Murchison Falls National Park was established in 1952 and is the largest park in Uganda covering an area of 1,503 square miles. It is found in northwestern Uganda in the Districts of Kiryandongo, Masindi, Nwoya and Buliisa. The River Nile flows through the park dividing it in two and leaving behind beautiful waterfalls. The British Explorer Sir Samuel Baker was stunned by one of waterfalls in the park and gave it the name Murchison Falls which later given to the park.
The Murchison Conservation Area has the largest number of crocodiles and Roskilde Giraffe in Uganda. The park is a lion conservation unit with 76 species of mammals and over 445 of birds. During the regime of Idi Amin in the 1970’s, a large number of mammals were lost due to uncontrolled poaching and hunting for sport and meat. The few white Rhinos that roamed the park were virtually made extinct although there is an attempt at reintroducing them to the park from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary near the park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has attempted to eliminate poaching in the park but the vice is still prevalent, though on a small scale primarily for bush meat. The park was also affected by the Kony rebellion in Northern Uganda during the 1990’s with some countries declaring it a no go area for their citizens. Peace has returned to every part of the country since 2005 and the number of tourists has increased significantly. The key attractions are the Savannah grasslands, Murchison falls, Karuma falls, river Nile, forests like Kaniyo Pabidi, Budongo and Rabongo.
How reach Murchison Falls National Park
It takes about 4 hours of driving by road to reach Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala. The road from Kampala to the park is well paved although the section leading to the park is made of hard soil. Travelers can use public means of transport like buses, a personal car or the services of a tour operator. No public buses go inside the park.
Main Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park
Visitors planning on a safari to Murchison Falls National park should expect to get involved in activities like walking to the top of the Murchison Falls, game drives, bird-watching, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, fishing, boat cruises and camping among others. A 3 Days safari to Murchison Falls may not be enough for one to complete all the activities in such a large game park. One would need to at least 6 days. Let’s discuss some of the activities in greater detail:-
Boat Cruise at the bottom of the falls: This is one of the most popular activities while at the park and is similar to the launch cruise at the Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The cruise lasts about 3 hours starting and ending at the bottom of the falls. The top of the falls offers a breathtaking view of the waterfall and the loud roars coming from the water rushing down to the river.
Boat ride to the Nile Delta: The Nile Delta is the point where the River Nile connects to Lake Albert. The boat ride to the Nile Delta involves going further upstream beyond the point where the boats used for the normal cruise make a turn. This activity requires sparing half a day and is a must for birders. Visitors usually take a boat downstream on the Nile until the point where it enters Lake Albert. On the way to the lake, there are opportunities to spot more mammals congregating to drink by the shores of the river Nile and birds at the papyrus swamps around Lake Albert. The areas around the Nile Delta are home to several bird species including the rare shoebill stork.
Game Drives: This is arguably the most enjoyable activity in the park. Game drives can be done alone although the presence of a ranger from the park turns it into a more educative activity because they can help identify the types of birds and mammals or take you to the best places to find them. While on a 3 hour game rive to Murchison Falls, expect to spot animals like buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, Hippopotamus, Leopards, lions, Monitor lizards, Side Striped Jackals, Spotted Hyenas and warthogs.
Apart from the day game drives, visitors can also choose to go for the two hour night game drive. While on the night game drive, the chances of seeing predators like hyenas, lions, serval cats and particularly leopards become higher. The rangers move with spotlights so that any action is not missed. The night game drives start late in the evening or when it gets dark.
Rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: The Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is located along the way to the Murchison Falls national park from Kampala. Due to extensive poaching, rhino’s no longer roam Uganda’s national parks. The Ziwa Rhino sanctuary was established to protect the remaining rhinos and increasing the numbers through careful breeding before reintroducing them to the larger parks once their numbers reach 20. Tracking rhinos on foot is the main activity here and is usually supervised by rangers from the sanctuary. The Rangers share information about Rhinoceros, the history of the sanctuary, the breeding programme and the wider conservation efforts. They then lead visitors to see the large mammals up-close as they feed. Apart from Rhinos, there are small primates and bird species that call the vast sanctuary home. Visitors can also take nature walks to see birds like the Shoebill Stork. All proceeds from the visitors are channeled to Rhino conservation efforts. Visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is best done before or after a 2 day safari in Murchison Falls National Park.
