Located in the western part of the Pearl of Africa (Uganda), Murchison falls covers an area worth 3,893 square kilometers (1,503 square miles) making it the largest national park in the country.
The park acts as a conservation area to untamed wilderness and savannahs split via the middle by the spectacular River Nile.
History.
The park depicts its name from a point at which River Nile (the world’s longest river) is channeled through a narrow gorge within the Rift Valley descending almost fifty meters below. History has is that the falls were named after the president of the Royal Geographical Society within the colonial period in what was known as “the search for the source of the Nile River”. His name was Sir. Rodrick Murchison (1851-1853).
On the other hand, Murchison falls national park is sometimes referred to as Kabarega national park, depicting the name from the king (omukama) of Bunyoro kingdom who reigned around the end of the 19th century. The king strongly resisted colonial rule to the extent of being arrested and exiled to Seychelles by the British before his death in 1923, he was then buried in Jinja city.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK?
It is only Murchison Falls national park in Uganda that you can find all the Big Five that is; elephants, leopards, lions, buffaloes and rhinoceros (these had got extinguished but they are now being re-introduced).
A number of adventurous activities can be done at Murchison falls national park but the major highlights include the following;
Game drives and visiting the falls.
With the help of professional guides, you get an opportunity visiting the top of the dramatic Murchison falls. It is such an enthralling experience comprising of fresh splashes of water on your face as you watch white rapids force their way via the gorge.
One of the most spectacular things at the falls is the amount of water that squeezes via the narrow gap in the rocks of about 7 meters across before plunging down 43 meters. The source delivers 300 cubic meters per second making it one of the most powerful falls in the continent.
Additionally, Murchison falls national park is made up of wetlands, woodland, as well as tropical forests – the home to a good number of animal and bird species.
Morning and afternoon game drives introduce you to a number of animals such as hippopotamuses, elephants, Rothschild’s giraffe, lions, leopards, to mention but a few. Nyamsika cliffs are also a reliable area for picnic in company of grazing elephants alongside other wild game.
The area contains a number of water pools which are an ideal area for game viewing since animals congregate there to quench their thirst. The cliff is also a potential birding area and is dominated by bee-eaters and Egyptian plover. A number of tracks can be used for game drives and these include; Victoria track, Buligi track and Albert track.
Boat cruise.
A boat cruise at Murchison falls national park is yet another opportunity for game viewing. It takes you to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison falls along the Victoria Nile starting from Paraa. The Nile boat cruise is made up of the morning and afternoon sessions starting from 9:00am and 2:00pm respectively.
Crocodiles, elephants, zebras, waterbucks, etc. are some of the animals that must be seen while on the boat cruise. In addition to the animals, birds like eagles, African jacana, papyrus gonolek, yellow-footed kingfisher, etc. are some of the birds met along the way.
- Ziwa rhino sanctuary.
Located in Nakasongola district, Ziwa rhino sanctuary is a home of peace and tranquility in a spectacular surrounding. It is home to the only wild Rhinos in the country some of which are endangered species (white rhino) across the world. You spend one hour trekking the mighty rhinoceros and turn moments into memories.
- Birding
- Cultural encounters
- Hiking and nature walks
- Launch trips
- Sport fishing
Where to stay while in Murchison falls national park?
Accommodation while at Murchison falls national park should never be your worry since there are a number of hotels, campsites and lodges ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury. Depending on your choice and budget you can choose to stay at any of the following places; Chobe Safari lodge, Paraa Safari lodge, Baker’s lodge, Nile Safari lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Bwana Tembo Safari Camp, Fort Murchison Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, etc.
How to get to Murchison falls national park.
Getting to Murchison falls national park can be made possible by either using road or air means.
By air; you may book a chartered flight from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield near Kampala city. This will take you up to Pakuba airfield within the park.
By road; choose to use either the southern gate (via Budongo forest across Lake Albert towards the blue mountains of Congo) or through the northern gate (Kampala-Pakwach road about 260km from Kampala). The other route is through Kaniyo Pabidi forest via Masindi to Paraa area (about four hours’ drive).
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