Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park in Uganda and it is locally known as Kabalega National Park. It is situated at the end of the Albertine Rift Valley which is the area where the huge Bunyoro escarpment joins together into the vast Acholi plains. It is 305 kilometers north of Kampala in Masindi District. Murchison Falls National park is home to 76 different mammal species and 451 birds. Murchison Falls Conservation Area is made up of Bugungu, Karuma wildlife reserves and Murchison Falls National Park.
River Nile at Sunset, Uganda, Below Murchison Falls. Photo by Rod Waddington on flickr
Murchison National park which was actually named after the eye- catching Murchison waterfalls. These are found on the course of the great Nile. On the peak of the Murchison Falls, the waters of the Nile force their way through a small slit within the rocks, which is just 7 meters or 23 feet wide, and topples to 43 meters below with a thunderous roar forming a residual water stray that forms a beautiful rainbow; the view is very breathtaking! From here it then continues its westward into the stunning Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda's most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Twist Africa offers a remarkable 2 Day waterfalls safaris tour and can tailor make any Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park.
Elephants Photo by flöschen on Flickr
The adventure activities in the park are perfect for a Uganda Safaris and they include: wildlife/ game viewing, launch trips to the bottom of the falls and hikes to the top (Devil's Cauldron), birding and nature walks, with hot air ballooning activities available within the park. Places such as Rabongo Forest and Budongo Forest are spots for Chimpanzee tracking.
Launch trips stand out as the most common exciting activities because it gets you close to the heart and the jewel of the park (the falls). The vegetation of Murchison Falls National Park is made up of Savannah, Riverine forest and woodland. Some of the wildlife includes kobs, elephants, Rothschild giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, leopards, lions Uganda kobs, chimpanzees, and many bird species with the regular wildlife on the riverbanks being elephants, giraffes and buffaloes; while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents.
Victoria Nile Cruise, Murchison's Falls NP UGANDA. Photo by Bernard DUPONT on Flickr
WHEN TO VISIT
Murchison is an all year round Uganda destination with the best experiences during the dry months of the year. Uganda has two dry seasons December to February being the driest of the two, and June to mid-September Is the other.
The reason for visiting in dry seasons is that just like human-wildlife tend to take shelter during the rainy months and can be hard to spot. A game drive will not give you lots of wildlife sights during such days, which is not the case with dry days when they roam freely around the park in huge numbers. You see them around river banks as they search for water. Navigation is also an issue during the rainy season due to muddy roads, which mostly affects 2-wheel drive vehicles. 4x4 safari vehicles best serve in these kinds of situations.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Photo by Justin Raycraft on Flickr
ACCOMODATION IN MURCHISON
Murchison falls national park houses the best Uganda safari lodging facilities when it comes to accommodation. With marvelous scenic views, eco-friendly facilities and, the incredible surroundings around them. These wondrous facilities allow you to unwind in the peaceful tropical environment as you listen to the streams of the most powerful waterfall in the world, with some of them built close to the falls. Despite your safari budget, you have an opportunity to get good value for your money in Murchison falls. The park provides an array of accommodations ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury lodges.
Murchison Falls, Photo by Pommiebastards on Flickr
Some of the luxury lodges include Chobe safari lodge, Nile safari lodge, Paara safari lodge, and bakers’ lodge.
Mid-range lodging includes Pakuba safari lodge, Fort Murchison lodge, Sambiya River lodge, kabalega wilderness lodge, and Murchison river lodge.
For budget travelers, the options range from Yebo safari camp, Budongo eco-lodge, Boomu women’s group bandas, Bwana Tembo safari camp, and Red chili rest camp.
GETTING THERE:
For easy access, the park gates are in both the southern and the northern sectors.
Murchison Falls National Park is about 5 hours north of Kampala. Driving from Kampala through Masindi, you can access the park through the southern part. The park has two gates through this route;
Kichembanyobo gate is by a route in kaniyo pabidi forest through Masindi town south of Murchison falls national park. Kichembanyobo is 85 kilometers from Masindi town. Bugungu gate is 135 kilometers from Masindi town, and getting there is through Budongo forest. This route takes you through rift valley slopes with magnificent panoramas overlooking Lake Albert.
Savannah Photo by flöschen on Flickr
Alternatively, in case you are coming from the northern part of Uganda connecting from Kidepo national park via Gulu town, it is more convenient using the northern sector entrances. These, accessed through the Kampala-Pakwach route include;
Chobe gate situated near pakwach and north of Karuma Bridge and accessed from Karuma falls or Paara. Mubako gate, located by crossing the Nile using the Karuma falls bridge. Tangi gate is accessed through
the Paara region, 110 kilometers from the Kara bridge, and requires using a ferry to cross the river to access it. Wankar gate, located near the Purongo sector.Vehicles have to cross the Nile at Paara, which has a fixed time
from 07.00 and 19.00 in case you are interested in doing a game drive or accessing the other side of the park.
You can also access the park by a plane that will drop you at Pakuba landing site in the northern sector, Chobe safari lodge airstrip located near Chobe safari lodge and Bugugu Airfield in the southern area. Several flight companies provide flights to the park from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip.
For a tailor made Murchison falls National park or any inquiry about this amazing Uganda destination, contact our team