Murchison Falls National Park

From the Karuma Bridge in the west to Lake Albert in the east, the breathtaking Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP) runs around 100km along the Victoria Nile. Covering a vast 3,840 square kilometer area, it is the largest protected area in Uganda and among the most fascinating spots one may visit there. In the middle of the park is the amazing sensory-exploding natural wonder known as Murchison Falls.

At Murchison Falls, the great Nile River—wide and fast—becomes a hypnotic cascade of white water that thrunders and froths. Thunders down a Rift Valley Escarpment generate an effervescent and amazing show of force and beauty. Because of their mesmerizing display, this waterfall is among the most beautiful ones in East Africa.

From land or water, Murchison Falls National Park Uganda offers many chances for wildlife viewing. Along the northern bank of the Nile, visitors may witness several types of wildlife including lions, elephants, hippos, buffalo, and Rothschild’s giraffes. There are many unforgettable opportunities to see these amazing animals in the many locations of the park.

On a safari at Murchison Falls National Park, also the largest section of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), one may see amazing species. Within this conservation area, south of Murchison Falls National Park, you can discover the Bugungu and Karuma wildlife parks, collectively spanning more than 750 square kilometers. Among the main attractions in Bugungu and Karuma is Kaniyo Pabidi Forest. Comprising more than eighty habituated chimpanzees, it offers guests an opportunity once in a lifetime to see these fascinating primates in their natural environment. Furthermore, a lot of various types of woodland birds make the forest home, hence birdwatchers should be ready to find a great variety of species here.

Particularly among the more than 550 bird species recorded inside the MFCA, the shy shoebill is guaranteed to satisfy bird enthusiasts. Common sight in the delta, where the Nile joins Lake Albert, the odd-looking waterbird accentuates the park’s distinctiveness and appeal.

Park Habitat and Wildlife

Based on recent survey results published in 2022, the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA) contains an amazing range of plant and animal species. Amazingly, the park has 556 different types of birds, 144 different species of animals, 51 different types of reptiles, and 51 different types of amphibians. Though certain big animal populations still need to completely recover from past declines, generally the numbers are really amazing. Aerial surveys indicate that the African elephant count in MFCA has been rising from 900 in 2010 to 1,330 in 2013.

Popular attraction at MFCA are Nubian giraffes, also known as Rothschild’s giraffes. There this threatened species is flourishing really well. Based on aerial surveys, the giraffe population in 2012 was the highest of its species worldwide—an estimated 1,000 individuals. To boost tourism and conservation efforts, twenty giraffes were relocated from their typical north-of- the-Nile habitat to their new southern residence in January 2016. The intention was to establish a second free-ranging population and draw more people to the surroundings.

From fewer than 4,000 in 1999 to over 10,000 now, the buffalo population has also expanded noticeably. In a similar line, Uganda’s kobs rose sharply from 7,500 to over 35,000 throughout the same era. The population is still very substantial, with an estimated 150–200 lions dispersed among 15–20 prides; leopards and spotted hyenas are also rather common. The park also has several antelope species including Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, bushbuck, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, and warthog. The diversity of the park is enhanced by the vervet monkeys, Anubis baboons, and patas monkeys found in the areas of savannahs and forests.

The Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi woods provide shelter to black-and- white colobus monkeys, chimps, and other forest-dwelling primates, therefore giving guests a unique opportunity to see these incredible species in their natural habitat.

Attractions Within Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls

Set out an amazing journey by boat to the foot of Murchison Falls, a focal point of the park since its opening. From the first voyage the Queen Mother took in 1959, this three-hour round-trip has enthralled visitors and promised an unforgettable experience. As the boat gently cruises eastward, viewers of the traditional African scene may see Paraa leaving and headed down the Nile. Along the riverbanks, towering mahogany trees, vast acacia forests, and enormous borassus palms provide an amazing backdrop for the adventure to come.

As the boat glides down the river, reports of many animals abound. The sight of hundreds of hippos sunbathing themselves in the water next to some of the largest crocodiles in Africa will surprise you. Small herds of buffalo, waterbuck, and kob graze along the shore; amid the rich vegetation one frequently finds giraffes, bushbucks, and black-and- white colobus monkeys. Regularly and frequently immediately next to the boat, you will see the amazing display of elephants splashing around in the lake. The excitement of the search accentuates the experience even if seeing lions or leopards calls for a bit more luck.

Along the Nile, you are about to experience a sensory feast with similarly remarkable birds. Usually observed are saddle-billed storks, African jacanas, Goliath herons, and African fish eagles; although, the exact species may vary depending on the time of year and sandbank exposure. Among the species that grace the riverbanks are African skimmers, piacpiacs, and rock pratincoles; pied and malachite kingfishers deftly dart along them. Have your binoculars near at hand for a look at black-headed gonoleks, black-winged red bishops, yellow-mantled widow-birds, and yellow-backed weavers. Migrants waders improve the diversity of birds found in coastal areas when the seasons are suitable.

Between Paraa and the falls, the remarkably vivid red-throated bee-eaters find nesting habitat on the sandbars. This is an extraordinary opportunity to see these amazing birds in their natural habitat. Of course, the majestic shoebill is the ultimate prize in birds; while less numerous than in the delta, especially in the dry season, it is nevertheless feasible to see.

Activities Within Murchison Falls National Park

Bird Watching

The park is a birdwatcher’s dream come true because it features about 450 different species. Among the somewhat famous species are the African fish eagle, the Goliath heron, and the shoebill stork.

The rich birdlife of MFCA will captivate birdwatchers. The area of river between Nile Safari Lodge and the Lake Albert Delta offers decent possibilities of seeing the greatly sought-after shoebill. There are a great range of water-related birds found on riverbanks, and 53 raptors have been recorded there.

