Murchison Falls National park lies in the north end of the Albertine Rift Valley, . In 1926, the park was gazetted as a game reserve with it being the oldest and largest conservation area with 451 bird species and 76 mammal species.
The river Nile runs through the park causing the dramatic Murchison falls are at the center of the park with the end of rapids over an 80km stretch. The Nile blasts through the Nile with energy causing a thunderous roar.
This river comes with the best wildlife spectacles in Uganda. These animals include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes while Nile crocodiles, hippos and aquatic birds have become permanent residents.
Accessibility
Roads
You can reach into the heart of the park through a number of routes at Paraa. You can cross this river Nile using a vehicle ferry at particular hours in the day.
Southern Entrance Gates
Two gates in the south approach to Paraa out of Masindi town which is 305 km away from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. Along the way, you can drop by the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary which is a very important initiative to rehabilitate rhinos to protected areas
A longer but more scenic alternative runs for 135km from Masindi to the park’s Bugungu gate, the route includes a passage through Budongo forest and a memorable descent of the rift valley escarpment with views across Lake Albert towards the Congo Mountains.
You can as well run through the 135km from Masindi to Bugungu gate of the park through Budongo forest and a classic drop of the rift valley with views across Lake Albert towards the Mountains of Congo.
Northern Entrance Gates
You can as well enter the park through Tangi, Mubako and Chobe Wankwar north of the river Nile. This are off the Kampala-Pakwach road which crosses the Nile at Karuma falls Bridge north east of the park. These gates are convenient for anyone to/from Gulu town and Kidepo National Park.
Air Travel
If you want to fly by air to the park, you will have to charter an aircraft from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Pakuba Airfield, 19km from North Paraa. Other airfield in the park; Chobe and Bugungu.
Murchison National Park Activities
Birding
The opportunity to see the birdlife are very high when you are on the game drive or a launch trip. This wildlife includes water birds, savannah forest birds, etc. The most unique bird to watch out for is the Shoebill, best seen from January to March in the dry season.
Game Drives
You can take the best pictures with a trained ranger guide on the game drive around the Buligi game tracks on the northern bank. The guide will show you the best hiding spots for lions and you may just see a leopard at dusk!
Hiking and Nature Walks
Further more the vast beautiful landscape of Murchison Falls National park is best experienced on foot in some areas. These areas include Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forests which are home to birds and primates. You can as well do a 4 hour or less swamp walk to see the shoebills.
Park Launch Trips
The launch trip upstream from Paraa presents an astonishing display of wildlife and culminates with the memorable frontal view of the falls. Recommended for birders is a morning cruise downstream to the Nile-lake Albert Delta. Alternatively, a tranquil sundowner cruise offers the classic view of an equatorial sunset reflected on the river
Sport Fishing in the Murchison Falls
Additionally The good tides of the Nile below Murchison Falls provide the best fishing grounds to anglers. You can try your luck with catching the popular “Nile Perch” which grows even up to 108kg.
Cultural Encounters
The Mubako dancers perform around lodge campfires with so much energy and enthusiasm, you just can’t miss it at dusk. You can as well visit the village and get a feel of what life is like.
Also check out National Park Regulations in Uganda
Popular Safaris to The Park Include
- 15 Days wildlife safari Uganda
- 10 Days Gorilla, Chimps and Wildlife Luxury Safari
- 8 Days in Kidepo & Murchison Falls Safari
In conclusion, Murchison Falls National Park is even more beautiful in person rather than seeing it on the internet. You just can’t break down the experience of lion trekking in this great savannah and the devilish roar of this amazing work of Nature. You just have to come see it before you die.
