MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

March 11, 2023
Uganda National Parks

“The world’s greatest waterfalls”             

In north-western Uganda, about 305 kilometers from Kampala lies Murchison Falls national park, also known as Kabalega national park. The park was first seen by  Europeans Samuel Baker and his wife Florence Baker,  Samuel Baker decided to name this wondrous discovery in honor of Roderick Murchison, the President of the Royal Geographical Society.

During the regime of President Idi Amin in the 1970s, the name was changed from Murchison falls national park to Kabalega national park, after the Omukama (King) Kabalega of Bunyoro, which the president then thought was worth the name of the king who ruled over that area although this was never legally emphasized. Later, after the downfall of Idi Amin, the name was changed back to the original name Murchison falls national park although the locals still have the backdrop reminder of it being Kabalega national park.  

This is Uganda’s oldest and largest national park with a cover area of about 3,893 square kilometers, the park was gazetted a national park in 1952 and is divided by the Victoria Nile into two, giving you a remarkable northern bank of the park perfect for game views and the southern bank for interesting nature walks for that reason features like 76 mammals and above 440 bird species some of which you will encounter. While at Murchison falls national park you may see giraffes, hippos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, kobs, waterbucks, chimpanzees, patus monkeys, warthogs, and baboons for birds possible sightings are yellow-billed stock, Abyssinian ground hornbill, francolin, secretary bird, open billed stork, and others.

Things to do at Murchison Falls National Park

Birding Watching

The different habitat of Murchison Falls National Park accommodates many bird species and about 451 of them have been recorded. If you are especially keen on savannah birds then Murchison Falls National Park cannot miss out on your Uganda birding trip as it truly is a birder’s haven. Birding in Murchison Falls National Park will produce savannah bird species in the northern part, forest species in Budongo Forest, and water species along the Nile and Lake Albert, the park has different kinds of birds, for example, the Albertine rift endemic, water, forested, and savannah birds, with the main bird attraction as the Shoebill Stork an endangered bird found at the Murchison, falls wetland, that is the delta at the Ramsar site and is best sighted in dry seasons due to ease in navigation and bird watching activity from January-March however, both the game drive and the launch trips give you the opportunity to see numerous bird species for Grey Crowned Cranes Uganda national bird, Blue-headed Coucal, Shoebill Stork, Open-billed Storks, Swamp Flycatcher, Red-throated Bee-eaters, Malachite Kingfishers, Francolin, Hornbills, Grey heron, Hamerkop, Shrikes, Crombecs, Warblers, ducks, geese, stilts, Cuckoos Giant, Hornbills, Woodpeckers.

We advise that you do not forget to carry a pointer, a pair of binoculars, a hat, sunglasses, sturdy hiking, a guidebook, a pair of great hiking shoes, and some eco-friendly colored clothes that blend with nature.

Shoebill stork

Murchison Falls is one of the few places where you can find the ever-sought bird the shoe bill stork. A tall bird, with long spindly legs that enable it to stand in the aquatic vegetation and shallow swamp while hunting for food.  The shoebill is about 1 to 1.4m in height with a weight of about 4 to 7 kg. This amazing and ancient-looking bird is so satisfying to watch.

Top of Falls Hike

You cannot say you have seen waterfalls until you make it to the top, therefore, brace yourself with a magical walk to the top of Murchison Falls. The outlet of Lake Victoria sends around 300 cubic meters per second (11,000 ft³/s) of water over the falls, squeezed into a gorge about 7-8 meters (33 ft) wide. The waterfall is seated between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile in Uganda and drops about 43 m (141 ft), before flowing westward into Lake Albert. This water takes about 3 months to find itself in the Mediterranean Sea but due to countless human activities during its journey, it takes more than that.

Well as it is possible to head to the top driving a hike is more rewarding, this can take you about 45 minutes or more depending on your speed and the stops you make. The hike can also be done by all people as the trail is not very steep so get yourself a great pair of hiking shoes, light clothes a great camera, and off we go!

Upon arrival, at the start point, a trained guide will take you through the trail and you will be offered great knowledge and great ancient stories that will push you back in time to remind you of Uganda’s independence, and the great explorers among others.

Enjoy a stunning view of the Murchison Falls which is easily witnessed at a beautiful gorge also known as the devils Cauldron, experience water just fogging around as you make it through the tracks of a great explorer Winston Churchill.

