Perched on the shores of the magnificent Lake Albert, Murchison Falls National Park is a popular tourist destination in Uganda that is known for its stunning beauty. It is the biggest National Park in the country and is the most visited due to its exciting attractions. The park sits on an area of approximately 3,893 square kilometers in the northwest of Uganda.
It is characterized by Savannah grasslands and woodlands with shrubs scattered all over that make up the stunning beauty.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to some of the most vibrant mammals on the African continent especially the Big 4 mammals that is to say African buffaloes, leopards, lions and elephants. The park also hosts the most powerful waterfalls in the whole world upon which it is named. It is a renowned habitat for over 450 known bird species living in the thick rainforests along the Nile River.
About the Park
History
Its Uniqueness
Activities carried out
Attractions
How to get there.
When to visit
Where to Stay
History
Murchison Falls National Park was formerly known as Bunyoro Game Reserve. The reserve was created in 1910 just after it was evacuated by its inhabitants due to tsetse flies that had infested the land close to 13,000 square kilometers. This conservation area had its first European visitors in 1862 that is to say, James Grant and John Speke though it was later extensively explored in 1864 by Sir Samuel and Florence Baker – A couple that was committed to exploring marvelous areas on the planet.
They were funded by the Royal Geographical Society and after admiring the extraordinary beauty of the areas in the park, especially the powerful and flamboyant falls, they decided to name it after their boss Roderick Murchison. The reserve boundaries were extended northwards in the 1920s to expand the habitat for the variety of wildlife species and also conserve the various species of flora. The British government later in 1952 upgraded the reserve to National Park status making it the oldest National Park in the country.
Its Uniqueness
Murchison Falls National Park is very different from other national parks in the country, especially the fact that it is the largest and therefore harbors large numbers of wildlife species. The park is further unique since it hosts the most powerful waterfalls in the whole world.
Activities carried out
Game drives. Visitors to Murchison Falls National Park get to engage in exciting game drives that are conducted under the guidance of experienced tour guides to enable them to view the wildlife species, rare plants and beautiful sceneries of the park.
Boat cruises. These are usually conducted in the morning and the afternoon and they are launched to the view of the magnificent Murchison Falls along the Nile River.
Bird watching. Being home to over 400 bird species, Murchison Falls National Park is a favorable area where travelers can go birding to set their eyes on beautiful endemics such as cinnamons, egrets, hammerkops, African fish eagles, turacos, Abyssinian ground hornbills, black bee eaters, piapias,
oxpeckers, secretary birds and cuckoo shrike. These are usually viewed along the river as they feed in areas on the river banks and the nearby forests.
Hot air ballooning. Murchison Falls National Park elevates the experiences of the visitors by allowing them to view the beauty of the National Park from the skies. Visitors get the opportunity to observe the hidden treasures of the park and have the best of their time.
Attractions
Murchison falls. These were formerly known as Kabalega Falls named after the powerful King of the Bunyoro kingdom. They are the most powerful waterfalls in the whole world. River Nile forces its way through a 7 meter wide gap of rocks and sparks off a powerful force from the beautiful waterfalls. They are such a stunning attraction to marvel at while in the park.
Budongo forest. This breathtaking forest is just adjacent to the park and is made up of thick hardwood trees that form beautiful scenery on the banks of the Nile River. One gets to stare at this stunning forest while in the park.
Wildlife. Murchison Falls is also renowned for the wildlife species it harbors. The park is home to a variety of animals including the African Bush elephants, impalas, waterbucks, elands, common warthogs, lions, leopards, hippos, African buffaloes, monkeys and bushbucks.
How to get there.
The shortest route one can take to access the magnificent Murchison Falls National Park is using the Kampala – Masindi Highway which takes approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes covering the 240.1 kilometer distance.
When to visit
The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons. The December to February window is the best time to visit. The period from June to September is also a favorable time since it’s characterized by less rainfall, and steady roads that aid successful explorations.
Where to Stay
High-end Lodges in Murchison Falls NP:
- Nile Safari Lodge
- Paraa Safari Lodge
- Chobe Lodge
Medium Budget Lodges in Murchison Falls NP:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Bamboo Village
- Murchison river Lodge
- Sambiya river Lodge
- Fort Murchison Lodge (Rooms)
Low Budget Lodges in Murchison Falls NP:
- Red chili Lodge
- Fort Murchison Lodge (tents)
- Heritage Safari Lodge