Murchison Falls National park is situated in the northern part of Albertine Rift Valley, place where the massive Bunyoro escarpment amalgamate into the enormous plains of Acholi land. It is well known to be one of Uganda’s ancient conservation areas. In 1926, it was known as a game reserve set up to protect the savannah grassland that was talked about by Winston Churchill in 1907 as the great Kew Gardens along with the wildlife blended on a restricted land .
The park is acknowledged for receiving prominent international visitors. Winston Churchill is a great man who is accredited for having done activities such as boat cruise, hiking as well as cycling along the Nile corridor of the falls. Later on, he was followed by his predecessor who is believed to have spent a lot of money around US$1.8m on his hunting safari in Uganda.
In 1951, a movie was shot with background scenery of the Murchison falls that was Humphrey Bogart in John Huston’s prominent movie. Another movie was the African Queen which was shot on the vicinity of the Murchison Nile along with Lake Albert. Other vital visitors include the Prince of Wales, Edward VII in 1930, Queen Mother in 1959 and the British royals.
In 1954, Ernest Hemingway also visited the park. The aim of his visit was to enjoy the adventure waterfalls although his plane got a problem on his way to venture the beautiful scenery of the Park. Hemingway and the wife survived and were taken to Butiaba hospital for some treatment.
The park covers an area of about 3,893km2 and its known to be one of Uganda’s well protected area. This area is an addition to Murchison falls thus covering an area of about 5,072km2 including Bugungu as well as Karuma wildlife reserves.
The Albert Nile corridor is on the low plains of about 612m at delta point. The temperatures tend to be hot with a maximum of 29 degrees Celsius and the affected months are December,mid February, June as well as July. The rainy season is between April and November.
Besides the wildlife safari in the northern part of the park where game such as lion, giraffes, elephants, buffalos, bushbucks among others are seen roaming in the vast savannah, Murchison Falls National Park also covers a big part of Budongo Forest which is a hub for various primates. Chimpanzee tracking, which is one of the most exciting primate tracking adventure after gorilla tours is done here in Budongo Forest.
Murchison Falls National park, formely known as Kabalega National parkderives the name from Murchison Falls, which is a 7 meter Canyon where the mighty Nile river forces itself from this narrow gorge powering down with a thunderous roar. These falls are the most powerful falls in the world and are amazing to watch and take video shoots.
The Delta area which form part of Murchison Falls national park is the best place to see the rare shoebill stock. A boat cruise to the Delta area where the shoe bill is sighted offers great opportunity to see game as hippos, crocodiles, lots of bird species among others.
Murchison Falls National Park was formerly full of Rhinos but were depleted in 1970’s due to bad governance. The Rhinos have now since been bled and conserved in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary pending reinstating in Murchison Falls National park. A visit to this park offers an opportunity to pass by Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the Rhinos in their natural environment.
There are different cultural set ups around the park and cultural walks to these unique cultures always offer insight into the different cultures in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National park is thus, the most inclusive park which offers best of wildlife safari in Uganda which can be combined in three days.
Tourist activities
Launch Trip: This 2 hour launch trip begins at Paraa and offers holidaymakers an opportunity to see various wildlife including large numbers of giant crocodiles, hippos and various birds. This offers great photographic opportunities
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. See our 3 Day Murchison Falls Safari.
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 primates.
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
Here accommodation ranges from budget lodges, mid-range lodges and luxury lodges like the Chobe Safari lodge. This great diversity offers accommodation options for all travelers irrespective of your safari budget.
Paraa Safari Lodge and Nile Safari Lodge are among the other luxury facilities, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge and Fort Muchison Safari Lodge are mid-range facilities while Red Chilli Rest Camp, Yebo Safari Camp and Parkside Safari Lodge are the budget facilities.
Book your safari to Murchison falls today.
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