MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK UGANDA
Murchison falls national park is located in the northwestern part of Uganda on the shores of Lake Albert. Murchsion falls is sarrounded Masindi, Nwoya, Buliisa and Kiryandongo. The park was first gazated as a game reserve in 1926, Murchison falls is known as the oldest and largest conservation area in Uganda. At Murchison falls, the river Nile passes through a narrow escarpment 8m wide and plongs 45m into the nile making a thundrous sound forming bubble-like white floatings on the fast moving waters of the Nile. This is the highlight of the park where the fast moving water of the river calm down in an 80km stretch flowing quietly across the rift valley into lake Albert.
The stretch of the river gives a combination of wildlife both water and land animals. Animals like the elephants and buffalos are regular visitors of the river banks whereas the hippos’ crocodiles and acquatic birds are the main residents.
Murchison falls is known to harbour over 144 mammals,556 bird species, 51 reptiles and 51 amphibian.The giraffes occupy the northern bank more the buffalo population have increased crazilly to over 10,000 whereas the Uganda kobs have increased too to 35,000. Birds like the white crested turaco, red winged gray warbler are coomon in the sounthern bank beacuse of th woodlands. The shoebill can besighted at the banks of the albert delta in the northern bank.
In the year 1951, film called The African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart was shot at the Lake Albert and the Nile in Murchison falls conservation area.
In 1952 Murchison falls national park was made a national park, it is seperated by two banks, the southern and the northern bank. The northern sector if the park contains savanna and borassus palms, acacia trees, and riverine woodland whereas the southern bank is mostly covered by the woodland and forest patches.
Murchsion falls national park can be accessed through the north and the south. In the north the park can be accessed through Tangi gate, Wankwar gate and chobe gate whereas the southern bank has Kichumbanyobo gate commonly know as the main entry point by tourists, Paraa entry point and Bugungu gate which can give you access to Budongo forest.
Murchison falls national park is blessed with a variety of activities to highlight a safari.
Murchiosn falls
This is the main attraction of of the park from which the park was named. The falls can be viewed from the top as well as from the botton on a boat cruise. While viewing from the top,the experience of the thunderous falls in heard at close range,the sight of the rainbow gives you great photographic moments.
the view from the bottom is magnificent, it brings you closer to the falls and as well experiencing the fast moving waters of the nile. You can also sight crocodiles, birds and elephants.
Game drive
Murchison falls national park game drive is all covered by woodland just like other savanna parks in Africa. The game drives at murchison falls national park can be during early morning, afternoon, evening and night. The morning game drives usually start at 6am, evening ones start at 4pm. Night game drives start at 7/8pm.
Murchison falls national park is blessed with different bird species and mammals. Animals to spot during the game drive are; Lions, leopards, giraffes, cape baffaloes, warthogs, Ugandan kobs, Duiker, Jackson’s hartebeest, elephants, hyenas,waterbucks, baboons and many more.A picnic can be set a Nyamsika Cliffs. Game drives are accompanied by a tour guide.
Boat cruise
The murchison falls national park boat cruise gives you a different experince.The Albert delta takes off from Paraa, and slowly floats downstream away from the fierce pull of the falls, stretching to the shores of lake Albert
The “sundowners” trip offers a morning and afternoon session, but the afternoon slot is the most magical, as you’re on the river when dusk descends.
Enveloped by nature, the vibrant green surroundings become tinged with an orange glow as the sun sets. The perfect setting for unforgettable photos.
The trip is over 28km and takes between 4-5 hours. Birdsong will be your soundtrack as you spot a diversity of game and water-life down by the riverbanks.
Starting point
The launch trip leaves from Paraa, starting its sail upstream towards the dramatic falls, travelling over 17km.
During this 3-hour trip, you will be encircled by luscious greenery and rugged rocks, peppered with holes created by the rough waters of the falls.
