MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK: UGANDA MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK (MURCHISON FALLS PARK)
Amazing Things to See in Murchison Falls NP, The Largest Among Uganda National Parks There are numerous fascinating things to see when on a safari in […]
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK: UGANDA MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK (MURCHISON FALLS PARK)
Here is a complete guide on how you can best explore Murchison Falls National Park (Kabalega National Park), with information about the location, history, things to see, amazing things to do, fees for some safari activities, where to stay, the best time to visit the park, and how to get there.
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda, covering an area of 1,503 square miles (3,893 square kilometers), and it is renowned for the most powerful waterfall in the world, the Murchison Falls, and diverse flora and fauna, making it one of the most commonly visited during Uganda wildlife safaris.
It gets its name Murchison, from the powerful Murchison Falls that are marked by a thunderous roar and a permanent rainbow in the area.
These falls were named by renowned explorer Sir Samuel Barker after the geologist Roderick Murchison, who was the president of the Royal Geographical Society in the 1860s.
It features a variety of habitats, including Savannah and Riverine forests that can be explored on nature hikes.
Location of Murchison Falls National Park Uganda
The national park location of Murchison Falls NP (Kabalega National Park) is in northwestern Uganda in the districts of Kiryandongo, Buliisa, Nwoya, and Masindi, and it is approximately 305 kilometers north of Kampala.
The park forms the northern portion of the Albertine Rift Valley floor, where the vast Acholi plain’s palm-dotted savannah meets the massive Bunyoro escarpment.
The park is part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which includes Bugungu Wildlife Reserve, Karuma Wildlife Reserve, and Budongo Forest Reserve.
The total area of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area is over 2,072 square miles (5,366 square kilometers), where the Budongo forest reserve covers 825 km², the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve 782 km², and the Karuma Wildlife Reserve 720 km².
Brief History of Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls NP was first gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1926 and later established as a national park in 1952.
Notable visitors to the park include Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and several British royals.
This oldest protected area first acted as a hunting area in the first half of the 20th century, and it became more popular in 1909, when President Roosevelt visited the area, which was known for wanting safaris.
During his time, many animals of over 11400 were killed across East Africa and were collected to act as specimens for the Smithsonian Institution.
During the mid-20th century, the hunting activities in the Bunyoro-Gulu Game Reserve were regulated and reduced, which helped in reviving the numbers of animals and the reserve’s former glory.
In 1952, the Bunyonyi-Gulu Game Reserve was gazetted as a national park and renamed Murchison Falls National Park.
In the 1960s, it became one of the premier safari national parks, and the visitor population grew, but due to the rise of President Idi Amin, this protected area suffered uncontrolled hunting, and its animals were reduced.
With the national park location being in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls NP is managed by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority, and this body continues to enforce and lay out more strategies for the conservation of the flora and fauna.
Sample Uganda Safaris: Wildlife Uganda Safari Itineraries, Gorilla Uganda Tours & Community Cultural Trips
Amazing Things to See in Murchison Falls NP, The Largest Among Uganda National Parks
There are numerous fascinating things to see when on a safari in Murchison Falls National Park, and these include.
Animals in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 76 different mammal species, which are worth seeing on a Uganda wildlife safari.
Among the animals are
- Over 600 chimpanzees, which live in the Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forests
- Over 1200 elephants can be spotted during the safari drives and on the boat cruise.
- Around 3000 hippos are often seen in the River Nile.
- A large population of Nile crocodiles can be spotted in and along the banks of the River Nile, basking in the sun.
- 150 to 200 African lions
Other animals include
Cape Buffaloes, Leopards, Rothschild giraffes, spotted hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, Defassa waterbucks, Oribi, Common warthogs, Bushbucks, Bohor reedbucks, Patas monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Olive baboons, and Black-and-white colobus monkeys can also be seen.
The best months for wildlife viewing are June to September and January to March, since during these months, animals often gather around the water sources.
Birds in Murchison Falls NP
The park hosts about 415 bird species, making it a birders’ haven, and is often visited during Uganda birding tours.
Birds such as the shoebill are noted among the various species found in the park, and it is one of the most commonly searched for by most birders during the Uganda birding safaris.
Some of these birds can be spotted in Budongo forest, others in the open savannah, while others, like the Kingfisher, among others, can be spotted on the River Nile.
