Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park: A journey to Murchison Falls National Park, a natural treasure in northwest Uganda, is required for an East African experience. The Falls are not just one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uganda, but also on the whole African continent. Sir Samuel Baker coined the name Murchison during his 19th-century explorations of Uganda. Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s biggest park, is home to nearly all of Africa’s main animals. It is a lion conservation unit with one of Africa’s largest populations of Roskilde Giraffes. The parks include huge savannah grasslands as well as magnificent woods such as Budongo.
There’s enough to keep you active during your Uganda safari at Murchison National Park, but by far the most popular activity is a guided safari. The park’s fauna ranges from elephants and hippos to chimps and crocodiles. White Rhinos may also be seen in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which was created near the park.
About Murchison Falls National Park.
When you visit Murchison Falls, you’ll understand why the entire 1,500 square mile park is named after the cascading falls. The water originates from the Victoria Nile River, but it’s not like you’re used to seeing. The water rushes through a 6-meter-long small cleft in the earth, pushing forward before plunging down a huge drop.
Some visitors compare Murchison Falls to the waterfalls in Canada’s Nahanni National Park, although Murchison is far more spectacular. Locals in Uganda even believe that “these falls are characterized by an exterior struggle between the rock and the water.” When you observe the immense power required in forcing the water through the Earth, you’ll entirely agree with this depiction.
There are two ways to see the waterfall. The first step is to climb to the summit, where you can observe where the water flows down the gorge, which is known as the “devil’s cauldron.” The hike takes around 45 minutes from bottom to top and is suitable for anyone with two working legs. In other words, it is not taxing.
Another alternative is to take a boat safari to get as near to the falls as possible from below. It is suggested that you observe the falls from both sides since each delivers a completely different experience. If you must select one, it is suggested that you make the short trek to the summit.
How to get to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.
The most convenient method to access Murchison Falls National Park is to travel into Entebbe International Airport, which is located near Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. Depending on when your aircraft arrives, you may either spend the night in Kampala or drive the 5-hours to Murchison Falls the next day. Before you undertake your journey, check the Uganda visa requirements for your nationality.
To deal with the dust (during the dry season) and mud, travel in a decent 4X4 car with adequate air conditioning (during the rainy season). Visiting Murchison Falls National Park may be managed with the help of a professional tour operator, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the routes. Before you arrive for the safari, a professional tour operator should be able to arrange for lodging, transportation, meals, and activities.
Major Activities offered at Murchison Falls National Park.
Game Drives
The major draw of the national park is undoubtedly the waterfalls, but there is plenty to keep you entertained. During your safari, you will have the opportunity to observe over 70 African animal species, as well as four of the renowned “Big Five,” which include lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes.
Game drives are around 2-3 hours, which is ideal for a family safari with little children. The distance to the Game Drives is relatively acceptable in comparison to other African Parks. Game drives at Murchison Falls Park are an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the African wilderness.
Birding
Murchison is also a fantastic spot to go bird viewing, with approximately 450 bird species documented across the park. Trekking with chimps is another popular pastime. Bird watching in the park is done in the morning in Budongo forest, riverine vegetation, during the boat cruise and game drive in the savannah vegetation, among other places, and bird lovers will be able to see different bird species such as the pre-historic Shoebill stork, which can be seen along the Nile river, particularly in the delta area, and other bird species such as Grey crowned crane, Goliath heron, and the Red-throated bee-eater among others.
Boat Cruise
This is a fascinating excursion in which people take a boat journey down the Nile. Boat trips at Murchison Falls National Park depart from Paraa and take around 3 hours to the foot of Murchison Falls, and then return in 4 to 5 hours. During the boat tours, you will be able to see wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and water birds such as herons, cormorants, fish eagles, king fishers, and bee-eaters.
Top of the falls Hike.
The hike on top of the falls trail takes you around the falls, water edge, and close to the narrow gorge through which the river explodes into the falls. The hike on top of the falls trail also offers walking safaris, picnic sites, and campsites for adventurous visitors to make their Uganda wildlife safari in Murchison falls national park interesting and memorable.
Best Time to visit Murchison Falls National Park.
The months of December to February are ideal for visiting Murchison Falls National Park since the temperature is warm. The main visitor season runs from June through September, so expect the park to be congested during these months. Due to significant rainfall, there are two low seasons: March to May and October through November. For birdwatchers, the wet (low) season may be the ideal time to visit.
The birds in the park are particularly busy at this time of year. It is nesting season, and migrating birds fleeing severe European winters may be seen on the African savannah. Unfortunately, the low season is marked by severe rains, which make certain park routes unusable. Because food is plentiful, the animals spread in smaller groups, making viewing them more difficult.
