Blog 25

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into a vast, palm-dotted savannah. The first gazette as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls.

The Park protects a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty River Nile. It is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the rift valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below.

With 144 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptile species, 28 known amphibian species with an additional 23 to identify (51 species), and 755 plant species.

Size of Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s largest national park covers 3840 sq km.

Location of Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park sits on the shore of Lake Albert, in northwest Uganda.

Things to do in Murchison Falls National Park

Regular boat trips to the base of the falls offer fine game viewing and bird watching. Boat trips to Lake Albert delta provide the best chance in Africa of sighting shoebill storks. Chimp tracking in Budongo forest (Kaniyo Pabidi sector) and game drives on good tracks.

Waterfalls boat cruise

The cruise upriver from the jetty at Paraa on the South bank to view Murchison Falls at the head of the Fajao Gorge has been the park’s most popular attraction since the 1950s.

Delta boat cruise

The Victoria Nile Delta, a 20km voyage downstream from Paraa, is home to rare wetland birds including shoebill and papyrus endemic species.

Game drives

The main areas are the Delta where there are great chances of seeing the Lions in wait for prey as they go to drink, and the Buligi Peninsula.

Hiking to the top of the falls

The top of the fall hike is some rejuvenating activity, it will help your joints stress out, and it will make your blood run thoroughly through all your veins.

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo

Budongo Forest spreads over 825 square kilometres of land. Chimpanzee trekking is a major tourist activity attracting a high number of travellers to this rainforest.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris can be arranged at the Paraa Park area to see incredible hippos and sometimes elephants though the really dangerous game approach walking safaris are not yet permitted in the park

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch located en route Murchison Falls is home to over 40 southern white rhinos. The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists; for Rhino Trekking, Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, Night Walk, Nature Walk, and Relaxation.

When to visit Murchison Falls National Park

The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons from December to late February and from June to September, as the animals congregate around water bodies making them easier to observe.