A complete Guide for travelers planning to explore Murchison Falls National Park with all the detailed information on where Murchison Falls National Park is located and the size of Murchison Falls National Park, animals that can easily be spotted at Murchison Falls National Park, how to access Murchison Falls National Park, the top attractions and most popular activities at Murchison Falls, when is the right time to visit, and the most recommended accommodation facilities

 

Murchison Falls National Park was commonly known as Kabalega National Park. It is famous for the world’s most powerful waterfall, which has large volumes of water flowing rapidly and makes the surrounding areas tremble. Murchison Falls National Park was declared a national park in 1927, and today it is the largest national park in Uganda, occupying an area of about 3840 square kilometers (1,483 square miles). Murchison Falls National Park has mostly been visited because of its diversified safari activities and rich wildlife species.

 

Murchison Falls National Park is perched in northern Uganda, northwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and extends its boundaries to various districts that are beyond the Bunyoro escarpment, such as Nwoya district, Buyisa district, Masindi district, and Kiryandongo district. Murchison Falls National Park stretches up to the northern part of the Albertine Rift Valley, where its terrain is bisected by the Victoria Nile.

 

Murchison Falls National Park protects over 73 animal species, including the "Big Four" of the "Big Five," such as Cape buffaloes, lions, leopards, and African elephants (except rhinos). Murchison Falls National Park offers three-quarters of the total world’s population of Rothschild giraffes and a healthy, high population of herbivores like Uganda Kobs, all of which can be easily spotted on your Wildlife Safari to Murchison Falls. Murchison Falls National Park also harbors numerous primates surviving within its verdant forests, like the Budongo Forest with over 610 chimpanzees, and Murchison Falls protects over 451 bird species, of which 23 are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

 

 Murchison Falls national park highlight the itinerary for visiting the falls where travelers’ eyewitnesses the large volumes of water flowing from the Victoria Nile that forces its way out through a narrow gorge of approximately 7 meters wide and plunges it into 43 meters below the pool. Murchison Falls' powerful waterfall produces a thunderous noise with water splashing into the fog, hence creating a breathtaking view that is worth exploring. 

 

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is a private, non-profit project that was created in 2005 with the view of protecting the remaining population of white rhinos in Uganda because there was intense poaching that took place in the 1990s that led to the depletion of rhino species from the Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park, where rhinos were previously surviving. Today, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary protects 22 southern white rhinos, which are available for tracking in this sanctuary.

 

Murchison Falls National Park Rich Wildlife Species 

Murchison Falls is diverse, with vegetation ranging from woodlands, riverine forests, and savannah grassland that supports a variety of animal species that can be easily spotted on various tracking trails. Take a look at our 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari. Murchison Falls animal species include the Uganda Kobs, African Elephants, Hartebeests, lions, leopards, cheetahs, Rothschild giraffes, Cape buffaloes, cheetahs, and hyenas, among others. Murchison Falls National Park offers a diverse array of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, Goliath heron, Abyssinian ground hornbill, yellow-footed flycatcher, African jacana, pitta, pied giant, and malachite kingfisher, among 451 others.

 

Murchison Falls National Park Best done Tourist Activities include 

 

Launch Trip at Murchison Falls?

This launch trip takes about 2 hours, starts from Paraa, and offers holidaymakers a greater opportunity to view quite a number of wildlife species, including a large school of hippos, giant crocodiles, and various bird species such as the rare shoebill stork, as well as great photographic opportunities.

 

Game Drives at Murchison Falls?

Game drives are carried out early in the morning, in the evening, and at night, offering travelers the chance to enjoy up-close viewings of different animal species. The Delta area of Murchison Falls, Buligi Penisular, and the southern sector of Murchison Falls are the main spots for endless game viewing. See our 3 days exploring the Murchison Falls Safari. 

 

Cultural Tours at Murchison Falls?

Participate in the thrilling and energetic cultural dance performances by the Mubako as you sit around the campfire, engage in village tours to observe the traditional lifestyle of Murchison Falls locals, and visit the crafts shop that is owned and managed by the Boomu Women’s Group.

 

Chimpanzee Trekking?

The chimpanzee trekking experience takes place in the verdant Budongo forest. Budongo Forest chimpanzee trekking is considered among the best chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda. Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking allows visitors to get up close and personal with these magnificent apes.

 

Hot Air Balloon Safari at Murchison Falls ?

View Murchison Falls in an aerial style. A Hot Air Balloon Safari lets travelers watch Murchison Falls' beautiful landscape and numerous wildlife species at daybreak from the sky. Murchison Falls National Park’s hot air balloon safari costs from $380 to $400 per person.

 

Bird Watching in Murchison Falls?

Murchison Falls National Park offers a large number of bird species, including the 23 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift, water birds, savanna forest birds, and migratory bird species. Bird watching in Murchison Falls is so rewarding. Bird watching can either be done during the boat cruise or the game drives.

 

Nature Walks & Hiking at Murchison Falls?

Murchison Falls National Park has many nature walks and hiking trails that can be discovered on foot via the Rabongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi Forest to observe bird species and primate species.

 

Murchison Falls National Park can be visited throughout the year but is best visited during the short and dry seasons of December to March and from June to August, while bird watching is best done during the wet season when food is in plenty and the migratory birds are available too. 

 

Murchison Falls national park can be easily reached by air transportation and road. From Kampala to Murchison Falls it takes approximately 3-5 hours depending on the driver via Kampala – Masindi route is about (282 km) or 5h -6 hours via Kampala-Hoima. There are also domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or kajjansi Airstrip to Chobe airstrip. Domestic flights are operated by Aero Link.

 

Here are some of the most recommended accommodation facilities within Murchison Falls National Park ranging from budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges. Luxury lodges include Chobe Safari lodge, Paara safari lodge, and Nile safari lodge, then Pakuba Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari lodge, Murchison River Lodge, and Fort Murchison Safari Lodge belong to the mid-range facilities while the Boomu Women’s Group Bandaas, parkside safari lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Yebo Safari Camp, Murchison tree house belong to the budget facilities.

 

What to carry for Murchison Falls Safari?

All travelers planning to visit Murchison Falls National Park are advised to carry a number of valuable properties such as a valid passport with an updated visa and a yellow fever vaccination card, a good camera, comfortable safari clothes that are not so bright, scarfs, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, sunglasses, safari caps, a hat, sweaters, durable waterproof shoes with gripes to support especially for those interested on the nature walks or chimpanzee trekking experience.