The Bird Checklist in Murchison Falls NP Seen on A Uganda Birding Tour
| Shoebills | Brown babbler | Snowy-crowned Robin-chat |
| Long-toed Lapwings | Pel’s Fishing Owl | Whistling Cisticola |
| Western Banded Snake Eagle | Senegal Lapwings | White-crested Helmet shrike |
| African Darter | Saddle-billed Stork | Double-toothed Barbet |
| Abyssinian Ground Hornbill | Red-throated Bee-Eater | White-thighed Hornbill |
| Squacco and Goliath Herons | Black-headed Gonolek | Great Blue Turaco |
| Silverbird | Grey Crowned Crane | Piapiac |
| Heuglin’s francolin | Red-winged Grey Warbler | Brown twin spots |
| Standard-winged nightjar | Wire-tailed Swallow | Denham’s bustard |
During the rainy season, bird activity increases, as it is the breeding season and the best time for migratory birds to come to this area.
The Powerful Murchison Falls (Kabalega Falls)
Murchison Falls on the Victoria or White Nile River is considered a natural wonder, ranking among the top seven natural wonders of Africa. This contributes to Murchison Falls National Park’s fame and makes it one of the most visited national parks for adventure safaris in Uganda.
What makes the main attraction and the final event is when the source (River Nile) delivers 11,000 cubic feet per second (300 m³/s) of water to the falls through just a small gap. The gap at Murchison Falls measures only 23 feet (7 meters) across before plunging down 141 feet (43 meters).
Upon squeezing through the rocks, as it flows down to the devil’s cauldron, the water forms a plume spray that is marked by a mighty roar and a permanent rainbow.
For years, people have described these waterfalls as an incredible and astonishing sight along the entire 6700 km stretch of the Nile River.
The Nile River in Murchison Falls NP
Murchison Falls NP is one of the best places to see the Nile River, the world’s longest river that flows for a distance of 6700 km.
This river bisects the park for around 100km as it flows in a northwest and southwest direction between Lake Kyoga and L. Albert.
This river creates the famous Murchison Falls when it narrows itself in an 8-meter-wide gorge.
After the powerful Kakega Falls, this mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, changing into a wide, peaceful stream that flows quietly across the rift valley into L. Albert.
The Nile-Lake Albert Delta, The Home of Shoebills
The Nile-Lake Albert Delta is another attraction found in the southern part of the park. It is an area where the Victoria Nile River flows into L. Albert, forming a swampy area within Murchison Falls NP.
It is one of the best destinations for wildlife encounters and birding tours, and it is known for being home to the elusive shoebill stork.
The Nile-Albert Delta can be best explored when on a boat cruise, which allows you to enjoy the natural beauty and the animal life in the area.
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is in the south of Murchison Falls NP, covering an area of about 28 km², and it forms an extension of Budongo Forest.
The forest features species of mahogany and iron trees, which harbor birds and animals.
Among the animals that call the forest their home are the chimpanzees and other primates like olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Note: Those interested in primates like mountain gorillas can only find them in Bwindi Impenetrable NP and Mgahinga Gorilla NP.
People & Culture Around Murchison Falls NP
The people of different tribes living near Murchison Falls NP are worth visiting for fascinating cultural experiences.
Among the tribes living around the protected area are the Acholi, Banyoro, and Alur, and all these offer a diverse range of unique cultural encounters.
The Alur are known for captivating cultural dances and music, and the Banyoro for a unique naming tradition and growing food crops like bananas and cassava, as well as cattle keeping.
The Acholi are known for their vibrant cultural heritage, evident in their energetic and impressive dances like the Larakaraka, Bwola, and Otole dances. All these cultural practices offer unforgettable cultural experiences near Murchison Falls NP.
Fun Things to Do in Murchison Falls NP
There are numerous things to do in Murchison Falls NP that make the protected area a must-visit when on a Uganda tour.
Interesting Safari Drives
Game drives are a popular activity in Murchison Falls National Park, done in both the northern and southern sections of this protected area, and these can be done in the morning, evening, and at night.
Safari drives allow you to explore the different parts of this protected area on a 4X4 safari vehicle while spotting the different animals in their natural habitats.
Morning safari drives normally start at 6:30 am, evening safari drives at 4:00 pm, and the two options last for 3-4 hours, and for those interested in night safari drives, they last for 2 hours.
Safari drives in the Northern section are the most common ones since that is where most animals can be spotted.
The circuit of tracks is located between the Victoria Nile River and the Albert Nile in the Buligi Peninsula. It passes through the open savannah grassland, riverine vegetation, and more.
Common wildlife species seen on safari drives include elephants, Rothschild giraffes, buffalo, leopards, Lions, Uganda Kobs, Duikers, Warthogs, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, hippos, Crocodiles, Jackson’s hartebeest, and Reedbuck, among others.
There are also safari drives in the southern section that take place along the new honeymoon track.
On this track, commonly spotted animals include Jackson’s hartebeests, Anubis baboons, buffaloes, waterbucks, lions, Oribi, and elephants, among others.
