Murchison Falls National Park
Renowned as the largest Park amongst Uganda’s top ten National Parks, Murchison Falls National Park hides its self in the north western part of Uganda. It spreads inland from the shores of Lake Albert, around Lake Albert up to the great Karuma Falls.
Getting to the Park.
You can reach Murchison Falls National Park by two options ( Road transport or Air transport means). For Road transport means it takes about 6-7 hours to drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park (about 290 km).
Actually the time taken usually depends on the speed used and en route stop overs included. On your way to Murchison via Kampala – Masindi – Gulu highway, there is a stop over in Nakasongola for a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for the one hour Rhino tracking session. After continue with the thrilling Journey to Murchison Falls National Park.
Other than road transport, you can go by air means. Private charters are arranged on request from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip up to Pakuba airstrip in the Park.
Activities in the park
Birding
With its diverse range of bird species, Murchison is a destination you should not miss if you are in Uganda mainly for bird watching.
Game driving and launch trips in Murchison awards the great chances to sight varied bird species including water birds, Savannah forest and Albertine Rift Endemic species.
You can come across species like Abyssinian ground hornbill, Secretary birds, Black-bellied bustards, Widow birds and open-bellied bustards.
Game Drives
To take in more of Murchison’s game species, embark on a Safari vehicle with pop up roof for stupendous game drives around the park.
Buligi game track on the northern bank rewards endless sights of Wild animals such as Elephants, Warthogs, Giraffes, Bush bucks, Reed bucks, Duikers, Kobs, herds of Buffaloes, hartebeests and the rarely seen Lions and Leopards.
Launch Trips
Murchison has plenty of beautiful moments, but there is nothing more awe-inspiring than feeding your eyes with sweeping views of waterside luxuriant vegetation, animals and towering cliffs from a boat on the waters of the falls.
It is offered in two sessions (morning and after-lunch cruise), the morning cruise departs at 9am and the after lunch cruise departs at 2pm. It runs for three hours and its worth its money paid.
Lovers of birds are advised to take a morning cruise downstream to the Nile-Lake Albert Delta. It as well exposes to a variety of Wildlife including the along the banks Elephants, Hippos, Crocodiles and more.
Hiking
The vast landscapes and stunning scenery of Murchison Park can be explored on foot and there are several trails that can lead you to off the beaten path spots.
The hiking expeditions through Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo Forests are the openers to a wide range of primate and bird species including the rare Shoe-bill.
Another breathtaking hike to meet your interests is the one that winds through the woodland parts of the Park up to the top of the plunging falls. From the top, the panoramic views are inspirational.
To birders and nature lovers, you can embrace the short treks. One starts from Sambiya River Lodge or Mubako Junction, both on the south bank. The other walk is along the north bank from Paraa passing the Emmy River. All these walks last for about 1-2 hours.
Sport Fishing
The banks of the Nile beneath Murchison falls grant a perfect site to hone your fishing skills while on a Safari to this Park. During the experience, you are most likely to land or catch various fish species such as Nile perch, Tilapia and more. This experience is usually a catch and release.
Cultural Encounters
Some of the specks to visit for cultural experiences while in Murchison is the community of Mubako.
This is a village dotted by traditional thatched huts where locals congregate to escape the sun-rays. On a visit, you can reach out to Mubako craft shops to buy some carved wooden sculptures as souvenirs.
In the evening you will be entertained by the local with their vibrant song and dances accompanies by the echoing sounds of the Adungu.