Talk about the famous Uhuru Falls which were formed as Uganda was straightening for independence in the year 1962, hence gaining the name ‘Uhuru’ a Kiswahili word that means independence. The view at the Murchison Falls from here does not end as it is beauty upon beauty.

Cultural Encounter

Watch the Mubako perform around lodge campfires, the women’s group that offers accommodation, a craft shop, or have a village tour to witness the realities of rural life. Mubako Cultural community is located beside the Murchison Falls National Park, a special thing about the locals here is that they are farmers however the climate is especially locked with too much sunshine and receive limited rainfall within the year for that reason, the community makes wooden handcrafts which exhumes great talent some things made are sculptures, drums, animals, stools and also give exciting Campfire Performances to guests which have greatly supported their livelihood helping them to balance in-between the variable climate.

Boomu Women’s Group

Founded in 1999 was the boomu women’s group in the village of Kihaguzi, with the aim of fighting poverty in the area by creating economic and social development. The members in this group are subsistence farmers meaning, that most food that is grown is for domestic consumption and little is taken to the market though some families sell all their products in the market for more income leaving them hungry. This project is working progress and so far so good how they earn and benefit from tourism when travelers buy their products like, engaging in farm tours, buying handcrafts, and using their accommodation, today some visitors stay at the camp to see and experience what exactly it’s like at the Boomu women’s group.

Pamora Safaris Uganda loves to take you there for community projects, that way you can learn about the local community and help in sustainable development as well as support the local communities directly a thing that is very rewarding that way.

Game Drive

A game drive is one of the most bombastic experiences aboard, the park is bisected into two that is; the northern and the southern bank, on the northern bank, is where the game drives are done due to its openness in the nature of vegetation and abundance of wildlife well as the southern bank is great for guided nature walks due to its forested nature. With a well-trained guide organized by your operator, you will have a great experience through the trails and tracks to view and photograph a wide range of animals in the Nile valley. Boasting of 76 mammals and about 451 bird species is the Murchison falls national park where you find buffalo, warthogs, giraffes, waterbuck, bushbucks, reedbuck, duikers, hyenas, kobs, herds of elephants, lions, and you may spot a leopard at dusk. Birds are seen through the drive like the Abyssinian ground hornbill, the yellow-footed flycatcher, shoebill stork among others.

For a good drive, your guide will slowly take you around giving commentary on different animal species and birds you may come across while you enjoy an unbeatable view of them and take great pictures. It is advisable that you go for a washroom stop at the gate during clearance before the game drives however while at Murchison national park, you could also use the washroom situated at the hippo pool and enjoy the park that trails you through a journey of getting a chance to see the big 5, especially the leopard on a lucky day.

The Big 5

Hiking and Nature Walk

The vast landscapes and scenery of Murchison Falls and the conservation area can be explored on foot. Trails through Kaniyo Padidi and Rabongo forests give you a view of many birds and primates. While around the Nile delta, a 2-4hrs guided swamp walk offers the possible sight of the shoebill stork.

The Boat Cruise

The water boat adventure has unbeatably been one of the most famous things to do at this unique and often visited park. Upstream from Para on the launch trip showcases wildlife, with a beautiful view of the falls, it also is recommended for birders in the morning to cruise downstream to the Nile-lake Albert delta or you can get a classic view of an equatorial sunset reflected on the river. This trip takes you to the spectacular view of Murchison Falls, the most powerful waterfall in the world seated between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile in Uganda. These falls have a drop of about 43 meters through a narrow cascade rock of about 7-8 meters wide. The water comes from our one and only Lake Victoria which pours into the river Nile then comes down the Murchison Falls through different countries and off to the Mediterranean. This experience is much laid back and worth the do.

Your operator should organize this as most trips to the Murchison falls national park is always a must, this will lead you to see different mammals enjoying a drink, feeding by the water or simply resting some of these very important mammals are hippos, crocodile, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes aside from that birds also love a chill around and on the Nile see birds like bee-eaters, fish eagles, kingfishers among others.

The boat rides take about 2 hours which costs $30 per person and can be done by the wildlife authority or private suppliers like wild frontiers. Boats vary in different seater capacities depending on the number of people available or you may even request for a private cruise at an added cost.

