Murchison Falls National Park

1. Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park

Hosting about 76 mammal species, Murchison Falls Park is a great Uganda wildlife safari destination. The four of the “Big Five” sought after Africa safari animals; Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards and Elephants can be seen at Murchison Falls National Park. This is the best place to see the giraffes in Uganda and the world over, the park has the highest population and can only be seen at Murchison Falls Park and Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda.

Several other wildlife species that can be seen in the park include the waterbucks, bushbucks, Uganda Kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthogs, olive baboons, blue and red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, patas monkeys and many more. Aquatic species found in the banks of the Nile River as it continues to flow northwards include the hippos and crocodiles (Uganda’s largest population).

3. Birds in Murchison Falls Park

With the varied habitats, about 450 bird species are present at Murchison Falls National Park. Bird species include water birds like the rare Shoebill stork, Weaver birds, the Grey Crowned Crane (Uganda’s national bird), Malachite Kingfishers, the Blue-headed Coucal, Swamp Flycatcher, African Quail-Finch, Squacco Heron, African Jacana, Black-billed Barbet, Sandpipers, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Denham’s Bustard, Black-headed Gonolek, Red-throated Bee-eater, Eastern Grey Plantain eater, and many more .

There also the Budongo forest 59 restricted range bird species which include the Dwarf Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, White-thighed Hornbill and the Great Blue Turaco. With these several bird species in the park it has attracted many avid birders and becoming a top Uganda birding safaris tours destination.

2. Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls is the highlight of the Murchison Falls Park. Murchison Falls is a beautiful feature formed as the Nile River waters squeeze through a narrow 7 meters (23ft) wide gap of rocks then plunge into what is known as the devils cauldron, 43meter (141ft) below with a thunderous roar, water spray and beautiful rainbow. The falls actually lends its name to the park. The spot is so spectacular for photography and sightseeing.

4. Kaniyo-Pabidi and Budongo forest chimps

The forest trails of Kaniyo-pabidi and Budongo forests south west of Murchison Falls Conservation Area are host to chimpanzees. Chimpanzees can be tracked in the Kaniyo-pabidi and Budongo Forest with about 800 of them living there and habituated for tracking. Within the forest, there about 24 mammal species, 465 plants and 360 birds enriching all kinds of safaris with great memories.

Boat cruises at Murchison Falls National Park
A boat cruise is almost a must do Uganda tour activity on safari itineraries for tourists heading to Murchison Falls Park. Boat cruises set off from the jetty at Paraa on the south bank to the bottom of the mighty Murchison Falls thronged with numerous hippos and crocodiles. A boat cruise can be organized as a visit to the bottom of the falls (upstream) just for spectacular views and aquatic animal seeing or to the Victoria delta that stretches to the shores of Lake Albert (downstream). However, launch trips can also be organized as sundowner trips with snacks, Most popularly following a morning game drive, a boat cruise can be organized to suit a travelers interest. It’s the best way of seeing the world’s strongest waterfall.

Hike to the top of Murchison Falls
A hike to the top of Murchison Falls is becoming the other popular safari activity at the park undertaken just after the boat cruise. In most cases started from the bottom of the Murchison Falls a hike to the top of the falls is one of the active safaris in Uganda as you tourists get a chance to follow a narrow path along strong impermeable rocks on the borders of the gorge that have for centuries stood on the way of the Nile water. The hike takes the route that early explorers like Sir Samuel Baker used to reach the top of the falls with very scenic sights. This is a great opportunity for classic photography.

1. Game drives in Murchison Falls Park
With about 76 mammal species, Murchison Falls Park is a great wildlife sighting area with the most rewarding way being the game drive and the top activity in Murchison Falls Park Uganda. At Murchison Falls Park, there are several trails for game drives that tourist safari vehicles follow to see several wildlife species. The Buligi game tracks are the top wildlife sighting destination stretching from the Victoria and Albert Niles. Stretching for about 120-170km the Buligi tracks pass through open savannah grassland, woodland, acacia and riverine vegetation. On a wildlife safari in Uganda’s Murchison Falls Park, a traveler can choose a morning, evening or night game drive. For the Olive baboons remember to always keep the car windows closed just to make sure your snacks are not grabbed.

