Murchison Falls National Park

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK- the World’s most powerful waterfalls

At a point, 45m high on the Nile River where the waters of the Nile River squeezes its self through a 7m gorge is where the park derives its name. The 3840sqkm (with other reserves that are under its conservation area) became a park in 1952 and this makes it Uganda’s biggest conservation Area. The palm-dotted park is bisected by the Victoria Nile into the Northern and southern sectors.

The explosive froth of the waters make the most powerful waterfalls in the world and the “Rainbow” trademark at the “Devil’s Cauldron” see while on the hike to the top of the falls.

Game viewing here is traditional with safari vehicles and boat trips on the Victoria Nile. The northern section is the savanna and filled with the big game and the southern part is more of a Forest which includes the Kaniyo Pabidi forest. The cruises to the bottom of the falls and the Delta offer remarkable sightings of the regular visitors to the riverbank which include hippos, elephants, waterbucks, crocodiles, buffaloes, and resident water birds. 

The park hosts 76 mammals which include lions, leopards, Uganda Kob, Oribi, and the largest number of Rothschild’s Giraffes in the world among others, 451 bird species, and the key bird species include the Denham’s bustard, Abyssinian ground hornbill among others.

Activities

Game drives

One of the best ways to explore the rich diversity of this park is by having a drive through the designed tracks in the northern bank. This has the largest concentration of wildlife than the Southern that is more of the forest. Every day, the early mornings are always busy with safari vehicles heading to the different tracks (Albert, Buligi, and Victoria) to get a glimpse of the wild made of 451 bird species and 76 mammals that will unfold for the day. The evening offers the best views of wildlife against the golden African sun as it goes down. Most guides usually know the best spots for sundowners. 

Birding

Over 451 species of mixed Albertine endemics, savanna, and water birds are hosted in this park and can be sighted on game drives, boat cruises on the Victoria Nile to the Delta, or bottom of the falls and nature walks. Birds are watched all around but dry months of December to February are best and the low seasons of January to March. Birds here include Shoebill, Osprey, Long-toed plover, African Darter, Long-tailed nightjar, Martial eagle among others. 

Boat cruises

2-hour return cruise on the Victoria Nile starting from Paraa to the bottom of the falls give travelers a great opportunity of a relaxed encounter with wildlife including the regular visitor to the banks of the Nile that include elephants, waterbucks, buffaloes, and aquatic wildlife like hippos, crocodiles and water birds. 

Alternatively, visitors can cruise downstream to the Nile delta where the Nile River joins Lake Albert. Usually, birders and those who are interested in sunset cruises take this cruise as it has less wildlife than the latter but is famous for the shoebill.

Hikes and Walks

Ultimately explore the wilderness on foot with the guidance of armed rangers and experienced guides as they share knowledge about the park history, birdlife, plants, and other wildlife. Trail Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forests and hike on the trail to the top of the falls.

The hike to the top of the falls starts at “Baker’s point” at the bottom of the falls where the boat will drop you and it is believed Sir Samuel Baker had his admiration view for the beauty of falls from here. The trail goes past the sport fishing spots and you can enjoy watching anglers do their thing too.   

Hot air balloon safaris

The newest activity in the park gives you a chance to view wildlife from heights about 10,000ft above sea level. Suitable for tourists from 6 years and above and only 8 people are allowed on board. Enjoy the wild side from the time of preparation until the time you soar high in the sky at daybreak. The 1-hour experience is ended with bush breakfast and a glass of champagne and a certificate of Participation. 

Sport Fishing

Avid anglers can be rewarded with catches of a variety of species from the Nile perch, catfish among others. Try your luck to beat the standing record of the heaviest catch of the Nile perch which is at 113kg. The sport mainly takes place at the bottom of the falls and can be accessed by a boat to the bottom or a slope from the top of the falls on the Bakers trail.  

Access to the park

Air

Pakuba airfield is just 19kms north of Paraa and a charter flight from Entebbe International airport or Kajansi airfield near the capital Kampala can take you to the park. Also Chobe airfield in the East and Bugungu in the South of Paraa.

Road

From the South, The Park can be reached by two routes that lead to Paraa from Masindi town which is 350km from Kampala about a 5 hours’ drive. The most direct is the 86km approach which enters the park through the Kichumbanyobo gate. With diversions to Budongo forest and the heart of Murchison game-viewing area.

A longer but more scenic route from Masindi to Paraa via Bulisa in Hoima 136km. The route gives a beautiful descent of the rift valley views across Lake Albert and enters the park through Bugungu or Mubako gates. 

Murchison falls can also be reached on the north side via Chobe, Wankwar, and Tangi gates. Access to these is using the Kampala-Pakwach road which crosses the Nile at Karuma Falls in the Northeastern corner of the park just 294kms from Kampala.