Sport Fishing

Below Murchison Falls, on the banks of the Nile gives an exciting challenge to anglers along with the Nile perch. You could make a big catch of over 100kg! You can access fishing spots either by boat or walking down from the top of the falls to the gorge which is about 45 minutes. The two fishing sites are at Murchison Falls and below Karuma Falls and the best time to do this is early in the morning or in the evening while fishing or around the fishing area, watch out for the Nile crocodiles and the hippos. Murchison Falls National Park permits sports fishing along the River Nile’s rocky surfaces, the bottom of the falls, the Devil’s Cauldron, and the Nile banks

Usually, we use the spinning method or bait and you may catch fish like the catfish and the Nile perch therefore carry your fishing equipment, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent for tsetse flies, long socks, long-sleeved anglers with rods between 8 to 11ft, 7 spinning rod and a multiplier reel.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimp tracking at the Kaniyo Pabidi Eco Site which is located 30 minutes drive from the main entrance (Masindi Kichubanyobo gate) of Murchison falls national park. The Chimpanzee trek offers a superb experience with loud screams of rare dwellers of the forest, tree hyrax, Chimp calls and calls of birds aside from that, you may see baboons, forest birds, monkeys, and butterflies, tree species like mahogany, plants, and shrubs all giving you a dream-like experience not forgetting man’s closest relatives as the main highlight here. With a big community of over 100 Chimps, trails start from the visitor’s information center of Kaniyo Pabidi at the Budongo Eco Lodge.

Rhino Tracking

This is yet an interesting experience that you do not want to miss at the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. Located 176km (100 miles) north of Kampala in Nakasongola district is the proud home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda after being wiped away during conflicts and political instability in Uganda, we are lately reintroducing these gentle giants to a place they once loved and called home. The sanctuary has become increasingly popular with tourists; for Rhino Trekking, aside from which Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride, Bird Watching, Night Walk, Nature Walk, and Relaxation can also be done while here, so see through if you may like any activities added while here and talk to your operator. The rhinos are part of the Big 5 therefore do not miss this amazing experience.

Budongo forest

This forest has the largest number of chimps in Uganda about 600 to 700 individuals. The stunning Budongo forest on the southern edge of Murchison falls national park matched with kaniyo padidi forest on the northern side of this lovely forest, moped up with various landscapes from marshlands to woodland to savannah to riverine, the forest is on an altitude of about 1100 meters and can be best visited in the drier season that is from June to September or December to February to get the best result.

Aside from the chimps other primates like black and white monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons not just that animals like leopards, and lions also live here though not easily sighted but you may come across antelopes, buffaloes, and elephants in the savannah.

Without living out the birds, this place is a birder’s haven and a must-be for travelers who love birds as it is not shy to host above 348 bird species including the rare birds like the yellow-footed flycatcher other birds which if keen you may see multiple of them. you cannot talk of birds and forget the trees of course being a forest, there are various tree spices like mahogany among others that have been in existence for years together with medicinal plants which makes the destination a wonder. Other attractions can also be the Boomu women’s group who if you love mingling with the locals would be a fantastic option.

Best Time to Visit-Weather and Climate

Uganda is covered by seasons that is; the dry and wet seasons which still gives us two seasons in travel and tourism that is the peak/high season and the low season.

High/Peak Season

This falls between the dry months of December to February and June to September. It is when most travelers flock to Uganda and this is why during the dry seasons, animals struggle with finding water hence gathering at specific water points making it easier to spot them in one place. Also, during the dry season the grass is relatively shorter making it easy to encounter rare animals like the Leopard if chanced and watch lions on a rich hunt, its also easier to navigate through the dirt roads than it is during the wet season, for that reason consider booking in advance during this period as accommodation especially luxury and midrange accommodations always jam-packed. The rains during this season, however, may come unexpectedly but usually it is not as bad as that in the wet season. Mosquitoes are also quite a lot during this time so carrying insect repellent would not be a bad idea.

Low Season

Also, we have wet seasons of March to May and October to November. During the low season, animals take shelter making the game drives less pleasant, navigation during this time is a little challenging even because the 4×4 rains go for long hours but the great thing is there is no traffic, the vegetation is green, and the surrounding more cooler. It is, therefore, safe to do safaris, especially for travelers who want to enjoy the ever-green vegetation.

How to get to Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls national park is very accessible despite the different routes and directions you drive from; Murchison falls national park has several gates where one can access the park either from the southern gate of Paraa or the northern gate at Murchison falls national park.

Travelers can get to Murchison falls national park either by road by use of private or public means by bus or under a registered tour company that will take care of the to and fro safari to Murchison Falls.

