the oldest and largest park in the Country. It is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, a diverse landscape, and a chance to spend time on the impressive Nile River. The park is most celebrated for sheltering the world’s strongest water falls, as a result of River Nile forcing and squeezing its way through a 7m wide gorge and plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the centerpiece of the park, the Murchison falls where the park generates its name. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife adventures.
The park holds vast sections of savannah grassland dotted with Borassus palms and Acacia trees in the North, and woodland and forests in the South which provides constant opportunities to see the remarkable wildlife in Uganda, whether you are driving through the grassland, trekking in the forest, or cruising along the Nile River, Murchison Falls National Park will leave you amazed at how beautifull Uganda is.
Attractions in Murchison Falls National park
The Murchison Falls
Murchison falls are the most spectacular and the star attraction of Uganda’s largest national park, which is also named after the falls. Considered the most powerful waterfall in the world, Murchison Falls are as a result of the great Nile River thrusting through a narrow gap in a violent roar before crashing down a 43 meters drop into a devil’s cauldron below as it is flowing outward into Lake Albert.
More about Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park
Taking a boat ride to the falls enables visitors explore the park and experience the amazing wildlife along the riverbanks. For example crocodiles, elephants, hippos, hartebeest, buffaloes, Rothschild Giraffes, oribi, and monitor lizards. The most thrilling view of the waterfall is at the top of the falls where the sight and sounds of the Nile crashing through the 7-meter vast chasm make an unforgettable assault on your neural senses. This leaves you blown away by the waterfall’s mighty force and stunning beauty.
The Murchison Falls is not only a wonder of natural beauty but also a vital source of life in the region. The falls provide a vital water supply for wildlife, including the Nile crocodiles and hippos in the river below. The surrounding area is also home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Wildlife in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is home to 76 species of mammals, primates, over 450 species of birds, including four of the famous the Big Five(5) animals that is the lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes with only the rhinos absent. Game drives are ideal for exploring the park’s diverse wildlife, whether its in the morning or evening, its never a dull moment exploring while this magnificent park. Some animals you will not miss seeing at Murchison Falls National park include; Giraffes, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Warthogs, Hyenas, Buffaloes, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Waterbucks, Antelopes, Uganda Kob, Hippos, Olive Baboons, Chimpanzees, Jackal, Patas monkey, Crocodiles, Oribi among others.
Birds in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park
Birds at Murchison Falls National park make the destination questionably one best birding sites in Uganda. The park is a paradise of over 460 bird species including the savannah birds, water birds, forest birds and some Albertine rift endemic birds. Some of the commonly spotted birds include the shoebill, Grey crown cranes, Great blue Turaco, Long crested eagle, and white casqued hornbill. These can easily spotted during game drives, nature walks, boat rides along the River Nile. Other bird species that can be seen include, the Saddle-billed stork, Grey crown cranes, African spoonbill, Hamerkop, Osprey, Black and white Casqueal, Palm-nut vulture, African open bill, Kingfishers like the the Giants, Malachite, Pied and the Blue breasted kingfishers among others.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest
Nestled in the heart of Uganda, lies the largest natural mahogany forest in East Africa, Budongo Forest. It covers an expansive area of 825 sq km. The forest is easily accessible taking only a three-hour drive from Murchison falls. Budongo Forest is a true natural wonder. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Uganda’s diverse wildlife and tropical ecosystems. With its breathtaking scenery, impressive biodiversity, and unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experiences. It is renowned for being one of the best chimpanzee habitats in Uganda. It has over 600 individuals residing within its verdant canopies. 100 of these are habituated for tracking at Kaniyo-Pabidi. Besides its thriving primate population, the forest is also home to an astounding species of primates. Also impressive bird species, small mammals making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Best Time to Visit Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is open all year round. For the best wildlife viewing, you should visit during the dry months. These are December to February and also June to September. Because animals are drawn to water sources making it easier to spot them. If you’re a bird enthusiast, the best time is during the wet months. Moreso in March to May and also September to November.
How to access Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park
By road
One can access the park through its different gates. For example Chobe, Wankwar, Mubako, and Tangi in the North which is approximately 5.5 hours from Kampala. From the South, one can enter from one of the two southern gates, Kichumbanyobo or Bugungu.
By Air
Visitors can fly to the park, to the airstrips inside the park. For example Chobe, Pakuba, or Bugungu depending on the area of the park you plan to stay. Accessing the park by air takes only one hour from Entebbe International park. You advised to book your flights in advance by Airlink for better preparations.