Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park found in north western region and is the largest national park in Uganda covering an estimated 3840 square kilometers. The park was also gazette in 1952 and is home to the world’s most powerful Murchison falls the park’s main attraction although visitors are treated to other breathtaking sceneries including lush green vegetation, woodland that provide a sanctuary to numerous wildlife. Visitors to the park can also enjoy numerous activities such as;

Activities done at the park.

Game drives:

This activity provides visitors with the opportunity of exploring the park enjoying stunning views of its wildlife. You can choose from the morning game drive, afternoon or nocturnal game drives with each offering unique experiences.

The morning game drive often start at 6;30 am offering you the chance of viewing animals at their most active time. Enjoy the cool morning breeze blowing leaves along the foggy roads and listen to the melodious sound of twitting birds in a serene atmosphere empty of interrupting noise of people. You will take a 4WD safari vehicle that enhances your game drive experience by offering incredible views of early rising animals such as giraffes, buffalos, lions, leopards and many more. The nocturnal game drives in the company of armed park rangers offer you the chance to see nocturnal animals in action using spotlights.

Boat cruise

For those who want to experience a thrill on the water will have the opportunity of cruising upstream and downstream to the bottom of the falls and Victoria Nile delta respectively. A boat cruise upstream to the bottom of the falls is sometimes accompanied by an exercising hike back to the top o. The adventure starts at Parra landing site from where you will have one of a kind views of the mighty Murchison falls, watch animals such as huge hippos enjoying a swim, crocodiles lazing on the shores northern bank, aquatic birds including Saddle billed stork, goliath heron, kingfisher of different species among others.

Bird watching

Murchison falls national park hosts about 450 recorded bird species which includes permanent resident birds like Pulvell illadopsis, white crested Turaco, migratory birds, savannah birds and aquatic birds. You can spot the birds during the nature walks, boat cruise and game drives including grey crowned crane, veracious dove, shoebill stork, black billed barbet, shoebill stork, silver bird among others.

Chimpanzee trekking

Trek chimpanzees in the largest mahogany forest in East Africa. Start your day with an early breakfast served at 6:30am and park lunch to go. You will then head to the headquarters for a briefing before the chimpanzee trek. Under the guidance of the park rangers you will maneuver through the forest in search of the habituated chimpanzee family which may take 30min-4hrs depending on their location. After finding them you will get to spend an hour with them observing their behavior as you capture those beautiful moments with your camera. The forest is also home to other primates, birds and plant life which you can explore as you trek.

Nature walks/hiking

Indulge more in what the park offers on foot as you follow well preserved trails guided by a park ranger. You can take nature walks through the parts of Kaniyo, Pabidi and Rabongo forest for a chance to get up close to wildlife such as primates like chimpanzees, black and white colored monkeys, birds like white-thighed hornbill, chocolate backed kingfisher and numerous animals such as elephants, giraffes, warthogs among others. You can also hike back to the top of the falls and experience that provides you with stunning views of the mighty falls, beautiful landscape not found anywhere else in East Africa. Other exciting activities include, Spot fishing Hot air balloons, Culture encounters Nile delta ride for shoe bill trekking.

Best time to visit

The best period to visit Murchison Falls national park is during dry season in the months of June to September and December to February. This due to the fact that during the dry season the vegetation is thinner making it easier to view game and the trails are less muddy. Although the park is open throughout the year even during the wet months.