A game drive lasts about 2-4 hours, early morning ferry crossing at Paraa may be required and a knowledgeable safari guide is recommended.

Bird watching in Murchison Falls Park Uganda
With about 450 bird species, Murchison Falls Park is a great bird watching tour destination and the other of the top activities in Murchison Falls National Park. Bird species that can be sighted here include the rare Shoebill stork, Weaver birds, the Grey Crowned Crane (Uganda’s national bird), Malachite Kingfishers, the Blue-headed Coucal, Swamp Flycatcher, African Quail-Finch, Squacco Heron, African Jacana, Black-billed Barbet, Sandpipers, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Denham’s Bustard, Black-headed Gonolek, Red-throated Bee-eater, Eastern Grey Plantain eater, and many more. The “Royal Mile” along Budongo forest is a beautiful stretch that is very much rewarding for bird watching.

Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park
For avid anglers on Uganda tours, sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park is rewarding with several opportunities of catching a large Nile Perch. The possible fish types caught on sport fishing include the Nile Perch, Catfish, Tiger fish, Electric cat-fish, Tilapia. The largest fish ever caught was a Nile Perch weighing 113kgs. For sport fishing, anglers are required to have a fishing permit that can be booked early via your Uganda tour operator. Since it’s a sport, the activity includes catching fish by casting lures and other fishing methods. Anglers are advised to carry or hire their fishing equipment.

Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park can be done at any time of the year, though the best time is when water levels are low during the period of mid-January – Early April. The best time of the day for fishing is said to be in the morning and late in the day.

Chimpanzee tracking in Murchison Falls National Park
The forest trails of Kaniyo-pabidi and Budongo forests south west of Murchison Falls Conservation Area are host to chimpanzees. Chimpanzees can be tracked in the Kaniyo-pabidi and Budongo Forest with about 800 of them living there and habituated for tracking. Chimpanzee trekking can be added on a short trip to Murchison Falls Park for a rewarding primate encounter. Budongo forest is also known to be the best chimp destination for chimp sighting and photography.

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Paraa safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Each of the 54 rooms at the Lodge is a haven of style and serenity, complete with a balcony and a private bathroom. The safari décor of the lodge still reflects the bygone era of the early explorers, enshrined with a modern touch to offer memorable comfort moments on safari. Accommodation options at the lodge include cottages (Queen’s cottage), suites, double, twin, single rooms and safari tents.

Baker’s Lodge
Baker’s lodge derives its name from the historic Explorer Samuel Baker. It is situated on the south bank of the mighty Nile River set within a large private area with direct river access. At the lodge, you also have access to views of the nesting egret birds, bathing elephants and pods of hippos. The most memorable thing you can decide to do on your stay at Baker’s Lodge is have a bush dinner.

Murchison River Lodge
Murchison River Lodge is located on the southern bank of the River Nile offering comfortable and relaxing mid-range accommodation. The Lodge is well set with en-suite thatched cottages (with solar fans and USB port), thatched safari tents each with private facilities and comfortable camping tents already set up though a traveler can bring in their own tents. The Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for families, couples, groups and solo travelers. The Lodge also has a bar and restaurant, swimming pool and craft shop.

Fort Murchison Lodge
Fort Murchison Lodge is set on the Eastern banks of the slow flowing Albert Nile. The massive tower, the earth colored walls, the touch of Swahili style will impress you from your arrival up to your departure.

Red Chilli Rest Camp
Red Chilli Rest Camp is superbly situated at Paraa on the southern bank of the River Nile in the heart of the park. The Lodge is just 500 meters from the Paraa ferry where all vehicles cross the Nile for game drives, boat cruises and sport fishing. Red Chilli Rest Camp has a fully stocked bar and restaurant, a bonfire is lit in the evening, solar hot water systems, modern toilets, showers and a lot more.

Heritage Safari Lodge
The accommodation at Heritage Safari Lodge consists of luxurious and standard cottages as well as tents. The cottage give guests a 180 degree view; to the east, the early morning sunrise and hot spring, to the immediate south right in front of the cottages the hot spring a s it flows into the Nile and to the West the Albert Nile itself with the community in their canoes going about their daily routine. The cottages are designed to allow unique and flexible bedding arrangement to suit each guest’s unique requirements.