Murchison Falls National Park : When you want an unforgettable Uganda safari to a country in Africa, Uganda should be your best option. This glorious nation is endowed with some enchanting destinations in the world, one of which is the Murchison Falls National Park. Situated in northern Uganda within Masindi district, Murchison Falls National Park is dubbed as the largest park in Uganda, and is well known for hosting the most powerful waterfalls in the world, the Murchison Falls.
The park also holds the record of the oldest national park in Uganda, established in 1952 before Ugandan Independence. It covers an area of 3893 square kilometers, and it is just a minor part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA).
Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls: This is iconic feature inside Murchison Falls National Park. It is a stunning waterfall flowing from a 7-meter gorge into a pool that is 43 meters below the gorge. The feature is splendid when watched closely because the water flows at very pressure (about 300 cubic meters per second). What makes gorgeous is that noisy and trembling of the surroundings when you approach it. The place is spectacular for photographic and scenery views.
Wildlife: Speaking of wildlife, Murchison Falls National Park is jam-packed with a lot of animal species which reside in various ecosystems. It is home to over 75 animal species, over 610 chimpanzees, and is home to a huge concentration of Rothschild’s giraffes It also hosts four animals that make up the Big Five animal group namely elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo. Other wild animals include cheetahs, hartebeests, chimpanzees, hyenas, and Uganda Kobs.
Landscapes and vegetation: Murchison Falls National Park has a fantastic topography and vegetation cover, which bring an amazing scene when viewed on a hot air balloon safari. The park is home to an iconic waterfalls, Murchison Falls from which it obtained its name. Murchison Falls are also called Kabalega Falls, so, do not be confused when someone called it Kabalega National Park. Hope you know a little about the magnificent Nile River which draws water from Lake Victoria and pours it into the Mediterranean Sea. This river burst from this park from a narrow gorge and spreads down to Lake Albert. Within Murchison Falls National Park, you will also view the Bunyoro escarpment and Acholi plains, which are joined by Murchison Falls. Another stunning feature is the Karuma Falls which are adjacent to the Masindi-Gulu high way. Murchison Falls National Park is mainly made of savannah plains, woodlands and riverine forests, which hosts several animal and bird species.
Birdlife: About 451 species reside this wonderful park making it a spectacular hub for birders and ornithologists. 23 bird species out of 451, are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. Some of such avian species include the yellow-footed flycatcher, the rare shoe-billed stork, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Goliath heron, African jacana, malachite kingfisher and many others.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Responding to disappearing population of white rhinos in Uganda, which is a result of poaching, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005. This project is not for profit and aims at reviving the population of white rhinos. You will get chance to view about 22 white rhinos which are kept in this sanctuary with Explore Africa Safaris
What to do in Murchison Falls National Park
Game drives: Since Murchison Falls National Park has a rich wildlife, it is convincing to take a game drive through this majestic park.
Chimpanzee trekking: If you want to have an unforgettable trekking experience of the chimpanzees, then Murchison Falls National Park is your perfect spot. With over 610 chimpanzees, Murchison Falls National Park is also home to other stunning primates which are incredibly beautiful.
Birding safaris: Whether you want to know more about the Albertine Rift endemic birds or want a general experience with avian species, Murchison Falls National Park is the right place for you. You will be amazed with the colorful birds and singing birds. It is important to carry with you a pair of binoculars and a digital camera.
Hot air balloon safari: This trip gives an exceptional bird’s eye view of the Murchison Falls National Park’s landscapes, vegetation and wild animals. The feeling of floating in air while enjoying the scenic views with your company is unmatched.
Hiking and walking tours: Murchison Falls National Park is endowed with of challenging hills, valleys and escarpments which offers a unique exercise to hikers.
Getting to Murchison Falls National Park
You can reach Murchison Falls National Park from Ugandan capital city of Kampala by road through various routes. The first route is 282 km long, and it begins in Kampala and advance through Masindi route and the Kampala-Hoima route which is a 5-hour-drive. Chartered flights from either Kajansi airstrip, or Entebbe to Chobe airstrip are available.
The best time to have the most outs of Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry season which is between December to mid-February and June to July.
Generally speaking, Murchison Falls National Park is a splendid destination for every safari-goer looking for mixed experiences ranging from wildlife viewing to scenery views. You can observe all these and many others by booking a Uganda Safari Tour to this alluring attractions.
