Murchison Falls National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, a complete Guide to exploring the Park with detailed information on the Location and size of the park, animals in Murchison Falls National Park. How to get there, attractions and activities to do, when to visit, where to stay, safari tour packages, best recommended tour companies, map, and so much more.

Murchison Falls National Park Also known as the Kabalega National Park, the Park is popularly known for having the world’s most powerful waterfall. That emits large volumes of water, about 300 cubic meters per second or 11,000 ft³/s, at a very powerful pressure that causes the surrounding area to tremble. The park was first gazetted in 1927 and today is the largest park in Uganda, covering an area of 3840 sq km / 1483 sq miles.

It is commonly visited for Uganda Safari Tours because of its diverse safari activities and rich wildlife. It is situated at the end of the Albertine Rift Valley, and it is Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park. The Park was gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1926 and is home to 76 different mammal species and 451 birds. It   Conservation Area is made up of Bugungu, Karuma wildlife reserves.

Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National Park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant valley wall, creating the dramatic falls. And the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert.

Wildlife Species

Wildlife species are abundant in the park and are one of the main attractions that bring many travelers from all over the world. When we talk about the Park, animals.

It is home to more than 73 animal species, among which are four of the ‘Big Five’. Including buffaloes, leopards, lions, and elephants (except rhinos), it has three-quarters of the world’s population of Rothschild giraffes. Plus a healthy population of herbivores which has recently doubled including the Uganda Kobs all of which can easily be seen on the Wildlife Safari Tours here. There are various primates living within its verdant forests, like the Budongo, which has over 610 chimpanzees. In addition to 451 bird species, including 23 Albertine rift endemics.

What to see

The Murchison Falls

The highlight of any itinerary in Murchison Falls National Park is visiting the falls to see how large volumes of water from the Victoria Nile. Force their way through an approximately 7-meter-wide gorge to plunge 43 meters below into a pool. This powerful waterfall creates a thunderous noise with a splashing cloud of fog, offering a very breathtaking view worth enjoying.

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This private non-profit project was established in 2005 to revive the population of the white rhino in Uganda following the intense poaching. This happened during the 1990s, which totally depleted this species from the Murchison Falls and Kidepo National parks, where these animals previously lived. Today, there are twenty-two 22 southern white rhinos found at this sanctuary.

The Rich Wildlife

The diverse vegetation cover of the park, which includes woodlands, savannah, and riverine forests, supports a great diversity of animals, which can easily be seen in different safari itineraries like the 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari. These include the Uganda Kobs, Hartebeests, lions, elephants, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, and hyenas, among many others. Birders as well as the park have a diversity of species to see. Like the rare shoebill stork, Goliath heron, yellow-footed flycatcher, pitta, pied giant and malachite kingfisher, among over 451 species.

Things to do

Launch Trip:

This 2-hour launch trip begins at Paraa and offers holidaymakers an opportunity to see various wildlife, including  giant crocodiles, hippos, and various birds. This offers great photographic opportunities.

Game Drives:

These are conducted early morning as well as in the early evening, offering you a chance to enjoy up-close views of animals. The Delta area, Buligi Peninsula, and the southern sector are the main game viewing areas. See our 3 Day Murchison Falls Safari.

Cultural Tours:

Enjoy thrilling, cultural dances by the Mubako as you sit by a campfire. Village tours to see the traditional lifestyle of the locals, and the crafts shop by the Boomu Women’s Group

Chimpanzee Tracking:

Within the verdant forest of Budongo are some of the best Chimpanzee Tracking Tours conducted in Uganda. You will enjoy up-close encounters with these great apes.

Hot Air Balloon Safari:

Enjoy an aerial view of the park’s beautiful landscape and large numbers of wildlife at daybreak. This ride costs between $380 and $400.

Bird Watching:

With various species, including Albertine Rift endemics, water birds, and savanna forest birds. Birders will surely be well rewarded. Bird watching can be done during the launch cruise and game drives.

Nature Walks & Hikes:

The park offers several trails that can be explored on foot through the Rabongo to see birds and primates.

When to visit

Although considered to be an all-year-round destination, the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is in the dry season from December to mid-February, and June to July. While bird watching can best be done in the wet season when migrant birds have arrived.

Where to stay

Here, accommodation ranges from budget lodges, mid-range lodges, and luxury lodges like the Chobe Safari lodge. This great diversity offers accommodation options for all travelers, irrespective of your safari budget.

The Paraa Safari Lodge and Nile Safari Lodge are among the other luxury facilities,  Murchison River Lodge, and Fort Murchison Safari Lodge are mid-range facilities.