Murchison Falls National Park

The Murchison Falls National Park is evidently the chief attraction in the Murchison falls conservation area. Karuma and Bugungu wildlife reserves and the Budongo forest are the other portions of this great conservation area. The spectacular Murchison falls are from which the national park derives its name are a spectacular sight to behold – squeezing through a narrow gorge; completed by the formation of a rainbow scene. 76 mammal species have been recorded in Murchison falls including: elephants, hippo, buffalo, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, Rothschild giraffe, olive baboon,   bushbuck, Defassa water buck, Bohor reedbuck, oribi, warthog, side-stripped jackal and vervet monkeys.    Forest primates like chimpanzees, black and white colobus are resident in the Rabongo forest.  460 bird species have been confirmed as residents of the park with the rare shoebill as the most sought for by tourists. Present are the goliath heron, African jacana, African skimmer, piac piac, rock pranticole, black headed gonolek, yellow backed weaver, pied and malachite kingfisher and saddle billed. At particular times of the year a variety of migrant waders occupy the park.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Launch trip on the Nile:        
This is one of the park’s most popular attractions. The trip begins at Paraa to the base of the Murchison falls. Excellent game viewing opportunities availed on this cruise. Large pods of hippo, large Nile crocodiles, buffalo, waterbuck, kob, giraffe, bushbuck, black and white colobus and if you are lucky a lion or leopard. The papyrus lined banks are habitat to birdlife in thousands; the rare shoe bill being the most sought for.

Hike to the top of the falls:
A spectacular opportunity to view the Murchison falls, complete with a rainbow scene. Opportunities to picnic are possible at the specially designated spot for this activity.

Cruise to the top of the falls:
Offers an excellent view from the boat. Watch the Nile squeeze into the narrow escarpment to form the Murchison falls. Ardent bird watchers can spot raptors and swallows at this spot.

Game drives:
Best views on the northern banks of the Nile. Opportunities to view wildlife with especially morning and evening drives being most rewarded. Best done with the aid of a ranger guide since they have the skill of even spotting camouflaged animals like lions and are well conversant with the park routes.

Sport Fishing:
Allowed at a specific spot on the Nile with permission from the park authorities. Please carry your own gear. Nile perch and tiger fish are the main challenge here.