From your vantage point at the base of the falls, you’ll witness the power of Murchison as water surges through a narrow 7-metre gorge. On clear days, the spray of the falls interacts with sunlight to produce a rainbow that envelopes the falls, adding to the beauty and making for perfect photo opportunities
Hiking to the top of the falls
For the adventurous traveler, hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is a must-do activity. The hike takes about 1 to 1,5 hour and offers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. A guide of Murchison Falls National Park will accompany you and tell you everything about the falls. It’s not really a tough climb, but be prepared to climb 165 stairs on the 2.5 km trail to the top. Because temperatures are high, you might get exhausted, but the views are definitely worth the climb The trail that takes you to the Top of the Falls and down to the falls is called the Baker’s Trail, with various panoramic viewing points of the two waterfalls. The trail first takes you to the top of the falls, and then you hike down to Devil’s Cauldron. Prepare to get wet by the spray of the falls.
When you reach the top of the falls you will get a great view of the Uhuru Falls, the Kiswahili. Are you traveling to Kenya, Tanzania, or any other East African country soon? Then it’s useful to know some common Swahili words and phrases . Swahili is the national language of Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic..
word for independence or freedom, formed as a result of breaking away from the initial Murchison Fall during Uganda’s independence.
Chimpanzee tracking at Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest, located near Murchison Falls National Park, is home to a large population of chimpanzees. Visitors can take a guided trek or walking safari.A walking safari is a type of safari that involves exploring a national park or reserve on foot, rather than in a vehicle. Walking safaris are a popular activity on safaris, as they offer a more intimate and immersive..through the forest to observe these amazing primates in their natural habitat. If you only have a few days to explore a part of Uganda, you can’t go wrong with visiting Murchison Falls as you’re able to spot big game animals, the elusive Shoebill stork.
The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) known as the Whale-headed stork or Shoe-billed stork, is a prehistoric-looking long-legged wading bird species native to Central and East Africa. Its distinct appearance, with a bill..and various primates, including our closest relatives, the chimps. Note that Budongo Forest is not part of Murchison Falls National Park, but it’s part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which includes both the national park and several other protected areas. Because these places are very near to each other, it’s a great way to combine Big Five. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is one of the exciting activities that will turn your Uganda safari into an experience of a lifetime. Did you know that Chimpanzees are our closest genetic relatives, sharing over..
Bird watching
With over 450 species of birds, Murchison Falls National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise and one of Uganda’s best birding areas. If you’re a bird lover, I highly recommend taking a guided tour or exploring the area on your own to spot some of the park’s rare and beautiful bird species.
Birding in Murchison Falls is an all-year round activity, but the best time for birdwatching is during the wet season, from March until mid-May and September until November.
Examples of birds to spot in Murchison Falls National Park are: Kingfishers, Crested Crane (Uganda’s National Bird), Weaver birds, Giant Heron, Shoebill.The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) known as the Whale-headed stork or Shoe-billed stork, is a prehistoric-looking long-legged wading bird species native to Central and East Africa. Its distinct appearance, with a bill.. Ground Hornbills, Black-bellied Bustard, Blue-naped Mousebirds, Silver birds, the Fish Eagle and various other birds of prey.
Sports fishing at murchison falls national park
Fishing in Murchison falls is done mainly as a sport and is among the main activities along the Nile. It involves catching fish by casting lures; this method is used for catching larger fish species like the Nile perch and some cat fish. There other method used for catching fish is the use of live bait like worms, termites to catch smaller fish species like the Tiger fish, also you can catch them using the spinning method.
Murchison falls is among the leading parks where sport fishing in Uganda is conducted. Fishing is mainly done along the Victoria Nile which involves catching fish along rocky surfaces, the bottom of the falls mainly the Devil’s Cauldron, and at the banks of the Nile by the anglers.Fishing along the Nile is an exciting experience though you are advised to take caution of the Hippos and Nile crocodiles especially while fishing at the River banks.
Sambiya river lodge canopy walk and ziplining
Sambiya river lodge neighbours the Murchison falls in the southern bank of the park. It brings you the best experience of ziplining and canopy walk,the lodge has 2 zip lines: the first one is 170 meters long, and the second one is 75 meters long.
Murchison falls cultural experience
In addition to its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, Murchison Falls National Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the culture of the local communities. Visitors can visit nearby villages and interact with the locals, learning about their way of life and traditions.