Did you know that Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda? Originally, Murchison Falls National Park was gazetted or opened up as a national reserve in the year 1926 and was later turned or upgraded into a national park in the year 1952, which made it Uganda’s first national park. The most outstanding attraction of Murchison Falls National Park is, of course, Murchison Falls, which the park is named after, and also happens to be the strongest waterfall in the world. Initially, this park was known as or called Kabalega National Park and was later named Murchison Falls National Park after the European Roderick Murchison, who was the then president of the Royal Geographical Society. As you continue, below are some of the frequently asked questions about Murchison Falls National Park and the basics you need to know before visiting.
Where is Murchison Falls National Park located?
Murchison Falls National Park is located in northern Uganda along the end of the Albertine Rift Valley, with an area of approximately 3,893 square kilometers covered with vast savannah. Murchison Falls National Park generally covers about four districts within and beyond the Bunyonyi escarpment, which include Masindi, Nwoya, Kiryadongo, and Buyisa.
What to see or attractions in Murchison Falls National Park
Since Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, this only means that there is a lot to see when you visit, and some of the attractions you should look forward to seeing in Murchison Falls National Park,
Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is blessed with a diversity of wildlife, which also includes the four wild animals of the Big Five (Leopard, Elephants, Buffaloes, and Lions), and the other big five animal (Rhino) can be seen or tracked in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary on your way to or from Murchison Falls National Park. Other animals or wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park include antelopes, primates (chimpanzees, monkeys, and baboons), warthogs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, to name a few. The best way to spot these wild animals is during game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls National Park.
Birds in Murchison Falls National Park
Over 556 different bird species, making Murchison Falls National Park one of the best birding destinations in Uganda. Some of the birds that you should be looking forward to ticking off your birding list when you visit Murchison Falls National Park include the shoebill stork, white-crested turaco, Red- winged grey warbler, African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork, Goliath heron, Grey-crested crane, Secretary birds, Vultures, Blue-naped Mousebird, Red-throated bee-eater, Black- headed lapwing, Rock pratincole, white-faced Whistling-Duck, to name a few.
Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is the major attraction in this park and also happens to be the strongest waterfall worldwide, as mentioned above. This makes it very outstanding and unique that a very high number of tourists or visitors are drawn to it, hence their visiting Murchison Falls National Park to have a fulfilling experience of witnessing this amazing attraction.
River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda is such a blessed country with nature and among the beautiful unique attractions it has is the source of River Nile known to be the longest river in the world, it is found in Jinja and from there it flows through Murchison falls National Park where its water come in contact with big rocks, clashes and forms its way through hence forming the rapids, mist and the beautiful rainbow. From the waterfalls, the River Nile continues gently and flows to join Lake Albert.
Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park
Budongo forest is one of the best primates (chimpanzee) trekking destinations for tourists who hate crowded places. Budongo Forest is famous for chimpanzee trekking in Murchison Falls National Park. Other attractions in Budongo forest include different bird species, different tree species, and different monkey species, to name a few.
Cultural experience in Murchison Falls National Park
Visiting cultural villages and groups like Bubako Village / Homestead to have a cultural experience where you will get to learn about the ways of life for the local people, interact with them, watch them perform their cultural dances, listen to stories, and also learn about their history.
What to do / Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Just as there are a variety of attractions found in Murchison Falls National Park, in the same way, there are a lot of travel activities to carry out or do on a Uganda safari in Murchison Falls National Park, and these include,
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Game drives are one of the good ways done or used by tourists or visitors to spot the wildlife and appreciate the beautiful scenery of Murchison Falls National Park. These game drives take approximately 3- 4 hours of driving around different routes or trails in the park with the help of a guide who also helps out in pointing out different animals and other attractions and also tells you all the information you need to know about them.
Hot Air Balloon in Murchison Falls National Park
Having a Hot Air Balloon safari in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the amazing experiences that you will have to last a lifetime and also the second-best way to spot the different wildlife and attractions in the park from the ariel view. If you are planning to have a Hot Air Balloon ride in Murchison Falls National Park, it will be better to book as early as possible to avoid inconveniences, since Murchison Falls National Park is the only travel destination in Uganda that offers this experience.
Birding in Murchison Falls National Park
Being home to a variety of bird species, birding is one of the many activities that are carried out or done in Murchison Falls National Park.
Other activities done in Murchison Falls National Park include Sports fishing on the Nile, hiking to the top of the falls, Boat cruises on the Albertine Nile, Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, Community / Cultural tours, and campfires, to name a few.
Are you planning a Uganda Safari and would like Murchison Falls National Park to be included in your travel destinations? Say no more and just send us an inquiry or visit our website, and we shall be glad to help you with all you need.