The other alternative is the chartered flights from Kampala/ Entebbe international airport, the park has several airfields such as Pakuba Airfield, Chobe Airfield, and Bugungu Airfield.

By road

The distance from Entebbe to Murchison falls national park is approximately 305km that is about 5-6 hrs to get to Murchison Falls you may use public transport but upon arrival hire the Uganda Wildlife Authority vehicle to move you within the park or you could use a tour operator who can make everything easy and will take charge of all transfers.

The road is tarmac but you may also pass through dirt roads in case of any road constructions and while in the park, it is specifically on the tracks during the game drives with a bumpy road experience every once in a while. You may also encounter traffic in major cities causing a delay but once in the countryside, it is easy to navigate through. We have about 5 gates from which you can access the park depending on where you are coming from. The park is also divided into 2 by the Victoria Nile is the north and southern sectors with the northern gate tirelessly convenient for all people coming from or heading to Gulu or Kidepo national park and the southern gate leading to the Great Rift Valley that gives you a remarkable view and also ushers you to the democratic republic of Congo.

Northern gate

Chobe gate: 2 km from pakwach north of karuma bride. If your guest is from or to Paara it’s easy to access

Wankar Gate: 10km off the Arua-gulu highway near Purongo is the Wankwar gate also in the northern sector

Tangi gate: This gate can easily be accessed by visitors in Paara and is about 110km west of Karuma Bridge

Southern gate: Kichumbanyobo gate: can be accessed it is 85 km and can be accessed as you head to kaniyo padidi forest

Bugungu gate: 135 km from Masindi town and can be accessed from Budongo forest.  

By Air

Chartered aircraft can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala 19km from North Paara. After landing arrangements are made by your tour operator to continue to your lodge by vehicle. Murchison falls national park has several airfields nearer to the park such as Chobe Airfield best convenient for visitors sleeping at Chobe Lodge, there is also Pakuba Airfield and Bugungu Airfield landing at the southern sector of Paara is a place harboring a lot of wild game offers you an opportunity to sight a variety of animals. Even though being on the road gives you close insight and may be much more interesting for any guest/traveler who does not wish to travel long distances, welcome aboard!

What to park

Traveling has never been easy and we get what it takes, for this reason, we have a list of what you may need but advised you to pack light.

