Also known as the Kabalega National Park, the Murchison Falls National Park is popularly known for having the world’s most powerful waterfall that emits large volumes of water about 300 cubic meters per second or 11,000 ft³/s at a very powerful pressure that cause the surrounding to tremble. The park was first gazetted in 1927 and today is the largest park in Uganda covering an area of 3840 sq km / 1483 sq miles. It is commonly visited for Uganda Safari Tours because of its diverse safari activities and rich wildlife.
Murchison Falls National Park is in northern Uganda, northwest of the capital Kampala, and extends its boundaries to a number of districts within and beyond the Bunyoro escarpment including Nwoya, masindi, Kiryandongo and Buyisa. It is found on the northernmost reaches of the Albertine Rift Valley with its terrain bisected by the Victoria Nile.
When we talk about Murchison Falls National Park animals, it is home to more than 73 animals species among which are four the ‘Big Five’ including buffaloes, leopards, lions and elephants (except rhinos), has three-quarters of the world’s population of Rothschild giraffes plus a healthy population of herbivores which has recently doubled including the Uganda Kobs all of which can easily be seen on the Wildlife Safari Tours here. There are various primates living within its verdant forests like the Budongo among are over 610 chimpanzees, in addition to 451 bird species including 23 Albertine rift endemics.
Things to do there:
Game Drives: These are conducted early morning as well as in the early evening offering you a chance to enjoy up-close views of the different animals. The Delta area, Buligi Penisular and the southern sector are the main game viewing areas.
Waterfall Boat Cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls: Getting on a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls National Park is such a remarkable activity. The boat cruises cost $30 per person at time of writing, which is exclusive of refreshments, however drinks are offered to all passengers on board for a reasonable fee.
Cultural Tours: Enjoy thrilling energetic cultural dances by the Mubako as you sit by a campfire, village tours to see the traditional lifestyle of the locals and the crafts shop by the Boomu Women’s Group
Chimpanzee Tracking: Within the verdant forest of budongo are some of the best Chimpanzee Tracking Tours conducted in Uganda. You will enjoy up-close encounters with these great apes.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: Enjoy an aerial view of the park’s beautiful landscape and large numbers of wildlife at day break. This ride costs between $380 and $400.
Bird Watching: With various species including Albertine Rift endemics, water birds and savanna forest birds. Birders will surely be well rewarded. Bird watching can be done during the launch cruise and game drives.
Nature Walks & Hikes: The park offers several trails that can be explored on foot through the Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests to see birds and primates