The Impressive Murchison Falls National Park, What is Special About Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park is among the unique and top National Parks in Uganda. It’s situated in the northwestern part of the county and boasts the largest conservation area in the country.

Uganda Murchison Falls National Park is divided by the world’s longest river, which forcibly flows through a narrow gorge at the park, forming the mighty Murchison Falls from which the park derives its name.

Murchison Falls covers an astounding area of 3840 kilometers of savannah grasslands, rivers, forests, acacia, and riverine woodlands. These habitats support amazing wildlife species.

History of Murchison Falls National Park

Kabalega National Park became the first Ugandan national park in 1927, before being named Murchison Falls National Park in 1952. It was first established as a reserve and was given national park status later on.

Although rhinos went extinct at the park in 1983, most tourists can see them at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on their way to Murchison Falls National Park during Uganda safaris.

The popular African Queen Movie was filmed at Murchison Falls National Park in 1951.

Murchison Falls National Park Attractions / Spectacular Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls

Murchison Falls boasts the strongest waterfalls in the world; these amazing waterfalls are the major attractions at the park. Uganda tours to Murchison allow you to witness the mighty falls emitting up to 3000 cubic meters per second.

Get close to the splendid waterfalls by taking a boat cruise on the Nile River and also hike to the top of the falls for superb views.

River Nile

Another outstanding attraction in Murchison Falls National Park is the Nile. This is the longest river in the world, flowing for over 6,000 kilometers to the Mediterranean Sea.

The Nile River at Murchison Falls is a permanent water source for wildlife at the park therefore, during boat safaris in the park, you will spot various animals and birds.

Animals

Murchison Falls National Park is a wildlife haven providing habitat to 144 species of mammals, 51 species of amphibians, 50 species of reptiles, several primate species, and 556 species of birds.

Among the animals to see while on the Uganda Wildlife Safari at Murchison Falls are elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, leopards, impalas, crocodiles, hartebeests, and giraffes, to name a few.

Birds

Murchison Falls National Park is home to 550 species of birds. Uganda birding safaris to Murchison Falls offer tourists a chance to see various species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork, Denham’s bustard, long-toed lapwing, and speckle-fronted weaver, among others.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park/What to Do in Murchison Falls National Park

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife-watching tours in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park can be done on game drives, nature walks, and boat rides. The best time for wildlife viewing at the park is in the morning and late afternoon hours.

Bird watching

Bird-watching safaris in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park offer tourists opportunities to spot some of the 550 species recorded in the park.

Some of the examples of birds include rare shoebill storks, Abyssinian ground hornbills, giant kingfishers, long-toed plovers, African jacanas, yellow-fronted tinker birds, and grey-crowned cranes, among others.

Boat Cruises at Murchison Falls National Park

A boat cruise at Murchison Falls National Park is a great way to explore the Nile River. The best cruise is to the bottom of Murchison Falls. During the two-hour boat cruise, tourists can see hippos and crocodiles, as well as various water birds and animals on the river bank.

Nature-guided Walks

Nature walks at Murchison Falls National Park are done in designated areas with the guidance of an armed ranger guide. You get to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna through walking safaris compared to game drives.

Hiking

Hiking in Murchison Falls National Park is commonly done after the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, where you disembark and hike a 45-minute trail to the top of the falls.

The spectacular views at the top of the falls, as you watch the mighty falls vigorously cascading down and turning to a calm stream flowing through the park, are awe-inspiring.

Fishing

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best places for anglers to visit in Uganda. You get to fish on the world’s longest river after obtaining a fishing permit.

Fishing in Murchison Falls is only done at designated areas and under the guidance of a park ranger while on a Uganda holiday.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests are found within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park, these are home to chimpanzees and various primates.

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the uncommon tourist activities to do in Uganda at Murchison Falls National Park; it’s also cheaper compared to chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.

Cultural Interactions with the Locals

Uganda cultural tours at Murchison Falls offer you a chance to get to learn more about the Acholi, Alur, and Banyoro tribes who live on the outskirts of the park.

