Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest game reserve famous for its scenic views of Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park is named after the famous falls where the Victoria Nile rushes through a narrow, 20-foot- (6-m) wide rock gorge with tremendous force to crash on the rocks 150 feet (45 m) below. Fish dazed by this fall are easy prey to one of the largest concentrations of crocodile on the continent.
Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park covers approximately 1500 square miles (3885 km²) of predominantly grassy plains and savannah woodlands with altitudes ranging from 1650 to 4240 feet (500 to 1292 m). Riverine forest lines some parts of the Victoria Nile, which traverses the park from east to west.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest – Budongo Forest found in Murchison Falls National Park, is the biggest Mahogany forest found in the whole of East Africa as well as habitat to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. The major tourist sites within this forest are: the Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site, Busingiro Ecotourism site and Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site which are located at boundaries to Murchison Falls National Park and dominated by Mahogany and Iron-wood trees. The 115 kilometer expanse is a remote chunk of the Budongo forest. Its isolation once in a while offers a safe haven for the Lions, Leopards as well as Buffaloes. Early in the morning is the ideal time to set out touring because then you will have an opportunity to find a number of the forest inhabitants licking salt by the forest glades. River Waiga offers refreshment to the various Uganda safaris wildlife species within this forest.
In addition to Murchison Falls, a highlight of the park is the 3-hour, 7-mile (11 km) launch trip from Paraa Lodge to the foot of the falls. Numerous crocodile and hippo in the river and along its banks, as well as buffalo, elephant, and prolific bird life (over 400 species), can be approached closely.
Another great excursion is a six-hour launch trip from Paraa Lodge to the delta where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert. Shoebills (whale-headed storks) are often seen on this trip.
Murchison Falls National Park is also home to giraffe, waterbuck, oribi, hartebeest and Uganda kob. Record Nile perch over 200 pounds (90 kg) have been caught in the Nile. Some of the best fishing is just below Karuma Falls and just below Murchison Falls.
The easiest time to view animals in Murchison Falls is January-February; the short dry season from June to July is also good. From March to May, the landscape is more attractive but the wildlife is less concentrated.
Park headquarters and the most extensive road system for game viewing are near the Paraa Lodge. The Buligi Circuit takes one to the confluence of the Albert and Victoria Niles. Waterfowl are especially abundant, along with a variety of game.
Best Time To Visit
June, July, August and September are the peak months as they are generally dry (though rain can fall at any time), and coincide with school holidays. This is the best time to visit Uganda, but book well in advance, especially if tracking gorillas – as gorilla permits will sell out months in advance. Read More
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