Murchison Falls National Park lies at the core of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which also embraces the Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife reserves and the Budongo forest bisected by the mighty River Nile. It is named for the dramatic Murchison Falls where the world’s longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the rift valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 45m below. It was gazetted in its modern form 1952, the national park previously formed part of the Bunyoro Game Reserve, which was proclaimed in 1910 following the evacuation of the local human population during a sleeping sickness epidemic. During the Amin era, Murchison Falls was officially re- named Kabarega Falls, after the former king of Bunyoro.
Size: 3840 sq. km
Location: in the northwest, approximately 90km from Masindi
Getting there:
By Road
- Southern Entrance Gates
Two southerly approaches to Paraa lead out of Masindi town, which is a 4 hour drive (305km) from Kampala. Along the way to Masindi is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The main route from Masindi enters the Conservation Area through Kicumbanyobo Gate to pass through Kaniyo Pabidi Forest to Paraa (85km).
Another longer route but more scenic alternative runs for 135km from Masindi to the park’s Bugungu gate, the route includes a passage through Budongo Forest and a memorable descent of the rift valley escarpment with views across Lake Albert towards the mountains of the Congo.
- Northern Entrance Gates
Murchison Falls National Park can also be entered via the Chobe, Wankwar, Mubako and Tangi gates north of the Nile. These are reached from the Kampala-Pakwach Road which crosses the Nile at Karuma Falls Bridge in the northeastern corner of the park, 260km from Kampala. These gates are convenient for visitor traveling to/from Gulu town and Kidepo Valley National Park.
By Air
Pakuba Airfield, 19km from North Paraa, can be reached using chartered aircraft from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield near Kampala. Other airfields in the park include: Chobe to the east and Bugungu – near Murchison Falls – to the south.
What to see and do
Game viewing
Mainly in the northern part of this park since it has more animals compared to the south. The game drives are done early in the morning starting at 6:00 am around Buligi game tracks on the northern bank with a trained ranger guide will have a good idea where the lions are hiding, and you may even spot a leopard at dusk. On the list of game we have; elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and a variety of antelopes.
Launch trips
This is the highlight of any safari in the Murchison Falls National Park. It is a wonderful cruise that takes about 3-4 hours. On this cruise you will see several hippos, water bucks, Nile crocodiles and buffaloes in addition to numerous birds plus other characteristic African wildlife living in a savanna landscape. The boat ride takes you to the bottom of the Murchison Falls and the best time to enjoy it are in the afternoon when several animals congregate at the banks to cool off.
Top of the Falls Hike
You may opt to hike to the peak of a cliff near to the thin gorge through which the waters of the mighty Nile squeeze before thunderously dropping to over 45 meters below creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centerpiece of the park and final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. At Murchison Falls, the Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the “Devil’s Cauldron”, creating trademark rainbow.
Chimpanzee tracking plus bird watching within Kaniyo Pabidi
Kaniyo Pabidi is a natural forest within the Budongo Forest Reserve and host to a diversity of wildlife among which are numerous chimps plus birds. It is a perfect alternative to the usual game drives plus boat rides. You may track chimpanzees or do some bird watching.
Sport fishing:
The banks of the Nile below Murchison Falls provide exciting challenges to anglers. Living within strong currents and highly oxygenated water is the Nile perch. There is a chance to land a massive catch- the records is 108kg.
Cultural Encounters in Murchison Falls
- Mubako Cultural Campfire Performances
The remote community of Mubako is located beside the sprawling savannah of Murchison Falls National Park. The village is a cluster of traditional thatched huts around a clearing, where villagers gather to escape the midday sun under the shade of a large tree. Mubako’s small craft shop sells carved wooden sculptures and hand-woven items made by community members.
