Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda Wildlife Safaris - Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda is a big, important place. It started off as a wildlife reserve in 1926, then became a national park in 1952. Now, it's the biggest protected area in Uganda, covering 3,840 square kilometers.
The park sits in a special spot where the Bunyoro Escarpment meets the flat plains of the savannah. Back in the 1960s, there were too many animals here, so some elephants and hippos had to be controlled. But then, there were years of fighting which made things worse for the animals.
Thankfully, things got better when peace came back. Now, the animals are doing well again. Elephants are increasing, and there are lots of Rothschild giraffes, which are only found here and in another place called Kidepo. Buffalo and Ugandan kob populations are also growing. There are about 200 lions in the park, spread out in groups called prides. Sometimes, people even see leopards here.
Murchison Falls National Park is in the northwest part of Uganda, near Lake Albert. You can get there by car or plane. If you drive, it takes about 5 hours on good roads, and you can stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary along the way. If you fly, you'll land at Pakuba Airfield, where a guide will pick you up and take you to the park.
Once you're in the park, you'll see lots of animals. There are monkeys, birds, and many other creatures. The Victoria Nile River flows through the park and makes the famous Murchison Falls. It's a beautiful place to visit, with grasslands, forests, and lots of wildlife.
Murchison Falls National Park is special because it's home to many different animals and plants. It's a great place to go on a safari and see nature up close. And did you know? Some scenes from the movie "The African Queen" were filmed here in the 1950s.
Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park
Game drives in murchison falls national park are great for spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and Ugandan kob antelope. There aren't any rhinos here, but sightings of leopards are increasing, and rhinos from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary may soon make appearances. Bird enthusiasts will love the Budongo Forest Reserve, where you can also search for chimpanzees in the southern part of the park. While many visitors stay for just a couple of nights, you could stay longer and still not want to leave.
Activities in Murchison FallsNational Park
Sport Fishing:
In Uganda's Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo National Parks, you can try sport fishing. Catch fish like mud fish, tiger fish, tilapia, and Nile perch. The best time is usually January to April when the water is clear.
Nature Hikes:
At Murchison Falls National Park, join guided walks to spots like Rabongo Forest, Budongo Forest's Kaniyo Pabidi, and the Nile delta. Explore landscapes, see primates like chimpanzees and monkeys, and spot birds like the grey long bill and shoebill stork.
Bird Watching:
Murchison Falls National Park hosts around 450 bird species. Watch them from safari vehicles, boats, or on foot. Spot birds like the African darter, martial eagle, and secretary bird.
Top of the Falls:
Take the top of the falls route for an amazing view. It's a short journey with camping grounds and picnic areas.
Cultural Encounters:
Visit villages near Murchison Falls National Park to learn about local lifestyles and cultures. The Boomu Women’s Group offers tours and sells locally made crafts.