Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park Safaris & Tours, Location, Best time to visit, attraction, Safari accommodations and more
Murchison Falls National Park adventure.
The hiking exodus to the top of the world’s strongest waterfall exposes you to magnificent spectacular views of the falls, and savannah grasslands with a medley of wildlife that gives unforgettable lifetime experience that you would never want to miss upon a visit to the destination.
Covering about 3,893 sq. Kilometers, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National Park.
Located in northwestern Uganda at the end of the Albertine Rift Valley in the districts of Kiryandongo, Bullisa, Nwoya and Masindi about 305 kilometers away from Kampala, this famous National Park is locally known as Kabalega National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is well known for its most powerful waterfall in the world. It was formed at a particular point where the Nile water tries to rumble its way through the hard rocky narrow gorge of 7m, the waterfalls into a pledge pulled from a cliff of about 130 feet.
History of Murchison Falls National Park
Established in 1952 by the British administration, Murchison Falls National Park was first visited by John Speke and James Grant in 1862. However, it was further more explored by Samuel Baker and his wife, Florence.
During this visit, Baker decided to name the falls after a geologist Rodrick Murchison the then president of the Royal Geography Society.
Murchison Falls
Unique landscape and Habitats in Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park is a remarkable place filled with a unique ecosystem supporting a vast diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna with landscape ranging from savannah grasslands all the way to tropical forests.
Savannah Grasslands
The savannah grasslands in Murchison falls NP feature open plains dotted with Borassus palms and acacias. This is majorly found in the northern part of the park and it’s the perfect spot for large mammals like giraffes, elephants and antelopes.
Woodland Savannah
Located near the savannah grasslands, wooded savannah encompasses a mix of both grasslands and denser forest providing food for giraffes and other herbivores. Predators like lions and leopards among others are seen thriving here as well.
Wetlands
This area of Murchison falls is a natural habitat for aquatic creatures that thrive in this National Park. Animals like hippos, crocodiles and aquatic birds seek refuge in papyrus swamps for breeding.
Tropical Forests.
This ever-green part of the park is located in the south and is rich in biodiversity. It is comprised of forests, Budongo and Rabongo ideal for birding safaris and nature walks. Chimpanzees and other primates are seen proudly co-existing in this section.
The Victoria Nile
The River Nile runs through the park not only enhancing the landscape but also forming a perfect habitat for aquatic creatures particularly around the Nile Delta where it pours its water into L. Albert.
The Albertine Rift Valley.
The Park’s location along the Rift Valley allows a varied topography and ecosystem giving home to many endemic species found only in this region.
Murchison Falls National Park Pictorial
Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park.
With over 76 mammal species that occupy its 3,893 sq kilometers, Murchison Falls National Park is home to a vast diversity of wildlife including the African big 5.
This attributes to it being a top destination for wildlife safaris in Uganda along side other destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park among others.
While the rhinos can only be found in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, during your visit to Murchison Falls National Park, you will have an encounter with 4 of the African big 5 which include;
Lions– Best spotted during early morning or late afternoon game drives
Buffalos– Inhabit grasslands plus waterholes and usually found in large groups.
Leopards– Very nocturnal but occasionally spotted in trees.
Elephants– Often seen in herds near water or crossing the savannah.
Besides the African big 5 described above, other mammal species that you will see gladly thriving in Murchison Falls National Park include; giraffes, water bucks, Uganda kobs, hippos, crocodiles among others.
Primates like chimpanzees, baboons, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys among others are seen enjoying the beautiful ecosystem of Murchison Falls National Park.
Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park
Birds in Murchison Falls National Park.
This beautiful ecosystem of Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 450 species of birds. During your visit to this National Park, you will encounter birds like shoebill stork commonly found in papyrus swamps, African fish eagle, bee -eaters, hornbills, giant kingfisher plus dozens of colorful forest and wetland species
Budongo Forest.
Covering about 825 sq. kilometers, Budongo forest is East Africa’s largest natural rainforest and a prime destination for chimpanzee trekking experience in Murchison falls national park.
It is located in the southern part of the park northeast of Lake Albert allowing such rich biodiversity and ecosystem. It is no secret that the ecosystem in this area is very beautiful and untampered with.
Chimpanzees aside, Budongo forest is home to other primate species like vervet monkeys, bush babies, black and white colobus monkeys among other and numerous bird species alike.
Budongo forest’s size and rich ecosystem allows for very many activities like chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation, nature walks and birding safaris to be done.
Budongo Forest
Recommended Safaris to Murchison Falls National Park
Activities done in Murchison Falls.
Hiking and trekking.
