Murchison Falls National Park

– “the waterfall from the Nile“–

One of the most incredible sights of Uganda is Murchison Falls. The park is famed for the White Nile and the falls from which it takes its name. The falls are located in the northwest of Uganda, six hours drive from Kampala. Bird-watching and game drives are possible, as there are hippos, crocodiles, buffalos, giraffes, lions, and over 450 bird species in the area. Apart from being an excellent game-viewing destination, Murchison Falls has a memorable boat cruise of its own. What’s more, you can see the world’s longest river, waterfall, River Nile, exploding through a narrow gorge, which is a magnificent sight! An adventure in East Africa calls for a trip to Murchison Falls National Park- a natural wonder found in northwest Uganda. The Falls is not only one of the most visited spots in Uganda but in the entire African continent. The name Murchison was given by Sir Samuel Baker during his explorations of Uganda during the 19th Century. As the largest park in Uganda, Murchison Falls has almost all of Africa’s major mammals. It is a Lion conservation unit and has one of the largest populations of Roskilde Giraffes in Africa. The parks consist of vast savannah grasslands and also great forests like Budongo. Spanning an impressive 350,000ha, it will come as no surprise that Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve – but that’s not all this veritable Eden has to offer. Four of the Big 5 roam about and sip at the edge of the Victoria Nile whose waters eventually burst through a narrow rock face in a potent torrent and drop down a steep cliff before reaching the bottom in a frothy fury. Welcome to Murchison Falls!
Along with Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve, the park forms part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area in northwest Uganda. Often known as the Kabalega Falls (after a great Bunyoro chief), delta cruises along papyrus-lined waterways are the highlight of the trip. Whether seen from the top of the falls or the Devil’s Cauldron, its intimidating base, Murchison Falls promises striking vistas from whichever vantage point.
The park’s 450 species of birdlife and plethora of wildlife (including the country’s largest population of crocodiles) can be spotted on hikes, cruises along the Victoria Nile, and game drives. Visitors can also enjoy cultural encounters with the local community and sports fishing. Accommodation options in the park include campsites, lodges, hotels, and guesthouses. Murchison Falls NP, part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), offers excellent wildlife viewing. The Victoria Nile bisects the park and boat trips to the spectacular Murchison Falls are a highlight – especially if you hike to the top where the immense power of the Falls is best appreciated.
In addition to the large population of crocodiles, there are around 75 species of mammals. Some of the larger and more popular wildlife species include lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, waterbuck, hartebeest, buffalo, hippopotamus, and chimpanzees. There are about 800 chimpanzees living across the national park boundaries.
Murchison Falls National Park is also a haven for bird watchers with over 450 species of birds that nest or migrate through the park. The Goliath Heron is a nice treat to see since it is the largest heron in the world. Many of the species are waterfowl, however, there are many other species such as the red-throated bee-eater.