MFNP is nirvana for birners with sightings of the uncommon white-crested turaco, red-headed lovebird, and red-winged grey warbler. These species frequent the riparian woodlands along the south bank, which enhances the attraction of the park to birdwatchers.

On the northern plains one may find many significant bird species like black-headed lapwing, Denham’s bustard, black-billed barbet, and Abyssinian ground hornbill. A great range of woodland birds calls the Kaniyo Pabidi forest home, including the green-breasted pitta and chocolate-backed kingfisher as well as the Puvel’s illadopsis, endemic to East Africa.

The delta area of Murchison Falls National Park is a birdwatcher’s dream come true with a great range of avian life. Two of the ground birds that enthrall the imagination are the magnificent Abyssinian ground hornbill with its ridiculous eye-fluttering display and the elegant grey-crowned crane, a symbol of grandeur in African mythology. Denham’s bustards’ unique beauty is on show as they gallop over the grass, while saddle-billed storks quietly survey the marshlands. Notable sightings also include black-headed and spur-winged lapwings as well as Senegal thick-knee.

Walking into the tall acacia stands that encircle the Albert Nile Track—which is situated just north of the junction of Queen’s Track—you can discover a rainbow of woodland birds. Among these are the underbrush shy black-billed barbet and the striking colors of the swallow-tailed, northern Carmine, blue-breasted, and red-throated bee-eaters. Search for herds of grazers, particularly buffalo; then, follow flocks of piapiacs, red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers, and cow egrets feeding on the insects the animals draw.

A great range of ducks, waders, herons, and egrets calls the park’s many small ponds, rivers, lakes, and other aquatic settings home. Admire in astonishment as the great African fish eagle flies overhead, surveilling its area, and see marsh harcers fly over the lake, seeking for their next meal.

For passionate birdwatchers, a leisurely drive along the Victoria Nile Track extension offers unparalleled opportunity for birding. This hidden gem branches southwest from a junction that is easy to overlook but well worth the search around 1.5 km south of Hippo Point. From the papyrus-lined Victoria Nile, the three-kilometer path winds till it stops 200 meters from the riverside at a seasonal hipposwamp. Often seen here, shoebills—so called for their odd look—soaring over the delta or standing motionless amid the papyrus beds. Often perched close to the hippo pool, this amazing bird adds to the appeal of this intriguing location for birding. The lone osprey. Search for it closely.

Game Drives

The Delta Circuit and the Buligi region in northern Murchison Falls National Park are the most popular and effective circuits for game viewing as they provide unequaled advantages for game drives.

Most Murchison Falls’ wildlife display takes place in the large grasslands of the Buligi region, just north of the Nile Reachable from the Pakwach Road to the north of the ferry crossing, the path to Buligi meanders across breathtaking landscape dotted with tall borassus palms. Search for the rare whistling acacia, which when the wind blows over their aerated pods create a soft whistling sound.

As you enter the Buligi region, many trails intersect to provide several paths to the delta. For those with limited time, the 10-kilometer core Queen’s Track is a quite simple and effective method of game viewing.

Arriving at the grassy peninsula, flanked by the delta to the south and the Albert Nile to the north, you will discover a rich ecosystem bursting with life. Stop at the unmarked Hippo Point viewpoint to see the shallow reed beds’ array of birds and hippos. Often spotted in this area are Jackson’s hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck, and Ugandan kob in great numbers.

Rare sight seen elsewhere in Africa, the amazing flocks of giraffes—often exceeding 50 or more—demand ready cameras. Buffalo herds travel the delta, offering views of some of the most identifiable species in Africa, with their own genetic traits.

The availability of kob drives many lion prides to frequent the delta area. Look for the obvious signals of their existence, including alert kobs with high-pitched alarms noises. The existence of local patas monkey tribes and side-striped jackals in the nearby adds even more variation in the sightings.

Along the road, roadside waterholes draw a wide range of species including giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous varieties of antelope. As you approach Wankwar Gate, the animal sightings may fade, but the memories of your safari trip will endure a very long time.

Trekking and Nature Tours

One may experience the many varied locations and landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. Every action you do will expose a fresh adventure just waiting for you. Don your climbing boots and take in the stunning surroundings of this amazing desert.

Discover the lovely paths among the Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo Forests. Apes, birds, and other creatures abound at every step. Walking over these unspoiled forests, it is advised that you pay attention to the noises of the surroundings.

The uncommon Shoebill may be seen if you go on planned swamp tours near the Nile-Lake Albert Delta. The treks go two to four hours. When the water level is low, if you pay great attention while you stroll over the marshes, you may come across this exquisite bird.

Trekking 45 minutes throughout the forest would help you to reach the peak of Murchison Falls. See the overwhelming force of nature as white water waves smash across the six-meter gap to produce an incredible display that will leave you gasping. As you go, feel the rock underfoot tremble, sense the spray on your face, and hear a deafening roar. Your eye will be drawn to the waterfall’s natural splendor as you marvel at it over the opening. Suck in the cold spray on your lips and listen to the sound of the falls. This reflects the actual strength of Mother Nature.

Stop on the north bank during your game drive and go down a flight of stairs to reach right up to the thundering waves if you choose a more laid-back experience. As you gaze up close and appreciate its natural beauty, feel the power of the falls coursed through you.

Starting short walks on the south side at Sambiya River Lodge or Mubako Junction, birdwatchers and others who like the natural surroundings may From Paraa, beyond the Emmy River, you might also stroll along the north bank and take in the silence of the surroundings. These laid-back paths, with treks ranging in length between 1.5 and 2 hours, are the ideal approach to connect with the environment and take in Murchison Falls National Park’s views on foot.