You can take part in the day-to-day activities of locals and enjoy traditional music and dance during your stay at Murchison Falls National Park.

Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park/Murchison Falls National Park Lodges/Safari Lodges in Murchison Falls National Park

There are several lodging options to choose from while on the Murchison Falls National Park Tour. Depending on the tourist’s choice and budget, lodges vary from budget to mid-range and luxury. Some of the places to stay at Murchison Falls National Park can be seen below:

Budget: Boomu women’s camp, Red Chili rest camp, Murchison giraffe camp, Budongo eco-lodge, Global Village guest house, Kalalo Cottage Inn, and Parkside safari lodge.

Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Wild Palace Safari Lodge, Bwana Tembo Safari Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge, and Kabalega Wilderness Lodge.

Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge, Paara Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, and Bakers Lodge.

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is open to tourists all year round, although some months are better than other months for a better experience.

December to February and June to September are good for wildlife watching and chimpanzee trekking, while November to April is the best time for birding.

How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is located in the northwestern part of Uganda; the park can be accessed either by road or by air transport.

Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fee/Murchison Falls National Park Fees

Murchison Falls National Park entry fees can be seen below:

Foreign Non-Residents: $45
Foreign Residents:$35
East African Citizens: 25,000 Ugandan shillings

FAQs about Murchison Falls National Park

1. What Is Special About Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park is a special tourism destination in Uganda, renowned for the outstanding waterfalls cascading from the Nile River, forming the world’s most powerful waterfalls.

Aside from the waterfalls, Uganda holidays to Murchison Falls offer an opportunity to explore the Nile River, excellent wildlife watching, exceptional birding safaris, and cultural interactions. This makes Murchison Falls National Park a special place for Uganda tours.

2. In Which District Is Murchison Falls?

Murchison Falls National Park is spread across four districts in the northwestern part of Uganda, that is, Bulisa district, Kyiryandongo District, Nwoya District, and Masindi District. The park can easily be accessed in 4-6 hours from Kampala.

3. How Much Are Park Entry Fees To Murchison Falls?

Entry fees to Murchison Falls National Park can be seen below:

$45 for foreign nonresidents
$35 for foreign residents
25000 Ugandan shillings for East African citizens.

4. How Long Is It From Kampala To Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park is situated 305 kilometers northwest of Kampala. Depending on the area of the park you’re driving to, the journey is 4-6 hours long.

5. How Many Days Do You Need in Murchison Falls?

It should be noted that Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda. The number of days you need in Murchison Falls will depend on your interests, but the average number of days is usually 3 days for Murchison Falls Safari.

6. What Should I Wear to Murchison Falls?

What to wear to Murchison Falls National Park will highly depend on the time of the year you visit the park. During the dry season, you can pack light clothes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreens, water bottles, and other necessary items you may need.

During the wet season, you can wear heavy clothes while in Murchison Falls National Park.

7. How Long Is The Boat Cruise In Murchison Falls?

The boat cruise at Murchison Falls National Park takes about 3 hours. During the three-hour boat cruise at the park, you will be able to spot various animal and bird species, hike to the top of the falls, and enjoy spectacular views of the stunning flora and fauna of Murchison Falls.

8. How Much Is A Game Drive In Murchison Falls?

The cost of a game drive at Murchison Falls National Park is $10 for self-driving without a tour guide, $25 with a guide accompanying you for a game drive, and $40 per person for night game drives in the park accompanied by an armed ranger guide.

9. What Is The Most Powerful Waterfall In Uganda?

The most powerful waterfall in Uganda is the mighty Murchison Falls in Murchison Falls National Park. The glorious waterfalls cascade down the Nile River through a narrow gorge.

10. What Animals Are Found in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is home to 73 mammalian species; some of these animals include leopards, lions, buffalo, elephants, Uganda kobs, Rothschild’s giraffe, hartebeests, chimpanzees, bushbucks, and waterbucks, among others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Murchison Falls National Park is a prime place to visit during Uganda wildlife safaris. There are a lot of attractions to see and several activities to do in the park.