It begins with a boat cruise to Bakers Point through Rabongo forest; it’s a one-hour journey through rolling hills surrounded by verdant countryside and the magnificent sound of birds and nature.
As you make meandering walks on the hill, the loud rumbling sound of knocking falls becomes louder and closer until it surrounds you. On the top of the dramatic falls, you will observe the Nile constrain its path into a 7m gorge and then fall steeply off the 43m cliff into the pool below.
Boat cruise
The morning boat cruise begins at Paraa to the Nile delta towards the shores of Lake Albert best for birding particularly looking for the prehistoric shoe bill stork.
Then the other boat cruise in the afternoon leaves Paraa to the upstream towards the mighty dramatic Murchison Falls.
On stretching to the fall, you will experience the water cascade through a narrow gorge creating a powerful splash with mist through the air to the boat.
On the boat cruise, you will spot birds, game, and crocodiles sunbathing on the side of the river.
Game viewing.
The park’s prime game viewing lies in the Buligi peninsular located in the northern part of the park which has open grasslands bounded by the Nile.
The spotted animals include lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, and giraffes by the water.
Forest walks and chimpanzee tracking.
It’s normally done early in the morning at Kaniyo Papidi forest which is a home of habituated chimp groups that can be tracked with forest guides.
The forest is also known as a birding site with Albertine rift endemics such as the chocolate-backed king fisher, and white thighed hornbill.
When to visit Murchison Falls National Park
All the year around, Murchison Falls National Park is amazing to visit but for an ultimate game viewing safari, the best times to visit the park is during the dry season which starts in December to February. June to September is another best season for a visit to the park.
This is because there is little rainfall during these months, so the tracks leading to wildlife during game drives are dry and accessible. Also, seasonal rivers dry out during the dry season allowing animals to gather around available water sources allowing you to sight see them in plenty.
However, for an ultimate birding experience, the best time to visit the park for bird enthusiasts is during the wet season (March-May and October – November). The lush green scenery in the park adds to this exceptional experience in the wild.
Top Sightings in Murchison Falls National Park
L’Hoest’s Monkey
The Shoebill Stork
Blue Monkey
Black & White Colobus Monkey
Leopard
Olive Baboon
African Fish Eagle
Bateleur Eagle
Grey crown cranes
Banded mongoose
Waterbucks
Warthogs
How to get to Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park is located 305km north of Kampala. The drive to the southern entrance gate takes 4 to 6 hours. Coming from the southwest, the 280km drive from Fort Portal takes at least 6 hours.
It is also possible to fly to the park by a chartered or scheduled aircraft service from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala.
Pakuba Airfield is the most convenient point of arrival for the main cluster of camps and lodges around the park headquarters at Paraa.
Other options are Chobe or Bugundu Airfields.
Where to stay in Murchison Falls national Park
Your overall experience at Murchison falls national park can greatly be enhanced by the type of accommodation you choose to take. This national park is filled with ecofriendly lodges ranging from high end luxury accommodations to budget friendly lodges catering for all types of travelers
Luxury Lodges
Nile Safari Lodge
Set on the southern bank of the Nile River, Nile Safari Lodge offers direct views of Murchison Falls and the river itself. Each banda has an en-suite bathroom, private deck, and elegant interior designed for comfort and privacy. There’s also an infinity pool and wellness spa on-site.
Paraa Safari Lodge
Overlooking the Nile, Paraa Safari Lodge is one of the most established lodges in the area. Rooms come with private balconies, and the lodge is conveniently located near key wildlife viewing zones. It’s a solid choice if you want a mix of comfort and proximity to game drives.
Mid-Range Lodges
Pakuba Safari Lodge
Pakuba Safari Lodge offers practical comfort, spacious and well-kept rooms with great views. Its close location to the Albert Nile makes it easy to access popular boat safaris and game drive routes. Rooms are
Fort Murchison Lodge
Set on a ridge with panoramic views of the park and the Nile, Fort Murchison offers a quiet, scenic base for your safari. It has comfortable cottages with en-suite bathrooms and balconies.
Budget Lodges
Murchison River Lodge
This eco-friendly lodge is right by the river and offers several accommodation types—from simple tents to more upgraded cottages. It’s a popular option for travelers looking to keep costs low without sacrificing location.
Sambiya River Lodge
Offering basic but super comfortable room, Sambiya River Lodge is located close to the river with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas revealing the quiet and scenic views of the river. It’s a good fit for budget-conscious travelers.
Wherever you stay, Murchison Falls National Park offers a front-row seat to Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty. Your choice comes down to how you want to experience it—luxuriously, comfortably, or simply.
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