Murchison Falls National Park
“The world’s most powerful waterfall"
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda. The park covers an area of 1483 sq miles(3840 sq km). It is located in northern Uganda at the reaches of the Albertine Rift Valley, with its terrain bisected by the Victoria Nile River. The park is a must-see when visiting Uganda. It is renowned for its most powerful Murchison Waterfall, which emits approximately 300 cubic meters of water per second or 11,000 ft3/s and is the park's main attraction. Murchison Falls National Park is also home to four of the “Big Five” (elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and lions), except for the rhinos.
Over 73 animal species have been recorded in the park, and approximately 450 bird species, making it a top destination for avid birdwatchers. A variety of primates live in the park, with over 600 chimpanzees.
The Murchison Falls National Park Highlight:
Rothschild Giraffe - The park has three-quarters of the world’s population of Rothschild giraffes.
Experience the Murchison Falls National Park
The Murchison Falls National Park is bisected by the Victoria Nile. A boat trip along this atmospheric river brings you to the base of Murchison Falls, where the water squeezes through a narrow gorge before cascading down into the Devil’s Cauldron. Even more impressive is the view of this deafening cascade from the Top of the Falls. North of the river, a cover of rolling grassland is dotted with tall borassus palms. South of the river, the main habitat is dense woodland with forest patches.
Huge herds of elephant and buffalo are common, while lions and leopards are quite often seen in certain areas. The only absentee among the Big Five is rhino, which can be tracked en route at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch if you are coming from Kampala. Murchison Falls NP is the world’s most important stronghold for Rothschild’s giraffe, which is often seen moving in large herds. Antelope include Jackson’s hartebeest, defassa waterbuck and Uganda kob. Chimpanzees can be tracked within the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area at Budongo Forest.
Best time to visit: Murchison Falls National Park
Hot air balloon rides
Murchison Falls National Park has much to offer regarding wildlife and nature. Nothing comes into a comparison like a Hot Air Baloon Safari flying over the park with a 360° degrees view. You will be amazed by the stunning view of the African Sunrise, the plethora of animals, the view of the River Nile and the panoramic view of the Murchison Falls. The Hot Air Ballon Safari starts early in the morning ( the Sunrise Program) at around 6:00 a.m., just before sunrise, depending on the weather conditions, and the flight takes about an hour. The Hot Air Balloon Safari is a once-a-lifetime experience that anyone can take. However, children below 6 years of age are not recommended due to safety precautions. A discount of 50% to children from 6-12 years of age. After landing, enjoy a freshly prepared bush breakfast in the bush. The experience lasts until 9:30 a.m.If you embark on the afternoon hot air balloon safari ( the Sunset Program), it starts around 16:00p.m and ends at 18:00p.m, followed by a bush dinner. The adventure begins at approximately $380 for adults and $190 for children.
Chimpanzee Trekking
It is an adventurous activity done with the company of a well-experienced and armed guide in the Budongo Forest Area. You will trek the tropical rainforest, searching for the habituated troops of chimpanzees. Trekking can take about 2-5 hours, depending on the location of these impressive creatures. Once spotted, admire their habits and behaviours for an hour while taking your best video shots and picturesque images. Chimpanzees are cruel to intruders; therefore, you are advised to be cautious. Trekking permits are legal cards issued by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) to visitors above 15 years old who want to visit the habituated family of chimpanzees. The permit costs around $50 for foreign nationals.
Wildlife Experience
Murchison Falls National Park supports four of the Big Five (only rhinos are absent). Buffalo and elephant are particularly common. A healthy lion population preys on the abundant Uganda kob. Despite being more secretive, leopards are seen with increasing frequency. Other antelope include oribi, Jackson’s hartebeest, defassa waterbuck, common duiker and bushbuck. The Victoria Nile river teems with crocodiles, hippos and waterbirds.
Large herds of the localized Rothschild’s giraffe have long been a feature of the plains north of the Nile and now also occur farther south. Leopards, though far from numerous, are most likely to be seen in the vicinity of Pakuba Lodge. Troops of the localized patas monkey can play on the grassy plains north of the Nile, while the forested riverbank is home to black-and-white colobus. Chimpanzee trekking is available in neighboring Budongo Forest.
Birdlife
Murchison Falls National Park has an impressive bird checklist of more than 450 species. It is one of the best places to look for the shoebill, a massive and prehistoric-looking relative of the pelicans. Shoebills are most often seen on early morning boat trips to the Lake Albert Delta. This and the more popular boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls are both great for checking off other waterbirds. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Best time to visit
Wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls National Park is generally good at all times of year, although best during the Dry season (December to February). However, January and February can be very hot. Scenery is more beautiful during the Wet season from March to November.
Getting There?
By Air: You can access Murchison Falls using a domestic flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kijjansi Airfield to various airstrips in Murchison Falls National Park, which include Pakuba Airstrip, Bugungu Airstrip or Chobe Airstrip. Daily flights depart from Entebbe International Airport at 12:00 p.m. and arrive at Pakuba, Bugungu or Chobe at 13:00 p.m. It takes about 1 hour to fly. Popular Airlines are Bar Aviation and Aerolink
By Road: A drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes via Kampala -Masindi Route (282km) or Kampala-Hoima 5 hours and 30 minutes
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