Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, located in the northwestern part of the country. It is named after the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking waterfall. Murchison Falls Park offers a combination of stunning natural landscapes, exciting wildlife encounters, and unique experiences along the Nile River. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking a true wilderness experience in Uganda.

What to Do in Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls

The park is famous for the iconic Murchison Falls, a powerful waterfall where the Victoria Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge, plunging down into a pool 43 meters below. Visitors can take a boat cruise or hike to the top of the falls to witness this incredible natural wonder up close.

Wildlife

Murchison Falls Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and various antelope species, including Uganda kob and Jackson’s hartebeest. The Nile River is also inhabited by hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Boat Safaris

Boat safaris along the Nile River are a popular activity in Murchison Falls Park. The boat cruises provide excellent game viewing opportunities, allowing visitors to see animals drinking at the river’s edge and a variety of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

Budongo Forest Reserve

A section of Murchison Falls National Park, known as the Budongo Forest Reserve, is a pristine tropical rainforest. It is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in Uganda and offers chimpanzee trekking experiences. Guided walks through the forest also provide opportunities to spot other primates, such as baboons and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Bird watching

Murchison Falls Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 450 bird species recorded. The park is home to a variety of waterbirds, raptors, and forest-dwelling species. Birdwatchers can expect to see species like the Goliath heron, African fish eagle, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and many others.