Situated close to the Albertine Rift valley in northern Uganda is the Murchison Falls National Park. It was designated as a wildlife reserve in 1926 and received its first national park designation in 1952, making it the largest and oldest national park in Uganda. The Victoria Nile, which separates the park into its northern and southern halves and creates falls that pour over the Western Rift Valley escarpment, splits the park’s 3,840 km2 area. The majestic Murchison Falls is a sight to behold, as the River Nile flings itself in horrifying convulsions across a narrow chasm of 7 metres and then plunges 40 metres in a single, breath-taking leap.
Open savannah grassland, acacia trees, and borassus palms cover the northern sector, which has made game drives easier and allowed for the presence of numerous animal species, including elephants, giraffes, leopards, warthogs, lions, giraffes, Aardvarks, pangolins, civets, buffalo, hyenas, oribi, patas monkeys, and Uganda Kobs. However, riverine woodland and tropical forests predominate in the southern sector, which makes the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park the best for tourism-related activities.
Between 1898 and 1907, tsetseflies attacked Murchison Falls National Park, giving people sleeping sickness. It compelled the colonial government to expel people from the 13,000 square kilometres of territory surrounding the Victoria Nile in 1907. The huge amount of unclaimed land on the southern bank led to the creation of the Bunyoro Wildlife Reserve in 1907. Later in 1928, the reserve was expanded to include the northern bank and sector. The 4,750 square kilometre Bunyoro-Gulu Wildlife Reserve was given name for the entire reserve.
After the Ugandan Parliament passed the National Park Act later in 1952, the reserve was turned into a Nationa Park (Murchison Falls National Park), which included Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Tourism Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Boat cruise on Victoria Nile
One of the best things to do in Africa is to take a launch excursion upstream to the falls. journey by boat to the Murchison Falls. As you cruise to the bottom of the 43-meter-high, well-known Murchison Falls, you’ll be closely observed by crocodiles, hundreds of hippos, buffaloes, water birds, elephants, and all the other thirsty wildlife that the Nile attracts. The sounds of thunder will greet you as you approach. a small opening on the Rift Valley escarpment that descends to a bubbling 43-meter-deep pool below. When you take a boat trip downstream to the Nile-Lake Albert delta, you can also see a variety of bird species in this area, including the uncommon shoebill stork, hornbill, cormorant, kingfisher, Goliath heron, Egyptian geese, and pelican bee-eater. It also depicts a traditional vista of the Nile at sunset.
The boat excursion is typically scheduled at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. In order to beat the clock, book a boat excursion to the base of the falls.
Game Drives
Game drives are conducted in the northern section of Murchison Falls National Park, which is an open savannah with a large animal population. All game drives, including those in the morning, evening, and night, last three to four hours. It’s fun to watch the wildlife, especially along the Buligi circuit and on the delta where you can see lions waiting for their prey while they drink water. Other animals you might encounter include hyenas, waterbucks, oribi, bushbucks, Bohor reedbucks, elephants, Cape buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffes, hartebeests, and, if you’re lucky, leopards.
Bird Watching
One of the most significant locations in Uganda for birdwatching is Murchison Falls National Park. Customers can see a variety of bird species on boat rides, game drives, and nature walks, including savannah, woodland, and water birds. The highlight of the Murchison National Park birding tour is the opportunity to see the shoebill stork, which may be seen in a ‘hippo pool’ and while taking a boat ride down the Victoria Nile to the delta. The northern section is home to the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, as well as Secretary Birds, Black-bellied Bustards, Open-billed Storks, and Widow Birds. The Hadada ibis, Egyptian geese, Golaith Heron, Red-throated bee eater, Pied Kingfisher, and others can be seen along the Nile to the base of the falls.
Hiking and Nature walks
Murchison Falls National Park offers a variety of hiking and nature stroll paths. The northern bank offers excellent paths for nature excursions, particularly along the Victoria Nile’s edge. The base of the falls is a great spot to see elephants up close among other wildlife. Additionally, the trails in Rabongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi are ideal for seeing a variety of primates and bird species.
Remember to trek to the top of the falls for the best view of Murchison Falls and to witness Uhuru Falls, which is called for freedom and can only be seen from the top of the falls. This falls was named when Uganda gained its independence.
Chimpanzee Tracking and Chimpanzee Habituation
One of the most thrilling and memorable activities to do while on a safari in the Murchison Falls National Parks is chimpanzee tracking at the Kaniyo Pabidi forest, which is located along the Rabongo forest and is home to numerous chimpanzee families. After observing these primates for an hour, it takes roughly three (3) hours to monitor chimpanzees, who are the closest animals to humans. You will have an orientation from ranger personnel at the Kaniyo Pabidi Eco Site before being led into the forest to primarily seek for chimpanzees. Other primates, such as the olive baboon, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, and black-and-white colobus, will enthral clients as you travel. Potto and several species of forest galago are examples of nocturnal primates.
However, chimpanzee acclimatisation can also take place in this forest. The process of chimpanzee tracking can take a half or full day, but once the primates are located, clients are allowed to spend four hours observing them, for a total of one hour of face time with the primates.
Sport Fishing along the Victoria Nile
In Murchison Falls National Park, sport fishing is fascinating, particularly around the falls’ base. The guide or fisherman will assist you through the entire fishing experience. In order to fish and attract fish, the guide will provide you with fishing gear and bait, such as worms. A great opportunity to catch enormous Nile Perch, also known as Mputa or Cat-Fish (Semutundu), exists if you plan to fish the Avid fisherman. Other fish include tiger fish, ngara (tilapia), and electric catfish.
Hot air balloon safari
A balloon safari provides a clear aerial perspective of Murchison Falls National Park and is an excellent way to celebrate wedding anniversaries, honeymoons, and wildlife viewing. It’s an experience that one will never forget. In accordance with ICAO regulations, balloon safaris in Uganda were first registered by the Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda in 2011. An Ultramagic type M-160 balloon, made in Spain, is in use at Murchison Falls National Park. It can reach altitudes of 10,000 feet above sea level with eight passengers on board, and it can reach at least 1000 feet above tree line for unobstructed views of animals.
Six years old is the minimum age requirement for the balloon safari. Authorities in Egypt and Uganda oversee civil aviation, and professional pilots with over a thousand hours of flight experience are used. Comprehensive flight insurance is also in place, fully protecting passengers, third parties, the balloon, and the pilot.