Fishing: The area below the Murchison Falls is one of the best places for fishing in Uganda. Huge Nile Perch weighing over 200 pounds can still be caught in this part of the Nile. The other common specie caught here is the Tiger fish and Tilapia. Visitors can go fishing on river Nile by boat or stand at the bottom of the Murchison falls itself and through their line. Fishing can also be arranged at the Karuma falls or one of the pools on the riverside. Visitors need to acquire a fishing license and bring their own fishing gear. In order to catch the Nile Perch, smaller fish need to be first caught and used as bait. Fishing can be combined with game drives and boat cruises in our 4 days Murchison falls wildlife safari package.
Forest and nature Walk: These forests walks are suitable for educational purposes and can be done in Chobe or more preferably in Rabongo and Budongo forest. These two forests have several bird species and primates like Chimpanzee and monkeys. The walks should be led by an experienced guide or ranger who is knowledgeable about the different species of birds, trees and animals.
Birdwatching: Murchison Falls Park is one of the best places for birding in Uganda. The activity can be done during the nature walks or using a safari vehicle. As a large park, the Murchison Falls provides countless opportunities and places to go birding. It could start right outside your lodge, then to the Savannah grasslands, the forests and the river Nile.
Chimp Trekking in Budongo forest: Budongo Forest is found south of the park and is part of the Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forest reserve. The forest has over 464 species of plants and mammals including over 820 chimpanzees. There is a research station by Jane Goodall in Budongo forest and hence tracking chimpanzees is the most popular activity in the forest.
Hot Air Balloon Wildlife viewing: Murchison Falls is the only park where one can go for a hot air balloon safari in Uganda. This activity starts early in the morning with the gathering and inflating of the balloon. Tourists then undergo briefing on safety issues before taking off. The activity lasts about one hour and provides opportunities to spot and take photos of the wildlife and forests from above ground. It is breathtaking gliding over vast herds of giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and the main predators coming back from the nights hunt. At the end of the activity tourists come out having seen more animals than during the usual game drives. Visitors are entitled to receive a certificate of participation at the end of the activity. The company responsible for running the balloon safari is Dream balloons but with supervision from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.
Camping: Camping can be arranged within the lodges but more preferably in the wilderness or forest like Kaniyo Pabidi. Campers are provided with firewood, water and tents. You may need to bring your own food and equipment although you can get them on arrangement with your lodge or park authorities.
Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park
There are a variety of lodges, campsites and hotels offering accommodation facilities within and outside Murchison Falls National Park. The final choice of accommodation facility depends entirely on a traveler’s budget. The best lodges are those near the river Nile or in areas near where the game drives are arranged. Let’s look at some of the hotels and lodges.
Nile Safari Lodge: The lodge is built near the western boundary of the park and is surrounded by a papyrus forest. This luxury camp overlooks the river Nile on the southern bank and consists of six tents, cottages and a large pool for swimming. The tents are self-contained with hot showers and balconies overlooking wilderness and the river Nile. Other facilities include a bar, a restaurant and a beautiful compound garden. An evening campfire is usually set up where traditional dancers are hired to entertain guests.
Red Chilli Rest Camp: Formerly known as Paraa Rest Camp, this facility is built on the southern section of the river Nile. The rooms are self-contained and made of brick and grass thatched roofs. Some of the facilities in the hotel include a cooking section, toilets, a restaurant and a bar. A camp fire is usually set late in the evening with barbecue. Because of its strategic location within the park, it is possible to spot some of the park animals like antelopes, warthogs and birds coming near the camp.
Pakuba Safari Lodge: This lodge is also built on the banks of the river Nile and has 46 self-contained rooms with their own bathrooms. Some of the rooms can be shared by two people or a family. The lodge has large rooms for social gatherings, conference meetings or weddings. There are special offers for those who stay for 3 or more nights like free game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking and nature walks on top of the falls
Murchison River Lodge: Murchison River Lodge has double, singe and dormitory rooms that are surrounded by large gardens. The hotel has a bar, swimming pool and large balconies allowing for great views of the landscape. There is free WiFi, a place for keeping luggage, a pool table and flat TV screens.
Masindi Hotel: This hotel is located in the town of Masindi and is suitable for those who arrive late and cannot immediately proceed to the park. Masindi hotel has twenty two rooms that offer mid-range service. The hotel was built during the colonial era but has been renovated with a modern touch.