MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Located in the northwestern part of Uganda to be specific 90km from Masindi town, this is the largest national park in Uganda. The park has a variety of untamed African savannah and most of the tourists who happen to visit Uganda’s national parks have proved that it is the best safari destination in Uganda.

Murchison Falls National Park is got from the dramatic Murchison Falls which are located within the park. These falls are beautiful and are formed at a point where the world's longest river explodes. Where a narrow gorge that flows down to become a River. Its banks are blessed with hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and buffalos.
The vegetation comprise of Savannah, riverine forest and woodland. Large mammals in this area also include lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, cape buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda cobs, chimpanzees etc.

The park is blessed with 450 bird species and 76 mammal species. The Murchison falls National Park together with Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves form the Murchison Falls Protected Area.
Wildlife was hunted down in the 1970s and 1980s which slowed down the animal populations but have been recovered for example, from the lush Borassus grassland to the north of the Nile, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and a variety of antelopes are usually seen during game drives, while lions are on an increase daily.

Rabongo Forest which is situated in the South-east of the park harbors a number of primates such as chimpanzees and other rainforest creatures.
The Nile itself also harbors one of Africa's densest hippos, crocodile populations, and a dazzling variety of water birds such as the African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer and the rare shoebill stork which can easily be noticed at the banks of the river. Other bird species that can be seen include Silver Bird, Blue-napped Mouse birds, Grey-crowned Crane, Bluff-bellied Warblers, Goliath Heron, Black-headed Batis, Black-headed Gonolek, Green-winged Ptyilia, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Long-toed Plover, etc.

To access the falls
The park is accessed by both road and air transport. It’s approximately a 5hrs drive from Kampala. Para is 85km from Masindi town by the direct route. The longer route passes through Budongo forest and enjoys spectacular view across Lake Albert from the rift valley escarpment above Butiaba. You can also approach Para from the north, via Chobe Gate near Karuma Falls and Tangi Gate near Pakwach and Wankwar Gate near Purongo. For travelers interested to travel by air, private charter flights can be arranged from Entebbe International airport to the park.

Flora and fauna
Murchison falls national park is covered by savanna woodland, river/ wetland and tropical forests habitant which are homes to 76 mammal species and 450 bird species. They are also large mammals for example lions, leopards, elephants, hippopotamus, Rothschild’s giraffe, cape buffaloes etc.

Activities in the park
Game drives
The park offers you an early morning and evening game drive on the Buligi, Albert and Queen's tracks north of the river Nile which gives you a chance to view a variety of game.
There are also Picnic activities at the Nyamsika Cliffs which also give you a chance to view elephants and other game on the grassy hillsides and the sand river below.

Trips on the Nile
These trips from Para to the bottom of Murchison Falls are the major activity at the Murchison Falls. On the trip many hippos and crocodiles can be seen as well as buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks and birds such as Cormorants, Herons, Fish Eagles, Bee-eaters, Kingfishers, water ducks, and the rare Shoebill etc.

Fishing
Fishing can be carried in Murchison falls national park, where different fish species such as the Nile Perch and tiger-fish provide an exciting challenge to the visitors. For travelers interested in fishing don’t forget your fishing equipment.

Nature walks.
The park gives you an opportunity to explore the wild in Murchison Falls while on foot. Walks at Para, the top of falls offers a memorable experience to visitors as they pass through riverine forests, gullies and low hills. During nature walks different animals, birds and plants can be viewed. There is also chimpanzee tracking from Kaniyo Pabidi to undisturbed and pollution free trees within Budongo Forest Reserve. While tracking of attractive features which can be viewed in the forest include mature Mahogany and ironwood trees as well as many forest birds, including the White-thighed Hornbill, Chocolate backed Kingfisher, and Puvel’s Illadopsis that are rare in other parts of Africa.

Camping
This activity can also be carried out at the campsite found in Kaniyo Pabidi. At the campsite water and firewood are available. Therefore for visitors interested in camping don’t forget your equipments.

Forest trails
Rabongo Forest Ecotourism Centre a guided forest helps you to explore the forest on foot. Different primates such as Baboons, Red-tailed monkeys, Black & White Colobus monkeys, and occasionally Chimpanzees can be seen as well as birds, medicinal plants and trees are all available in this forest.

Accommodation
UWA provides camp sites at the top of the fall, Rabongo forest and delta point. Budget accommodation and camping is available at red chilli rest camp and Kaniyo Pabidi camp. More up market accommodation is provided by Nile safari camp, Sambiya River and Para safari lodges. Recommended places are the Masindi hotel and court view hotel.