Murchison Falls National Park

It is the largest and oldest National Park, located in the Northwestern part of Uganda, covering an area of 3893 square Kilometers. The park was gazzeted in 1952 after being upgraded from a game reserve. The Park’s name was derived from Murchison Falls, the falls that were named after Sir Roderick Murchison, a Scottish geologist that was a member of the British Royal geographers. It is the British Explorers Sir Samuel Baker and his wife Florence Baker that awarded him the honors.

In the 1970’s under the presidency of Iddi Amin, the park’s name was changed to Kabalega National Park in commemoration of the local fierce King who had defied the colonial rule. The park regained its former name after the overthrow of Amin’s government.

Murchison falls national Park is bisected into two parts by the Nile River creating the southern and the Northern banks. The southern bank is covered by the tropical rain forest and the savannah woodlands whereas the Northern bank is dominated by the Savanna grassland.

How to get there

Located in Northwestern part of Uganda, it is 273 Kilometers from Entebbe International Airport to Murchison Falls National Park via Kampala-Masindi Road to Kicumbanyobo gate. By air, it is 45 Minutes to an hour flight.

The Park has three airfields depending the location you are flying to. In the Southern Bank, flights land at Bugungu Airfield, in the Northern bank it is Pakuba Airfield and when heading to Karuma Wildlife reserve, flights land in Chobe.

Attractions and Activities

Chimpanzee tracking  in Budongo Forest

The second largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda are found in Budongo Forest within Murchison Falls National Park. The activity is carried out in the morning and afternoon sessions depending on the suitable schedule of the clients. Tracking takes between two to five hours depending on how far or closer the chimpanzees may be located. Every group of Tourists has a maximum of eight people and Guided by a ranger.

In preparation of chimpanzee tracking, nature blending clothes like long sleeved shirts, Trousers, closed shoes, huts, face masks, insect repellent, rain jackets, water and food must be put into consideration. A backpack therefore may be required to carry some of the items.

Murchison Falls.

The falls are believed to be the most powerful in the world! This can be described by the largest outlet of Lake Victoria which is the Victoria Nile that traverses over 300 kilometers to get to a narrow gorge of 7 meters wide and 43 feet beneath before the rapids of waters on a high-speed congesting itself into a path to create an uproar of a waterfall with always a trademark of a rainbow before flowing smoothly on the lower side of the river bed. Murchison falls are one of the highlights of a trip to Uganda!

Game Safaris

The park boosts of over 140 mammal species, 556 bird species, 50 reptiles and many more, with highest numbers of animal concentration in an area amongst all the parks. It is definitely a place to go for safaris! Herds of Elephants can be encountered, Buffalos, prides of Lions and higher chances of seeing Leopards.

Boat cruises

Sun set and delta cruises are conducted on the Nile River since it crosses through the park. The river being the main source of water, a variety of animal species, birds and reptiles come on the shores to cool off and drink when it’s hot. Animals like Giraffes, Hippos, crocodiles, Elephants and many bird species are encountered.

Sun set cruises take an average of 3 hours for which they commence at 2 Pm and end at 5 Pm while Delta cruises begin in the morning at 7 AM and end at 11 AM. The Delta cruise takes 5 hours and majorly includes the shoebill Stork search. A variety of other birds are always encountered and different kinds of animal species.

Sport fishing

For those interested in sport fishing, Murchison falls National Park is a haven for Anglers! A variety of fish species ranging from Nile perch, Cat fish, Tilapia, Lung fish and many others are permanent residents. The favorite among all has always been the Nile Perch due to its large size. The largest to have ever been caught weighed 114 kilograms.

Expectations and Requirements

The activity is carried out on the Nile River and takes a full day or half depending on the Angler’s wish per session. You can as well decide to fish for 2-3 days or even more. It is always advisable to carry your own equipment in case the one available does not suit your preference.

Food and drinking water are always provided during the activity. Other requirements like huts, insect repellent, lotions to prevent sun bans and any other personal necessities are advisable to be carried for the smooth running of the activity.

An experienced fishing guide is provided to help in any kind of set up required and usage of his local knowledge in finding suitable sites for better catches.

Birding

Murchison Falls National Park is a bird haven. It inhabits Savana, forest and water birds of up to 556 species. The list includes native, intra African and Palearctic migratory birds. The Savana birds majorly inhabit in the Northern bank of the park where as the forest are in the South in Budongo Forest.

Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park

There is quite a number of lodges both inside and the surrounding communities of Murchison Falls National Park. They range from Luxury, Midrange to Budget accommodations.

Pakuba Safari Lodge. Given that the park is bisected in two parts by River Nile, it is located on the Northern side. It seats within the heart of the park overseeing the beautiful views of the Nile River. Animals like Lions, Giraffes, Hyenas, Warthogs, Leopards and Waterbucks some times are sighted from the lodge.

It is a midrange Lodge with 46 spacious rooms including Single, Double, Twin and Family cottages with balconies overseeing River Nile. Other amenities at the lodge include a swimming pool and Camp fire during the night among others.

Paraa Safari Lodge. Right after crossing the Nile River from the southern Bank, there lies Paraa Safari Lodge. It is rated a 4-star Lodge with 54 rooms including Singles, Doubles, Twins and Family Cottages. With rich history, it is one of the oldest lodges in Uganda that has stood the test of times since 1954.

It has a swimming pool and as well offers boat cruises on the Nile River among other services.

Nile Safari Lodge. Nestled right nextto the Nile River in Mubako community, bordering Murchison Falls National Park on the southern bank, lies the luxury Nile Safari Lodge.

 It sits on 32 acres with 8 luxurious Bandas over viewing the Nile at a distance of less than 20 meters. The lodge has a swimming pool and offers camp fire at night, among other services.

Sambiya River Lodge. If you are looking to disconnect yourself away from the world for a while, Sambiya River Lodge is a place to be.

 It is located on the Southern bank, 15 minutes’ drive away from Murchison Falls and one and a half hour’s drive from Masindi town. It is a midrange lodge with 24 cottages. Some of the amenities at the lodge are; a swimming pool, Ziplining and camp fire among others.

Other lodges are Twiga Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge.

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