Murchison falls National Park is the largest National Park among the ten we have, and it is situated in the Northwestern part of Uganda, it was started by John Speke and James Grant who were the first European to visit the present day Murchison Falls Conservation Area in the year 1862. Before it was renamed Kabalega National Park and it was Explored by Sir Samuel and his Wife Florence in early 1863 -4, the park was later named by Baker after Geologist Roderick and turned to be Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls Conservation Area comprises of Murchison Falls National Park, Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves. This is where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge and cascades down to become a placid river whose banks are thronged with hippos and crocodiles, waterbucks and buffaloes. The Park is characterized by savannah, riverine forest and woodland vegetation cover. Wildlife includes Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Giraffes, and Antelopes like the Jackson’s hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, and the Chimpanzees in the Budongo forest, and many bird species.
The Murchison Falls National Park, also referred to as the Kabarega National Park, has a waterfall found on the course of the great Nile. It actually breaks the stunning Victoria Nile that flows across Uganda’s northern region from the vast Lake Victoria to the deep Lake Kyoga and continuing to the northern tip of Lake Albert within the western arm of the great East African Rift valley right on the peak of the Murchison Falls. The waters of the Nile force their way through a small slit within the rocks, which is just 6 meters and topples to 40 meters below with a thunderous roar forming a residual water stray that forms a beautiful rainbow. The view is very breathtaking and from here it continues its westward into Lake Albert.
The Lake Victoria outlet sends about 300 cubic meters per second of water to these falls and all this volumes squeezed through this gorge that is actually less than 10 meters wide. These waterfalls are located within the Murchison National Park which was actually named after these eye- catching waterfalls. This is the area where the huge Bunyoro escarpment joins together into the vast Acholi plains, the National Park is recognized as one of the best destination in Uganda and it is well visited. When you visit Uganda the Pearl of Africa Murchison Falls National Park is a must go for Uganda Wildlife Safaris. In 1926, the Park was a game reserve established to shelter the savannah grassland which was pointed out by Winston Church chill in the year 1907 as the grand Kew Gardens together with the wildlife combined on a confined land.
Murchison falls boat cruise on the Nile
Murchison Falls National Park has inland waters which is surrounded by Victoria Nile, therefore boat cruise is an activity that can be done by the tourists and it takes three hours. Private boats on addition can also be hired to spot water animals such as hippos, crocodiles and many other animals which flop the river bank for drinking water.
Game drive
Murchison Falls National Park is a nice place for game drives take a drive and try out look for wild animals including Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Giraffes, Uganda kobs, Waterbuck, Jackson’s hurtbeast, the visitors can also spot different species of birds over 450 in number.
Nature Walk
The guided nature walk at Murchison Fall can be done at Budogo forest that normally takes two to four hours with number of different tree species including fig trees, mahogany trees, Albania trees, Alstonia Bonei, velvet monkeys, Black and white Columbus moneys, and the Chimpanzee as well.
Community Visits
Murchison Falls National Park is surrounded by number of tribes, the Alur, Acholi and the Banyoro here people who visit them, experience the original African culture by these tribes and also to know their different way of life, tourist can buy their locally craft made from local materials and go with them for remembrance.
Chimpanzee Trekking
The guided Chimpanzee trekking that can last two to three hours in Budongo forest is also another memorable experience the visitors can enjoy on their visit to the beautiful Murchison Falls National Park.
Sport Fishing
Murchison falls offers sport fishing experience on the Nile, take a chance to enjoy this adventure which is best done in months of December, march, June to October. Visitors are advised to take the fishing adventure with an expert experienced tourist guide who knows more about this activity.
Murchison Falls can be accessed from Kampala by road and the drive takes 5-6 hours and it passes through Budogo forest . Alternatively, a tourist can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba or Bugungu Airfields depending on which lodge you are booked on and this takes you one hour.
Murchison Falls National Park has many options of accommodations where tourist can stay and these include Paraa Safari Lodge, Budogo Eco Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Red chill backpackers and many more other but it depends on the tourist budget.
Murchison Falls National Park is known of its famous activities in East Africa and worldwide which are best done by the tourist all round the year.