Murchison Falls National Park

Background

 

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most stunning national parks that you should consider visiting while on safari in Uganda. The park covers an area of about 3840 square kilometers making it the largest protected area in Uganda. It was established in 1952 and this makes it also one of the oldest national parks in the pearl of Africa.

Murchison Falls National Park is situated in Northwestern Uganda just along the Albertine rift valley approximately 305 kilometers away from Kampala city and about 90 kilometers from Masindi town. Murchison Falls Conservation Area consists of Karuma Wildlife Reserve and Bugungu Wildlife Reserve.

This park derived its name from Murchison falls, one of the most powerful water falls in the world that squeezes itself in a narrow gorge of about 7-8 meters. This park also boasts of its over 145 species of plants, 109 mammal species, 450 bird species, and 53 raptors. A boat cruise to the top of the river Nile, rewards visitors with remarkable views of Nile crocodiles as they are relaxed at the river back, hippos and many aquatic birds. The game drive along the park’s savanna grassland rewards visitors with amazing views of African elephants, lions, leopards, antelope families, buffaloes and giraffes.

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Weather

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Murchison Falls National Park experiences mainly tropical  climate and in most cases the temperatures are uniform all the year round. The day times sees higher temperatures of about 33 degrees Centigrade. The dry season happens between the months of December to February and June to September . During the dry season it is easy to spot wildlife. While the park experiences the wet season during the months April to May and August to October. During this time may not be a nice time to pay a visit to the park as most of the tracks in the park become impassable.

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Activities

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1. Game drives,

Murchison Falls National Park is best known for wildlife viewing experiences and visitors can choose to go for morning or afternoon game drives. While on game drive, you will be amazed by views of several African elephants, large herds of buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, African lions, antelope families, savannah birds and others.

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2.Bird watching 

Birding safaris in Murchison Falls National Park can be done while on game drives or boat cruise. The park boasts of over 450 bird species and some of them include the rare shoebill stork, African darter, secretary bird, osprey, white faced whistling duck, abdim’s stork, yellow billed stork, goliath heron and others.

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3.Boat Cruise to the Top of Nile 

A launch cruise in Murchison Falls National Park takes visitors to the top of the Nile and it rewards visitors with spectacular views of aquatic life. The notable bird species to spot out while on boat cruise include red throated bee-eaters in the Nyamusika cliff, kingfishers, ducks and others. You will also catch a glimpse at hippos, crocodiles and many land wildlife species that roam around the river banks. At the top of the Nile you will be amazed by powerful waterfall-Murchison falls as it plunges thunderously into small gorge of about 8 meters.

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4. Nature Walks 

The best way to explore more about the park is through engaging in nature walks. While on a tour in Murchison Falls National Park, you can walk around the park and discover most of the incredible landscapes and scenery There are many trails that have been set for this experience and you can explore more about the Budongo forest reserve which will reward you with lots of forest birds, chimpanzees and many other primates. Along the bakers trail, you will have a chance to explore the landmarks of Samuel and Florence baker during their time in Murchison falls.

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5. Cultural Encounters

While on safari to Murchison Falls National Park, never forget to visit the Boomu women’s group for cultural experiences. You will also be in position to buy some of the craft products or spend your time with the Mubako.
In conclusion, Murchison Falls National Park is remarkably one of the most spectacular savanna grassland national parks in Uganda that you should consider a must to visit. A visit to this incredible destination rewards visitors with authentic African experiences.