  • Photocopies of all your important documentation: For example airline ticket, passport, and reservation printouts to show at the different counters whenever necessary.
  • Passport: A passport that is not soon expiring is the most important travel document and a requirement while entering Uganda and East Africa at large therefore it is advised to make a few copies of it and most importantly have the original.
  • Airline ticket: your air ticket is also key therefore to avoid missing your flight have it in possession
  • Insect Repellent: Flees, Tsetse flies, and mosquitoes in the wilderness can be a challenge so get yourself an insect repellent.
  • Immunization card for yellow fever: Take the shots 3 weeks before traveling as it is an important requirement in Uganda.
  • Visa: You need to apply for the VISA online and East African nationals generally don’t need a VISA to enter Uganda. We now have the East African Visa that allows travelers to move to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
  • Travel and Health Insurance: There are several companies that you can use to arrange travel insurance. Your health insurance provider could have a foreign partner that you might not be aware of.
  • Cash and Credit/ATM card: Inform your every time you travel away from your country as you might need cash to pay for a service or gifts.
  • Wallet and Money belt: To secure your money, transactions cards, and other important items, therefore, securing one is absolutely important.
  • Backpack: To carry your valuables like binoculars, passport, camera, music devices, and other electronics you think you need for your travel.
  • Clothing: Casual and comfortable dull-colored clothes are great. For the wet season, pyjamas/night dress, underwear, a cap, and a sweater. In Uganda, people don’t mind short dresses/mini-skirts though in villages and rural areas, this may look inappropriate especially when too much thigh is exposed therefore loose fitting clothes are good also Long shirts and trousers can help protect you against mosquitoes in the drier months keep in mind that long sleeves may make you hot so choose appropriate clothes especially lighter ones in the dry season.
  • Shoes: Waterproof boots that are great for hiking, sandals, simple shoes, and warm stockings that you should wear each time you get out of your hotel.
  • Personal products/items: Such as sunscreen and lotion, brush/combs, facials, shampoos, cleansers, lip balms, toothbrush/toothpaste, a small towel, deodorant, wipes, and toilet paper.
  • Umbrella: for the rainy season.
  • Books for reading: Bring your favorite book, novel, or animal and bird book that can be bought in the stores here in Uganda, to help you relax during your flight and at the end of the day during safari activities as you relax in your hotel room or balcony with a great view of your surroundings.
  • Pens and writing materials: You need this to keep a record of important aspects/things about your journeys and things that matter to you therefore journaling is not a bad idea.
  • Anti-malarial and other personal medications: Malaria is common in Uganda and this is caused by mosquito bites that can easily be acquired anywhere out of a mosquito net therefore carry anti-malarial tabs with you.
  • A simple First-Aid Kit: Even though you may get the kit in your safari vehicle or at the hotel it is safe to carry your own kit including basic medication, bandages, antibiotics, and anti-diarrhea medication, eye drops, pain killers and gas-relief tablets, and a thermometer if possible.
  • Binoculars: There are a lot of birds and small animals that you may encounter and will need binoculars sometimes to see through the thickets for anything therefore good binoculars may be required.
  • Chargers, batteries, adapters, and memory cards: For all electronics laptops, cameras, phones, etc you will be traveling with especially those that are solar friendly as most accommodations use the solar system.
  • Driver’s license: For travelers planning to enter the country with your own car or perhaps hire a vehicle then you need to have a valid East Africa or Uganda driving license or an equivalent.
  • Sunglasses /Glasses: Protect your eyes from the strong wind and sun’s rays during the hot/dry season as you head out for your game drive or launch cruise.
  • A good photo and video camera: It is advised that you come with a great camera, strong battery, and long lenses to take great pictures. You could use your phone too but it may not be able to take pictures that are quite far.
  • Headlight and Flashlight: In the wild, it’s never bright enough therefore you need the flashlight for different occasions like if you are camping or heading to your lodge for example from the restaurant.
  • Alarm clock: It is evident that the time zone in Uganda is different from most countries outside Africa therefore an alarm clock will do good to help you keep time.
  • Passport-size photos of yourself: You may need this therefore come along with Just in case.
  • A mobile phone and laptop: To communicate with your family, other loved ones back home, and your tour operator you will need your phone or laptop, wifi can also be easily accessed which makes it by far easy to keep in touch.
  • Music devices and headphones: For use during your flight and when relaxing after an activity in your lodge.
  • Adapter for your electronics: In Uganda, the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In Uganda, the standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Uganda if the standard voltage in your country is between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia, and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada, and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Uganda. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage
  • Miscellaneous: You might also need a compass and GPS

Where to stay

Murchison falls national park has a variety of accommodations located just in, outside the park, or near the park therefore, depending on your budget you may consider our various classifications that is budget, Midrange, and high-end/luxury. Feel free to work with your operator on which type of accommodation works best for you but also, consider making payments in advance, especially for the peak season when availability may be less due to a high guest turn up, this makes it easy to have a smooth customized safari as all are pre-arranged.

Luxury

Paraa Safari Lodge: Offers comfort, relaxation, and adventure with amazing landscaped gardens. The suites are the perfect accommodation for guests who want a little bit more space to relax, a living room with sofas where you can use the space to either relax or entertain. Use the room’s mini bar to refresh yourselves after a long day out in the game park while in the room Fans and A.C., an en-suite bathroom, and large windows showing panoramic views of the River Nile.

Paraa Safari Lodge offers a choice of fine dining throughout one’s stay, and the Explorer’s bar is the ideal watering hole after a day of wildlife discovery in Murchison Falls National Park.

 

Midrange

Fort Murchison: This is a midrange lodge that has 12 ensuite units comprised of a spacious bedroom with comfortable beds, a bathroom with countersunk basins, and a shower with plenty of hot water from a solar heater. All rooms boast a writing desk and a private balcony with its own sofa. The atmosphere is a mix of African luxury with a touch of swili style. The rooftop terrace is the perfect spot for your sundowner drink; enjoy the breathtaking views of the Albert Nile. Accommodation rates start from $125per person per room

The restaurant decor has a Swahili touch and is decorated with pictures and drawing from the first explorers and offers a fine 4-course dinner just for you backed with a fresh breeze.

Budget

Red chili camp

Situated in the heart of the park at Paraa, the camp boasts just 500m from the ferry, where all vehicles cross for Nile Delta game drives and from where boats depart to falls. The camp offers twin and triple en suite Bandas for a start price of $55 and $65 respectively which includes standard double and single bed towels, linen, mosquito nets, an electric fan during generator times, solar hot water, and lights and sockets.

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