All you need to know about Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls national park lies in the northern hemisphere of Uganda along the Albertine rift valley covering an area of 3,840 kilometers squared. Being gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, the area was further pronounced as a national park in 1952 making it Uganda’s oldest and largest national park. The park is a home for great wildlife including some of the big five primates with other 76 species of mammals which include giraffes and water buffaloes, Jackson’s Hartebeests, Antelopes etc. and over 451 birds including the rare shoebill stork.

How to get to Murchison falls national park

From Entebbe international airport, you will be driving north of the country through the famous Luwero triangle. and along meet one of the big five animals at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and track Black and White Rhinos for about two hours on foot or less then proceed to Murchison Falls through Masindi . The park is bisected by the mighty River Nile, from east to west for a distance of about 115 kilometers making the southern and the northern sectors

Being a remarkable wildlife harbor the park is as well blessed with some of the powerful falls best for adventure with unforgettable experience, species might be seen in the savannah on the Albert, Queen and Victoria tracks, and the chances of spotting lions and leopard are quite good.

Best time of the year to visit Murchison falls national park

Like any other area around the country the park has got both wet and dry seasons but its best during the Dry season, from December to February. However, January and February can be very hot and scenery is more beautiful during the Wet season from June to November.

You have opportunity to view the falls from both up as the Nile squeezes through the gorge and from below while on the boat safari on Victoria Nile. Cruising down the Nile provides a great opportunity to observe the animals as they come down to the water’s edge to drink

Activities that can be done in Murchison Falls National Park

Spot fishing

Spot fishing is one of the unique experiences that can be done in this park along the shores where you can be able to catch different species like the common Nile Perch among others, the catch can either be taken for dinner roasting or just enjoying the experience along the rocky surface.

Boat cruise.

One of the lucrative activities that should not be missed on the visit to Murchison falls in the unique experience on the falls and along the fresh waters of the Nile. Here you begin your tour from Paraa where you get to see plenty of wildlife and as you proceed you can view plenty of animals like Hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants among others, the cruise is as well a great opportunity for bird watching where you can get to see the rare shoebill stork and other plant species on the 2-3 hours you spend on the sail.

Game drives.

Here the is always two sessions of game drives which are “Morning and evening game drives” done through different trails which are drown to take you through the park and enable you encounter different animal species in the park. It should be noted that the park harbors more than 76 species of mammals with the big 5 wild animals and a home to more Rothschild Giraffes (aka Nubian, Uganda, Baringo Giraffes) than anywhere else in Africa. The game drives takes anything from 4 hours to an entire day depending on your interests, amount of time in the park and the different activities you are interested in.

Hiking to the top of the falls

The walk to the top of the falls gives you an opportunity to view the chasm from multiple angles to see the main falls from different angles and elevations. At the top of the falls you will be able to see the Nile River river squeezing itself through a mere 8 meter gap producing sounds of the water and display of the power of nature.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

Chimpanzee tracking is done in Budongo Forest, it is done in the morning and afternoon, from Baker’s Lodge it is approximately 1 hour drive, chimpanzee tracking gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the chimpanzees once you find them.

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning flights depart early in the morning from the Northern Bank of Murchison Falls National Park, Pakuba area on the Balloon safari you have an opportunity to see wildlife and the beautifully savannah areas of the park.

For your planned safari to chimpanzee and gorilla trekking experience feel free to book with us for a tailor made safari to Murchison falls National Park and enjoy more the beauty that lies in Uganda which is named as the Pearl Of Africa.