Mammals:

• Elephants: Large herds of elephants roam the park, especially around the Nile and the savanna plains.
• Lions: These apex predators are frequently spotted in the northern part of the park, particularly in the Buligi area.
• Leopards: Though elusive, leopards are also found in the park, often seen near woodlands.
• Rothschild’s Giraffes: Murchison Falls is home to a large population of these giraffes, which are classified as endangered.
• Hippos and Nile Crocodiles: The Nile is teeming with hippos and large crocodiles, easily visible on boat cruises.
• Buffaloes: These are widespread in the park’s savannas and are often seen grazing alongside other herbivores.
• Uganda Kobs: These elegant antelopes are commonly seen in large numbers on the plains.
• Jackson’s Hartebeests, Oribis, Bushbucks, and Waterbucks: These species can also be seen across the park.

Murchison Falls also harbors nocturnal mammals like hyenas and aardvarks.

Primates:

• Chimpanzees: Found in the park’s Kaniyo Pabidi Forest and the nearby Budongo Forest Reserve, chimpanzees are a key attraction. Visitors can go on chimpanzee tracking excursions here.
• Olive Baboons and Vervet Monkeys: These are commonly spotted along the roads and in the park’s forested areas.

Birdlife:

Murchison Falls National Park is an excellent destination for birdwatching, with more than 450 bird species recorded, including several rare and endangered species:

• Shoe-bill Storks: These iconic, prehistoric-looking birds are frequently spotted in the park’s wetlands, particularly around the Nile Delta.
• Goliath Herons, African Fish Eagles, and Saddle-billed Storks are common sightings along the riverbanks.
• Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Grey Crowned Cranes, and Secretary Birds are commonly seen in the savannas.
• Red-throated Bee-eaters: These colorful birds can be seen in the woodlands and along the riverbanks.

Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls:

The park’s centerpiece is the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a 7-meter-wide (23 feet) gorge before plunging 43 meters down. The sheer power of the falls creates a thunderous roar and a misty spray, making it a breathtaking sight. 

Visitors can hike to the top of the falls for incredible views or take a boat cruise to the base of the falls to witness their grandeur from below.

The Nile:

The Victoria Nile flows through the park, offering a lifeline for wildlife. It divides the park into the southern and northern sectors and serves as a key feature for activities such as boat cruises, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Nile Delta, where the river meets Lake Albert, is particularly rich in birdlife, including the shoebill stork.

Buligi Game Tracks:

The Buligi Game Tracks on the northern bank of the Nile are among the most popular areas for game drives. This network of tracks runs through open savanna, woodland, and riverine areas, offering some of the best opportunities to see large mammals like lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and Uganda kobs.

Rabongo Forest:

Located in the southeastern part of the park, Rabongo Forest is a tropical riverine forest that offers visitors a peaceful environment for nature walks and birdwatching. It is also home to primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees.

Kaniyo Pabidi Forest:

This forest, part of the greater Budongo Forest Reserve, lies on the southern boundary of Murchison Falls National Park. It is one of the best places in Uganda for chimpanzee tracking. The forest is also home to other primates, as well as birds such as the Pruple-headed Starling and Yellow-footed Flycatcher.

Karuma Falls:

Located on the eastern edge of the park, Karuma Falls is another scenic waterfall along the Nile. Although not as dramatic as Murchison Falls, Karuma Falls is worth a visit for its beauty and the sight of white-water rapids cascading over rocks.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

1. Game Drives:

Game drives are the best way to explore Murchison Falls’ wildlife, especially in the northern sector. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best chances of seeing predators like lions and leopards, as well as herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes. The Buligi Game Tracks are particularly popular, but the Delta area also offers excellent wildlife sightings.

2. Boat Cruises:

The boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is one of the most popular activities in the park. The cruise offers an up-close view of the falls and the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds along the riverbanks. There is also a boat trip to the Nile Delta, where visitors can spot waterbirds, including the elusive shoe-bill stork.

3. Hiking to the Top of the Falls:

For adventurous visitors, a hike to the top of Murchison Falls offers spectacular views of the falls and the Nile. The hike begins at Paraa and winds up the escarpment, providing opportunities to see the falls from different angles. The hike is relatively short but steep, and the views from the top are worth the effort.

4. Chimpanzee Tracking:

In the Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forests, visitors can go on guided chimpanzee tracking treks. These forests offer excellent opportunities to see these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, along with other forest creatures and birds.

5. Bird Watching:

With over 450 bird species, Murchison Falls National Park is a top destination for birdwatchers. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding along the riverbanks and in the Nile Delta. Key species to look for include the shoe-bill stork, Goliath heron, African fish eagle, and red-throated bee-eaters.

6. Fishing:

Murchison Falls is known for its excellent sport fishing, particularly for Nile perch and catfish. Anglers can fish in the pools below the falls, and fishing permits are available from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

7. Nature Walks:

Nature walks are available in certain areas of the park, such as Rabongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi. These walks allow visitors to experience the park’s ecosystems up close and spot smaller wildlife species, as well as birds and primates.

Conservation and Sustainability Efforts

Murchison Falls National Park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and plays a crucial role in Uganda’s conservation efforts. The park faces challenges such as poaching, illegal grazing, and oil exploration, but UWA works closely with local communities and international organizations to mitigate these threats. Anti-poaching patrols, community outreach programs, and eco-tourism initiatives are part of the broader strategy to ensure the park’s long-term sustainability.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to August, when wildlife congregates around water sources, and game viewing is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers unique experiences. The wet seasons (March to May and September to November) bring lush vegetation and a more serene atmosphere, though some tracks may become muddy and difficult to navigate.

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park

• By Road: Murchison Falls National Park is about a 5-6 hour drive from Kampala. The journey passes through Masindi town, and visitors can enter the park via the Kichumbanyobo Gate (for southern access) or the Tangi Gate (for northern access).
• By Air: Visitors can also fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to the Pakuba Airstrip on the northern side of the park or Bugungu Airstrip on the southern side.

Accommodation

Murchison Falls National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, including luxury lodges, mid-range camps, and budget options.

• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge
• Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Fort Murchison Lodge

Conclusion

Murchison Falls National Park offers a captivating blend of dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich birdlife. Whether you’re cruising the Nile, hiking to the top of Murchison Falls, or tracking chimpanzees in the forests, the park provides a truly memorable safari experience in the heart of Uganda.