MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK GUIDE

Plan your tour to Murchison falls National Park if you're seeking a vacation along the Great Nile River.

Murchison falls gives you the chance to view one of the most phenomenal sights along the course of the Nile River!

At this spot within the park, you will be able to see the Great Nile as it explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment.

Murchison Falls National Park

Additionally, Murchison Falls is the best and yet the most affordable tourism destination for Chimp tracking in the whole of East Africa.

In this guide we give you Tips and useful Information to help you plan an exciting African tourism travel to Murchison falls National Park.

You will find



Overview

Murchison falls is Uganda’s largest national park which covers 3840sq km and embraces the Bugungu and Karuma wildlife reserve and the Budongo forest.

Murchison falls is located in the north western part of the country approximately 90 km from Masindi town.

It protects a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty river Nile.

The water fall for which the park is named is the most beautiful eye beholder, where the world's longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below.



When to visit ?

Any time of the year.



Getting there and away!

It is a long day’s drive from Kampala via Masindi to Hoima.

If you are going to use the public transport, there are regular buses from Kampala to Masindi which takes about 3-4hrs drive or the Post Bus from Kampala via Masindi to Hoima. The Kampala – Gulu highway was recently tarmacked which makes the journey bearable.

At the Kafu Bridge there is a junction road to Masindi, from Masindi you can take the regular mini-bus taxis that run between Hoima & Masindi.

They are available through out the morning and early afternoon and the trip takes around 2.5 – 3 hrs.

If you are heading from Fort portal to Murchison Fall or the Budongo forest you could bypass Masindi by using one of the mini-buses that leave Hoima for wasenko.

Another option is to use the private means, car hire/ tour safaris from Kampala which takes you directly to Murchison falls with only few breaks either in Masindi or Hoima for your convenience.



Other attractions within Murchison Falls National Park

While in this park you will be able to see a profusion of

  • Hippos,

  • crocodiles,

  • Water birds,

  • oribi,

  • Bohor reedbuck,

  • Defassa water buck,

  • warthog and

  • The elusive shoebill.

Less frequently you will see

  • The leopards,

  • Spotted hyenas and

  • The local patas monkeys.



Budongo Forest

At the southern extension of Park you will find another major attraction in the Murchison region and this is the Budongo forest.

Budongo forest harbors one of the most varied forest faunas in East Africa and different bird species.

Budongo makes Murchison falls National Park an interesting place for birdwatchers.



Rabongo Forest

You will find Rabongo Forest south east within Murchison falls National Park.

This forest is home to the

  • black–white colobus,

  • chimps

  • and other rainforest creatures.

shoebill Bird at Murchison Falls National Park

Tip

The River Nile itself hosts one of Africa’s densest crocodile and hippos’ populations, not forgetting the water birds including the world's most accessible wild population of the rare shoebill stork.


Interesting activities to do while in Murchison.

Boat trips

Your Boat trips down the waters of Lake Albert and to its delta will give you the best opportunity to view the elusive shoebill in Africa.

Chimp tracking

Rabongo Forest and Budongo forest will offer one of the best and most affordable chimp tracking experience in East Africa.

Game viewing

The good road network within the lush borassus grassland to the north of the Nile River will offer good game drives.

During your game drives at Murchison falls National Park you will get the chance to see wide variety of mammals including

  • Elephants

  • Lions,

  • Buffalo,

  • Rothschild’s giraffe,

  • Side- striped jackal,

  • Vervet monkeys,

  • Baboons and

  • a variety of antelopes.



Bird watching

The regular launch trips to the base of the falls will offer you fine views for bird watching at Murchison falls National Park.



Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

situated along the Kampala-Masindi road, the sanctuary protects the reintroduced black rhino.

This sanctuary gives you an interesting diversion along the unremarkable journey north towards Murchison falls.



Where to stay at Murchison Falls National Park?

Available for you are two up market lodges and a luxury tented camp.

Paraa safari lodge

Paraa logde is situated on the north bank of along side the Nile a few kilometers down river of Murchison falls.

This up market lodge is another Hotel in the bush with an African interior décor.

Paraa safari lodge has large & luxuriously decorated rooms with en suite bathrooms & a private balcony facing the river.

You're served 3 course meals with a strong international flavor.

Tip

Paraa safari lodge is the most conveniently located up market lodge for game drives in the north and the launch trip to the base of Murchison Falls.


Nile Safari Lodge

Nile Safari Lodge is situated a short distance west of the park boundary on the southern bank of the Nile.

It is a superb luxury tented lodge which consists of several standing tents and wooden cottages.

Each Tent has an En-suite toilet and shower and a private veranda overlooking the Nile.



Sambiya Lodge

Sambiya Lodge is one of the budget type of accommodation in the area.

It is situated 500meters from the main road between Masindi and Paraa, near the turn- off to the top of the falls.

The main lodge offers accommodation in 20 self contained cottages with solar-powered hot showers.

A campsite is also available.

Tip

Sambiya is conveniently located for chimp tracking & birding at Kanyinyo Pabidi in the bird-rich river in the Budongo Forest.

It is also only 20 minutes drive from the Top of the falls.


Red Chilli Rest Camp

This former Paraa Rest Camp is situated on the south side of the Nile, in a patch of bush.

Red Chilli Rest Camp is mostly frequented by Warthog, bushbuck and a wide variety of birds.

Your accommodation at Red Chilli Rest Camp will most likely be in a self contained room made of brick bandas.



Camping sites

These include

  • The Rabongo Camp,

  • Top Murchison Falls camp,

  • Nile safari camp and

  • Sambiya lodge camp.



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