Murchison Falls National Park lies at Uganda’s northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park. It measures approximately 3,840 square kilometers (1,480 sq mi). Also in the park, adjacent to the Masindi-Gulu Highway, are the Karuma Falls.
First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 birds.
The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centerpiece of the park and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert.
The first European explorers to visit the area were British explorers John Hanning Speke and James Grant, who traveled along the Nile River in the 1860s. They were the first Europeans to document the spectacular Murchison Falls, named after the president of the Royal Geographical Society, Sir Roderick Murchison.
Murchison Falls National Park was established in 1952, making it one of Uganda’s oldest national parks. Originally known as Kabalega Falls National Park, the park was renamed Murchison Falls National Park in honor of the dramatic waterfall that is its most famous feature.
Wildlife to see in Murchison falls national park.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to an impressive diversity of mammal species, including several iconic African species. These include four of the Big Five: African elephants, lions, leopards, and African buffalo. Other large mammals found in the park include giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, waterbucks, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthogs, bushbucks, and Oribis.
Chimpanzees These highly intelligent primates inhabit the dense forests of the Budongo Forest Reserve, which is located within the boundaries of the park. Guided chimpanzee trekking tours are available for visitors interested in observing these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
Olive Baboons are one of the most common primate species found in the park. These social primates are often seen in troops roaming the savannah grasslands and woodlands, foraging for food and interacting with one another.
Vervet Monkeys are another primate species that can be found in Murchison Falls National Park. These agile and adaptable monkeys are known for their distinctive black faces, silver-gray fur, and long tails. They are often seen in groups, moving through the trees in search of fruits, leaves, and insects.
Birds
With over 450 bird species recorded, Murchison Falls National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park’s diverse habitats, including riverine forests, savannah grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands, support a wide variety of bird species. Some notable bird species found in the park include the shoebill stork, Goliath heron, African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, African jacana, saddle-billed stork, grey crowned crane, and Abyssinian ground hornbill.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The park is home to a variety of reptile and amphibian species, many of which can be found near water sources such as the Nile River and the park’s numerous wetlands. These include Nile crocodiles, African rock pythons, monitor lizards, chameleons, various frog species, and several species of turtles and tortoises.
Fish
The Nile River, which runs through Murchison Falls National Park, supports a diverse fish community. Visitors to the park may encounter species such as Nile perch, tigerfish, catfish, tilapia, and various species of cichlids while boating or fishing on the river.
Plants and Trees
The park is characterized by a variety of vegetation types, including savannah grasslands, woodlands, riverine forests, and wetlands. The vegetation provides habitat and food for the park’s diverse wildlife. Common plant species found in the park include acacia trees, mahogany trees, fig trees, palm trees, grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers.
Amazing things to do in Murchison falls
Game Drives
Embark on guided game drives through the park’s savannah grasslands and woodlands to search for iconic African wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and various antelope species. Game drives offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active.
Boat Safaris
Take a boat on this stretch of the Nile river that provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes and buffaloes; while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents
Boat safaris also provide stunning views of Murchison Falls and the surrounding landscape, offering a unique perspective of the park’s natural beauty.
Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls:
Embark on a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron below. The hike offers breathtaking views of the falls and the opportunity to feel the raw power of the rushing water.
Chimpanzee Trekking:
Explore the Budongo Forest Reserve, located within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park, on a guided chimpanzee trekking excursion. Track and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior, ecology, and conservation.
Birdwatching:
With over 450 bird species recorded, Murchison Falls National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. Join a guided birding excursion to spot colorful species such as the shoebill stork, Goliath heron, African fish eagle, and numerous waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.
Visit the Nile Delta Area:
Explore the northern section of the park, known as the Nile Delta, where the Victoria Nile converges with Lake Albert. The delta area is rich in wildlife and offers opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and scenic boat cruises.