The night safari drives are organized for those interested in spotting the nocturnal animals, which may include serval cats, leopards, and hyenas, among others.
Fees for Safari Drives in Murchison Falls NP
Day Safari Drives
- $25 per person for foreign non-residents
- $20 per person for foreign residents
- UGX 25,000 for East African citizens.
Night Safari Drives
- USD 40 per person for foreign non-residents
- USD 35 per person for foreign residents
- 40,000 for East African Citizens
Birding in Murchison Falls NP
Bird watching is a popular activity within Murchison Falls National Park, given the fact that the park hosts about 451 species, making this protected area one of the best destinations for spotting Uganda birds.
Murchison Falls National Park provides habitat for the Goliath Heron, the largest heron species. Other permanent residents include the red-throated bee-eater, brown babbler, bare-breasted Firefinch, black-headed batis, Heuglin’s francolin, double-toothed barbet, Silverbird, Buff-bellied Warbler, and yellow footed fly catcher.
The shoebill stork, which is most sought for during Uganda birding tours, can be seen at the Nile delta, while others, like the Abyssinian ground-hornbill, among others, can be seen in the open palm savannah.
The birds in this area can be seen when on a birding trip, a launch cruise, a nature walk, or a game drive. Birdwatching remains an engaging activity due to the park’s variety of bird species.
Fees For Bird Watching in Murchison Falls Np
- USD 25 per person for foreign non-resident visitors
- USD 20 per person for foreign resident visitors
- UGX 20,000 for East African Citizens
Boat Cruises In Murchison Falls NP
Boat cruises are an enjoyable experience that you should not miss while on safari in Murchison Falls National Park. Typically, they begin at Paraa Jetty and last for 4–5 hours.
Boat cruises on the Nile offer close views of waterfalls, plants, and animals while allowing you to explore different parts of this protected area that can be challenging to access by safari vehicle, but are easily reached by boat.
On a boat cruise, you will see massive Nile crocodiles basking in the sun early, waiting for the animals, like antelopes, that come to drink from the Nile water.
While hippos can be spotted in water, you will also see regular visitors like buffalo, elephants, and others that come to quench their thirst at the banks of the river. You can also spot aquatic birds like spoonbills, fish eagles, and kingfishers.
Fees For a Boat Cruise (Bottom of The Falls)
US$50 per person for foreign non-residents
US$55 per person for foreign residents
UGX 50,000 per person for East African Citizens
These charges exclude the entry fee.
Boat Cruises In the Albert Delta Boat Launch
The fee charged is $55 per adult.
The fees charged include drinks and snacks to enjoy on the cruise.
Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls NP
Sport fishing is also among the fun things to do in the park along the River Nile.
It involves catching fish by casting a lure to catch larger fish species, among which is the Nile perch, some of which may weigh over 200kg.
Other fish species caught include catfish and tiger fish, and they are caught by spinning or by the use of bait like worms.
There are two major fishing sites in Murchison NP, near Paraa, just below Murchison Falls, and below Karuma Falls, near Chobe Safari Lodge.
Fees For Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls NP
- US$50 per person for foreign non-residents
- US$50 per person for foreign residents
- US$50 per person for East African citizens
One can pay $150 for 4 days of sport fishing.
The above fees paid exclude the park entry fee.
Nature Walks and Hikes in Murchison Falls NP
Nature walks and guided trails allow visitors to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Given the vast plains, swamps, forests, diverse plants and animals, the mighty waterfalls on the Nile, and vibrant cultures, among others.
Some of the most popular hiking trails lead to the top of Murchison Falls. Hiking to the top of the falls offers a thrilling experience and stunning views, and this normally begins at Barker’s Point.
While on a guided nature walk, guides will offer you better explanations of different plant species, including sausage trees, whistling acacia, bird species, butterflies, and many more.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest is a unique activity available in the park that allows you to closely observe the chimps in their natural habitat.
There are about 600-700 chimpanzees that call Budongo Forest their home, making this forest a wonderful destination to consider for primate safaris in Uganda.
Visitors interested in chimpanzee tracking are allowed to spend an hour with chimps, observing their behaviours in their natural habitat.
Those who have booked for habituation can spend the entire day observing their behaviors and accustoming them to human presence.
Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Cost
USD 40 per person for chimp trekking
USD 100 per person for the habituation experience.
Other Additional Activities Near the Murchison Falls
Some other activities take place near Murchison Falls, and these include
A Visit to The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Those on a Murchison safari can visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is not part of Murchison Falls NP.
This sanctuary is the only protected area in Uganda that harbors remaining rhinos after many were depleted in Kidepo Valley NP and Murchison Falls NP, especially during the rampant poaching of the 1990s.
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, this rhino sanctuary is home to over 43 white rhinos.
