Murchison Falls National Park – A Vast Palm-dotted Savannah Uganda Safari

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest and largest safari park in Uganda. It is known for the most powerful waterfall in the world – Murchison Falls, where the River Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gorge. The waterfall plunges with a thunderous roar into the “Devil’s Cauldron,” creating a huge, beautiful rainbow.

Murchison Falls National Park lies at the Northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley. Here, the Bunyoro escarpment falls into a vast, palm-dotted savannah offering a scenic landscape.

Murchison Falls National Park

Facts about Ruaha National Park 

  • Location: Masindi – Uganda
  • Size: 3, 840 sq. km
  • Altitude: 127 m
  • Governing body: Ugandan Wildlife Authority
  • Climate & Weather: The Murchison Falls National Park climate is tropical and hot. Temperatures are uniform throughout the year. Daytime temperatures are around 31°C/88°F. Nighttime temperatures of around 18°C/64°F. The Wet season runs from March to November, with a drier period from June to July.

What is Murchison Fall National Park Famous for? 

Besides Murchison Falls, the Murchison National Park is known for its diverse range of wildlife. It has 76 different mammal species and 450 bird species. Among the common wildlife include;

  • Giraffes
  • Buffaloes
  • African Elephants
  • Uganda Kobs
  • Chimpanzees
  • The big five (except rhinos)

For the birds, the common species that can be spotted during Murchison Falls National Park tours include the following; 

  • The rare shoe-billed stork
  • Dwarf Kingfisher
  • Goliath heron
  • White-thighed hornbill
  • Great blue turaco

Murchison Falls National Park Safaris and Tours

Murchison Falls National Park Attractions 

Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls is the main tourist attraction in Murchison National Park, which is why the park was named Murchison Falls National Park. At Murchison Falls, the River Nile falls into an 8-meter-wide gorge and 45m high, forming a big thunderous splashing fog that creates a huge rainbow.

Wildlife & Photography

Murchison Falls National Park has abundant wildlife species. Wildlife is one of the park’s main attractions, attracting tourists worldwide. During Murchison Falls National Park safaris, the common wildlife seen includes Lions, giraffes, Elephants, Cheetahs, Hippos, Buffaloes, and Hyenas. In addition, the park is home to over 450 bird species. Among the notable bird species include Abyssinian birds, illadopis pulveli, the yellow-footed flycatcher, and shoebill

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a private, non-profit sanctuary for endangered White Rhinos in Uganda. It is the only place where white rhinos can be found after the massive war in the 1970s and rampant poaching in the 1990s. The White Rhinos have made Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary a must-visit during Murchison National Park tours.

Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest is the biggest mahogany forest in East Africa. It is a main tourist attraction in Uganda and is home to the endangered primate species Chimpanzees. The forest is known for Chimpanzee trekking safaris and nature walks in Uganda.

Kaniyo Pabidi Forest

Kaniyo Pabidi Fores is a significant attraction in Murchison Falls National Park, which is known for its rich birdlife. The forest supports birding safaris in Uganda, offering bird-watching and photography opportunities

Rabongo Forest

Rabongo Forest is the best camping spot in Murchison National Park. At Rabongo Forest, campers get a memorable experience sleeping under the stars and moonlight rays peaking from the trees. The bird’s melodies, waterfalls whooshing, and animal sounds make camping at Murchison National Park the best experience ever.

Murchison Falls National Park Activities 

Murchison Falls National Park Game drives

Murchison National Park game drives allow visitors to explore the park and get an up-close view of the wildlife. The game drives are done on 4-wheel drive safari vehicles and are categorized into three depending on the time;

Hiking and Nature walks

Murchison Falls National Park offers several nature trails that can be explored on foot. The trails pass through Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests, where tourists can see birds and primates.

