Murchison falls national park is among the top wildlife safari destinations in Uganda all thanks to the unique wildlife attractions it has. This is the largest national park in Uganda with a total land area of 3840-kilometer squares stretching from Bulisa district in mid western Uganda to Nwoya district in northern Uganda. Murchison falls national park is also the oldest national park in Uganda and its crossed by the great river Nile where it forms waterfalls (Murchison falls) the strongest falls in Uganda. this national park is among the most visited wildlife safari destinations in Uganda and even ever been visited by influential people in the world including sir Winston church hill and Theodore Roosevelt. The park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
What To See While At Murchison Falls National Park
Wildlife
Being the largest national park, Murchison falls national park is a home to a variety of animals including over 500 bird species and about 76 mammals. The major animals in tis national park include the big four (elephants, leopards, buffaloes and lions), hippos, giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, crocodiles, warthogs, Uganda kobs, and a number of primates that include the chimpanzees in Budongo forest, baboons, vervet monkeys. The birds that can be viewed here include the rare shoebill stork.
The Murchison Falls
It was from these that the national park got its name. They can be best accessed via the Kanchumbanyobo park entrance got to via Masindi town. The top of these falls provides great views and its located 10 kilometers off the national parks main road. Alternatively, one can visit the bottom of the falls while on a boat cruise and hike to the top for more great views. The falls generally are very magnificent, form a great sound as the water pours down the hard rock, forms a mist a few meters high the ground and a permanent rain ball. They are surely attractions all tourists to the national park must not miss.
Victoria Nile
This is a section of the great river Nile that crosses the national park. The Victoria Nile harbors a number of wildlife including the Nile crocodiles, hippos usually along the riverbanks as well as a number of birds. Tourists usually enjoy a boat cruise along the waters of victoria heading to the waterfalls and to also view the major wildlife species in the national park especially those that prefer living in water.
The Nile Delta
This is where the Nile joins lake albert and its among the places tourists in Murchison falls national park must not miss. The delta can be got to on a boat trip and while at the delta, there are chances of viewing the major wildlife species in the national park especially the shoebill stork.
What To Do While In Murchison Falls National Park
Tourists in this national park can engage in a number of activities to discover the unique wildlife. The activities mainly include game drives along the major trails, a boat trip along the Nile, hiking to the top of Murchison falls, birding, primate tracking, nature walks in the Kaniyo Pabidi forest and sport fishing. Those interested in cultural tourism can also head to one of the local communities around the national park.
Best Time To Visit
This national park can be visited at any time of the year however some activities like game drives can be best experienced during the dry season with minimal disturbances of rain fall.
Where To Stay
There are a number of accommodation facilities in the national park that range from budget, mid range and luxury. They prepare standard meals and offer bedding services to tourists. Examples include red chili rest camp, Pakuba safari lodge, Para safari lodge, Kabalega wilderness lodge, Chobe safari lodge, Budongo eco lodge and many others.