Community Visits and Cultural Tours
These community visits to different homes around this protected area offer fascinating cultural encounters, making your cultural experience in Uganda unforgettable.
A cultural tour will allow you to enjoy the vibrant and energetic dances performed by the Mubaku community.
During the Boomu culture experience in Kigaragara village, you will also enjoy the local food and purchase some of the crafts made by the Boomu Women’s Group.
Accommodation Near Murchison Falls NP
There are accommodations near the park, and visitors can choose from various types of lodges based on their budget when planning their stay at Murchison Falls NP.
Luxury Accommodation
Popular luxurious lodges in Murchison Falls NP include Nile Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, and Baker’s Lodge.
Mid-Range Accommodations
Mid-range lodging options in Murchison Falls NP consist of Murchison River Lodge, Fort Murchison Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, and Kabalega Wilderness Lodge.
Budget Accommodations
Budget accommodation options in Murchison Falls NP include Yebo Safari Camp, Budongo Eco Lodge, and Boomu Women’s Group Bandas, among other budget lodges.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls NP
The Dry Season
The best months to visit Murchison Falls National Park are from December to February and from June to September, which are the drier months that favor most of the activities, like safari drives.
Peak tourist season at Murchison Falls NP is from June to September, making it crowded during this time, and fees for safari activities and accommodations are high.
The Wet Season
Some safaris, especially budget safaris, can be conducted during the rainy season; however, the rainy season, from March to May and October to November, may make park roads impassable.
How To Get to Murchison Falls NP
This protected area can be accessed by air and road.
Travelling by Air
By air, visitors enter Uganda through the Entebbe International Airport (EBB), which is just 40 km from Kampala.
From the airport, you can be picked up by a tour operator of your choice and driven to Kampala, and travelers can consider staying overnight there before heading to the park.
Other travelers choose to fly from Entebbe International Airport through Aerolink to Chobe Airstrip.
Travelling by Road
Murchison Falls National Park distance from Kampala is 305 km long, and the drive takes about 4–6 hours.
The park can be accessed by using the three approaches, which are
- Chobe gate on the Kampala-Gulu road. This is the quickest entrance to the parks from Kampala, and it is just 260 km, a drive of about 3 hours.
- Wankwar Gateis about 10 kilometers south of Purongo. This route takes about 324 km from Kampala, which is a drive of about 6 hours.
- Tangi gate,3 kilometers from Pakwach. This route is about 317 km from Kampala, and the drive takes about 5 hours
Travel Tips for Visiting Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
- A good 4X4 vehicle with air conditioning is recommended for traveling to Murchison Falls NP.
- When on a game drive, ensure you stay in the car.
. Packing light is advised when visiting Murchison Falls NP
- Waterproof gear is recommended for hiking to the top of Murchison Falls.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen are important items to pack for the visit.
- Travelers are advised to check Uganda visa requirements based on their nationality before traveling.
- Ensure you don’t carry a lot of luggage, especially when going for a game drive.
- In case of health issues, carry first aid medication.
- Make good use of your camera when on a safari.
- Make sure you ask more questions for clarity from your guide.
- You can contact tour operators to help plan your Murchison Falls safari.
Murchison Falls National Park Uganda FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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What Is Special About Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls NP is special for its mighty waterfalls, the Murchison Falls, and its diverse flora and fauna.
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Is Murchison Falls the Most Powerful Waterfall in The World?
Murchison Falls is the most powerful waterfall in the world due to its large volumes of water from the River Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge before plunging.
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Is Murchison Falls Worth a Visit?
Murchison Falls is worth a visit because of the powerful waterfalls with magnificent splashing water and the diverse animal species that roam within the protected area.
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How Many Days Do You Need in Murchison Falls?
A complete safari typically takes 3 to 5 days, which gives you a balance to do different activities, including wildlife viewing, safari drives, and boat trips, among others.
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What Is the Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park?
The best time for Murchison Falls NP is during the drier months, June to September, and December to February, which are suitable for outdoor activities.
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What Is the Largest Game Reserve in Uganda?
Pian Upe is the largest game reserve among the wildlife reserves, just as Murchison Falls NP is the largest park in Uganda.
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Which Game Park in Uganda Is Famous for Crocodiles?
Murchison Falls NP is the game park renowned for its large population of crocodiles.
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How Many Elephants Are in Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls NP is home to over 5000 elephants, and these can be spotted when on safari drives or nature walks.
Conclusion
Murchison Falls National Park, the largest game park in Uganda, teems with diverse wildlife, the powerful Murchison Falls, and other stunning landscapes. Booking a safari to Murchison Falls National Park promises an interesting boat cruise, game drives, nature walks, and much more. Book your trip now for a memorable experience.
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