Launch cruise to the bottom of the falls

The two-hour launch trip begins at Paraa and allows tourists to see various wildlife. Animals that can be spotted during this trip include giant crocodiles, hippos, waterbucks, buffaloes, and Uganda Kobs. In addition, tourists spot various aquatic birds such as the rare shoebill stork, African Jacana, giant kingfisher, swamp flycatcher, and blue-headed coucal. The launch trip offers a remarkable wildlife photography opportunity.

Bird watching and Photography

Murchison Falls National Park is the ideal destination for bird-watching safaris. The park has over 451 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics, water birds, and savanna forest birds. During nature walks, game drives, and launch trips, tourists get a chance for bird watching and photography.

Whitewater Rafting

River Nile is Uganda’s primary whitewater rafting spot. Tourists can also take part in Murchison Falls National Pak whitewater rafting adventure in the rapids below the falls.

The rapids provide a challenging and thrilling rafting experience and offer stunning views of the falls.

Balloon Safaris

Hot air balloon safaris in Murchison National Park offer breathtaking aerial views of the park’s savannah, rivers, and wildlife. The hot air balloon safaris usually take place in the morning for the best weather conditions, allowing tourists to catch the sunrise. The flight lasts about an hour, followed by bush breakfast and champagne toast.

Murchison Falls National Park Birding

Murchison National Park is the ideal destination for bird watching and photography. With over 450 bird species, the birding experience at Murchison Falls National Park is satisfying.

Among the notable bird species in Murchison National Park are the Shoe-bill stork, African fish eagle, Goliath Heron, Grey-Crowned Crane, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and African Skimmer.

The best Murchison National Park birding spot is the Nile Delta and Budongo Forest, rich in birdlife.

Fishing at Murchison Falls

Participate in catch-and-release fishing tours in the River Nile and below the Murchison Falls. The best time for fishing tours in Murchison Falls is the dry seasons, that is, Dec to Feb and June to September

Boomu Cultural Village Experience

The Boomu Cultural Village is located near the Murchison National Park. It offers tourists an immersive cultural experience with the local community.

Here, tourists get guided village tours that provide insights into traditional life, such as farming, cooking, crafts, and practices. In addition, tourists can enjoy traditional music, dances, and storytelling.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Murchison Falls National Park

The Chimpanzee trekking at Murchison National Park is done in the Budongo forest, just adjacent to the park. The trek takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on where the Chimpanzees slept the night before. Once the Chimpanzees are located, the tourists are given an hour to interact with them. During this session, tourists can watch them play, feed, breastfeed, hunt, and fight and take pictures. While trekking, tourists can view other primates, birds, butterflies, and different tree species. With an expert guide, Nature’s Wonderland Safaris, visitors can get a whole experience in the Bugondo Forest.

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is considered an all-year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to mid-February and from June to July.

During this season, there are clear sightings of wild animals, passable roads to the park and hiking trails, and wildlife viewing and photography around water bodies.

The park can also be visited during the rainy seasons (March to May and September), the best seasons for birdwatching and photography.

Murchison Falls Accommodations

Murchison National Park is known for the best accommodations in Uganda. The Park offers a range of accommodations, from budget lodges to mid-range lodges to luxurious lodges.

Luxurious Accommodations 

  • Chobe Safari Lodge
  • Nile Safari Lodge
  • Paraa Safari Lodge
  • Bakers Lodge

Mid-range Lodges

  • Murchison River Lodge
  • Fort Murchison Safari Lodge Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Kabalega Wilderness Lodge

Budget Lodges

  • Yebo Safari Camp
  • Budongo Eco Lodge
  • Boomu Womens Group Bandas
  • Parkside Safari Lodge

Safety Guides and Tips 

  • During Game Drives, stay in the car unless instructed by your guide or ranger.
  • The park is hot, so wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • Stay on designated paths during nature walks.
  • Carry insect repellant, especially mosquito, since the park is in a malaria-endemic area.
  • Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the birds and other wildlife or attracting harmful animals.
  • Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Watch out for wildlife, and keep a safe distance from animals.

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