Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area, covering 3893 square kilometers. It is bisected by the River Nile and has a variety of wildlife and flora.
KAMPALA | LIFESTYLE UGANDA — Murchison Falls National Park is located in the northwest of Uganda. It is famous for its spectacular Murchison Falls, which is a narrow gap where the Victoria Nile River rushes over a massive drop.
Besides the waterfall, the park has other attractions, such as the Karuma Falls, which is home to a variety of game fish.
How big is Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area, covering 3893 square kilometers, followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is bisected by the River Nile and has a variety of wildlife and flora.
The park has many spectacular waterfalls and is home to the largest concentration of Nile crocodiles in Africa. The park also has over 500 species of birds and mammals.
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The park is divided into two sections: the northern and southern sectors. The northern section is covered with savannah grassland and acacia trees. This environment is ideal for wildlife viewing and game drives.
The southern part of the park features tropical forest and riverine woodland. The eastern part is home to the Karuma Falls.
The park is home to one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world. You can visit the park all year round, but you should avoid high water levels and visit during the dry season.
High water levels will obstruct your view and force sightseeing boats to stay further away. Rainy season is also a great time to visit, with low water levels and lower rates. The park will also be quieter, offering a more tranquil atmosphere. It will also offer you the best bird watching.
For nature lovers, Murchison Falls is home to many wildlife species. The park is home to the largest population of Rothchild’s giraffe, a subspecies of the Northern giraffe. You can also find elephants and buffalo herds.
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You can even spot rare ground-dwelling patas monkeys picking their way through the grasslands. Although you cannot guarantee sightings of leopards or lions, the park is worth exploring and experiencing.
Accommodation options
There are a number of accommodation options available in the Murchison Falls National Park, ranging from tucked away tented camps to modern luxury lodges.
Budget-conscious travellers should consider booking a stay at Kaniyo Pabidi Camp or Red Chilli Camp, while those looking for a mid-range accommodation option may consider booking a room at the Nile Safari Lodge or Pakuba Lodge.
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Murchison Falls National Park is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re traveling on your own or with a family, there’s a perfect accommodation option for you.
The New Courts View lodge offers comfortable rooms with grass-thatched roofs and a pleasantly cozy atmosphere. There’s a restaurant that serves local and continental cuisine, and the lodge offers airport pickup and drop-off services.
From here, you can easily reach the waterfall by using a private vehicle with a tour guide or using your own transportation.
If you’re traveling on a budget, consider booking a lodge during the low season. During this time, safari lodges often offer discounts on accommodation. The low season is when fewer tourists visit the destination and lodges are less crowded.
In addition, you’ll have better chances of viewing calving animals. If you’re visiting during the wet season, the water is stronger, making Murchison Falls more impressive.
While the waterfalls are the main attraction of Murchison Falls National Park, you’ll also find a wide variety of wildlife in this area. The park is home to 70 species of African mammals, including four of the “Big Five,” as well as 450 species of bird species. Chimpanzee trekking is also a popular activity in the area.
There are a number of luxury lodges in the park, as well as a variety of budget-friendly options. The Leosim Hotel, for example, is located one kilometer from the park’s entry.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider staying at the Murchison Falls National Park Lodges, which are located on the Kampala-Arua road.
In the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, there’s the Chobe safari lodge. This five-star lodge offers luxurious suites, presidential cottages, and tents. Each room has an en-suite bathroom and a breathtaking view of the park’s wilderness.
Seasons to visit
If you want to see wildlife in its natural habitat, the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is from December to February. The rainy season is associated with heavy downpours, but this does not mean you cannot enjoy the park’s lush green scenery.
In addition, during this time, you’ll also see less people in the park, and prices may be lower. Wildlife viewing is also excellent year-round, but April and May can be hot and sticky.
The climate of Murchison Falls National Park is relatively consistent, with temperatures hovering between 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 18 degrees at night.
The park is hotter in January and February, and it’s best to bring light clothing and lots of water. You’ll also want to apply sun cream if necessary.
Depending on your travel needs, the best season to visit Murchison Falls will vary. During the dry season, the park is relatively drier, which makes it easier to spot wildlife. There is also less competition for lodges during the dry season, which means that you can find the perfect place to stay, even at the last minute.
Bird watching is also an excellent activity to enjoy in Murchison Falls. During the dry season (January-March), visitors can view Shoebill storks, which are a popular attraction.
You can also watch for Secretary Birds and Abyssinian Ground Hornbills. Other birds to watch include the Black-bellied Bustard and the Open-billed Stork.
During the rainy season, the Nile River increases in volume. This causes higher pressure in the narrow gorge and makes Murchison Falls more powerful. Birding in Murchison Falls National Park is also a great activity during the rainy season, as many species migrate through the park during the rainy season.
In addition to boating, there are hiking trails that you can take to the base of Murchison Falls. Boat cruises depart daily at 9:00am and 2:00pm East African time. The boat trip takes about three hours to reach the falls. From there, you can admire the most powerful waterfall in the world.
The Nile River, the longest river in the world, forces water down a narrow gorge to Lake Albert. Hiking beside the falls is also an excellent way to see the falls from a different perspective.
Tip for planning a trip
If you are planning a trip to Murchison Falls National Park, there are some tips that can help you make the most of your stay. The rainy season, from November to April, is when the park is most spectacular.
You can also take a boat ride on the Nile to experience the falls at their full potential. You should allow at least three full days to visit the park. However, this does not mean that you should spend all three days at the park.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to several species of primates. You can track chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest, and you may also see baboons and monkeys on the road. Bird watching enthusiasts will also be happy to see the over 451 bird species recorded in the park.
A cruise on the Nile River is another highlight of the park, and gives you the opportunity to experience Murchison Falls from a different perspective.
While Murchison Falls National Park is primarily known for its spectacular waterfalls, it also features a variety of wildlife. In addition to the four “Big Five,” Murchison Falls is home to more than 70 species of African mammals.
Chimpanzees are a common sight, and you can even take a chimp trekking excursion if you’re interested.
If you’re going on a safari, Murchison Falls is one of the best destinations. The park has everything the “Big Five” crave. Be sure to pack a bottle of mineral water when you visit the park.
Tap water may be clean, but it may not be filtered and is not very healthy. It’s better to use chlorine tablets or purification tablets to make sure that you’ll get a pure drink of water.
Before heading to Murchison Falls, be sure to consider the weather. It’s important to pack lightweight clothes that can protect you from the sun. It’s also a good idea to bring waterproof gear, such as a raincoat, as well as a dry bag to hold electronics. You should also bring hiking boots and insect repellent.
