MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK – A TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION
Murchison Falls National Park, locally known as Kabalega National Park, is situated between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert at the end of the Albertine Rift valley. It is approximately 305km and a 4 to 6 hours drive from Kampala. Murchison falls NP is one of Uganda’s oldest national parks, first gazetted as a wildlife reserve as early as 1926 and later transitioned into a national park in 1951.
The northern section of the park contains savanna and borassus palms, acacia trees, and a riverine woodland while the south is dominated by woodland and forest patches.
The Murchison falls NP can be visited throughout the year although the best time to visit is during the dry season (also known as the peak season in the months June to September, December to February). This is because during the dry season, there’s little rainfall and therefore vegetation is thin. This in return makes it easy to have clear views of animals while access roads to the park and hiking trails are also more passable.
For the visitors interested in birding and would like to visit the park when it’s less crowded, the wet season (March to May and November) is ideal. During this time, lodges offer discounts too which favors budget travelers.
A photo of giraffes in Murchison falls NP
WILDLIFE AT MURCHISON FALL NATIONAL PARK
Murchison Falls National Park is home to approximately 76 mammal species, 556 Bird species, 51 reptiles, and 51 Amphibians. The signature animal at Murchison Falls National Park is the giraffe.
However, one is able to see many other animals through activities like taking a boat cruise, nature walk and during game drives in the park. Examples of animals at the park include but are not limited to giraffes, elephants, zebras, hyenas, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, bush backs to mention but a few. It should however be noted that the best time to sight the big cats (leopards and lions) is early in the morning during game drives before the sun gets too hot and forces them into their hideouts. The park also has primate residents such as red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, endangered chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys. These are seen in the Kaniyo Pabidi forest which is part of Budongo Forest, in the south eastern part of Murchison falls NP.
A photo showing tourist attractions in Murchison falls NP.
MURCHISON FALLS IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Murchison Falls National Park is best known for the most powerful waterfall in the world which is its main tourist attraction. The waterfall is found along River Nile(Victoria Nile) and at the top of the falls, the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gap in between two rocks where it plunges with a thunderous roar into the “Devil’s Cauldron” leaving behind a stunning rainbow. Furthermore, for every second, the equivalent of 200 bathtubs full of water is forced through a gorge less than seven paces wide. The pressure is so great that the ground around it trembles. The water then plummets 43 meters before flowing out toward Lake Albert as a placid river whose banks are dense with hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck and buffaloes.
A photo showing the majestic Murchison falls
ACTIVITIES AT MURCHISON FALL NATIONAL PARK
There is a wide range of activities at Murchison falls National Park that offer breathtaking experiences to spice up your visit. The main activities at the park include the following: game drives, bird watching, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, and hiking to the top of the falls. For adrenaline junkies, the hiking process is a thrilling experience that’s also very refreshing.
A photo of tourists on a nature walk.
ACCOMMODATION AT MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
While at Murchison falls NP, there is a variety of safari lodge options to choose from, ranging from budget to luxury. The accommodation at these lodges ranges from 40$ to 500$ per night and therefore there’s an option for everyone. One can either book the travel activities through a travel agency or through safari lodges. Whilst choosing the best lodge therefore, beyond affordability, it’s important to consider the one with a gorgeous view of the Nile so as to enjoy a wholesome experience. Examples of lodges at the park that we recommend are; Fort Murchison Safari Lodge for budget, MRL, Pakuba and Sambiya river lodge for midrange, Chobe Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison River lodge for luxury, to mention but a few.
A photo of Paraa safaris lodge.
The beauty of Murchison falls National park is one that cannot be exhausted in a single blog. It is one that everyone needs to personally experience. Therefore if you are planning for your next safaris destination, we recommend you visit Murchison Falls National Park. And should you like to avoid the hassle and bustle of planning your safaris, simply contact Swanair Travel & Safaris at +256776515014, info@swanairtravel.com, or click here to book your dream getaway.
