Introduction to Murchison Falls National Park
In 1864, explorer Samuel Baker described Murchison Falls as one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Nile. He wrote about the white water, dark cliffs, tropical palms, and wild plants that made the view special.
More than 150 years later, Murchison Falls is still an impressive sight. The park is also home to many wildlife species. Animal numbers have increased since the difficult years of the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most popular safari destinations in Uganda.
The area was first protected as a game reserve in 1926. In 1952, it became one of Uganda’s first national parks. Today, the park covers about 3,840 square kilometres, making it the largest national park in Uganda. It is located at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley. Here, the Bunyoro Escarpment slopes down into wide savannah plains.
During the 1960s, the park had very large numbers of animals. There were so many elephants and hippos that the authorities carried out culling to control their numbers. Later, civil war and insecurity caused wildlife numbers to fall sharply.
Today, the situation has improved. Peace and the growth of tourism have helped many wildlife populations recover. Elephants are doing well, while the park has one of the largest populations of Rothschild’s giraffes in the world. These giraffes are mainly found in Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks.
The number of buffaloes and Uganda kobs is also increasing. The park has an estimated 200 lions living in about 20 prides. Visitors can also regularly spot leopards during game drives.
Murchison Falls National Park is therefore an excellent destination for travelers who want to see wildlife, savannah landscapes, and the powerful Murchison Falls in one place.
The Murchison Falls National Park
The Nile River flows through Murchison Falls National Park on its way to Lake Albert. At the falls, the river passes through a narrow gap of only 8 metres wide. It then drops about 45 metres over the edge of the Rift Valley wall.
The powerful flow of water creates a large pool known as the “Devil’s Cauldron.” On sunny days, you can often see a beautiful rainbow over the falls. This is one of the most photographed views in the park.
Murchison Falls marks the end of about 80 kilometres of rapids along the Nile. After the falls, the river becomes wider and calmer as it continues towards Lake Albert and then flows north.
The best way to visit Murchison Falls is to combine a boat safari with a short walk. The boat trip takes you along the Nile River. During the trip, you can see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and many water birds along the riverbanks.
After the boat ride, you can take a 30-minute walk along the cliffs to reach the top of the falls. From here, you can enjoy a close view of the powerful water as it rushes through the narrow gorge.
You can also take a boat trip west towards the Lake Albert Delta. This area is one of the best places in Uganda to see the rare shoebill stork.
If you enjoy fishing, Murchison Falls is also a great destination. Fishing trips are available in different parts of the park and offer visitors a chance to enjoy the Nile in a more active way.
Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park
Game drives in the savannah grasslands and riverine forests of the Buligi Peninsula offer great wildlife viewing. You can see lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and Uganda kobs. Leopards are also becoming easier to spot.
The only major animal missing from the park is the rhino. There are plans to bring rhinos back to the park from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
In the southern part of the park, Budongo Forest Reserve is a great place for bird watching. It is also one of the best places in the area for chimpanzee tracking.
Many visitors spend only two or three nights in Murchison Falls National Park. However, you can stay longer because the park has plenty to see and do. Even after several days, you may still want to explore more.
Seeing wildlife from a boat on the Nile is a great experience. However, a game drive is even more exciting. You may find yourself close to a pride of resting lions or watch giraffes feeding from the tops of acacia trees. You may also drive slowly through thick bushes while looking for elephants.
Most game drives in Murchison Falls National Park take place on the Buligi Peninsula. The area has about 170 kilometres of game tracks. These tracks pass through open savannah, woodland, acacia trees, and riverine vegetation.
The best times for game drives are early morning and late afternoon. During these times, you can see elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and giraffes. The first ferry crossing at Paraa starts at about 7:00 am.
Lions are also commonly seen in this area. Many of the park’s lion prides live here and often hunt Uganda kobs. With some luck, you may also see a leopard.
The game tracks meet at Delta Point, where the Nile flows north from Lake Albert. This is a good place to stop for refreshments while enjoying views of water birds and hippos in the distance.
The southern part of the park is known as the “Heart of Murchison.” It is less visited than the Buligi Peninsula. This makes it a good choice for travelers who want a quieter safari experience. The area was developed to help reduce visitor pressure in Buligi.
Much of the southern part of the park has thick bush and forest. However, there is also a beautiful area of open savannah near the centre of the park. This grassland stretches down towards the river from the Rabongo road.
Large herds of Uganda kobs live in this area. Their presence also attracts lions. Giraffes were introduced to this part of the park in 2016. Today, visitors can spot these tall animals along the Honeymoon Track.
Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, leave Kampala at around 7:00 am and start your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The drive takes about 8 hours, depending on road conditions and stops along the way.
Enjoy the beautiful views as you travel through the Ugandan countryside. Along the way, you will see banana and coffee plantations, long-horned cattle, green hills, and local communities.
You will stop in Mbarara for a short break. After the break, continue towards the Kigezi Highlands. The road passes through green hills, terraced farms, and beautiful countryside.
Later, arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is famous for its mountain gorillas and rich plant and animal life.
Check in at your lodge, have dinner, and relax for the night.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Travelers Rest Hotel / Valley Lodge
- Mid-range: Lake Mutanda Resort / Chameleon Hill
- Upmarket: Volcanoes Safari Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Start your day with breakfast at the lodge. Pack your lunch and everything you need for the gorilla trek. Carry a camera, strong hiking shoes, drinking water, sunglasses, a rain jacket, and long trousers.
Your guide will take you to the park information center for a briefing. Here, you will meet other trekkers and learn the important rules for gorilla trekking. The trek usually starts at around 8:00 am.
After the briefing, enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with experienced park rangers. They will guide you through the forest as you search for a gorilla family.
Gorilla trekking can take about 2 to 8 hours. The time depends on where the gorillas are that day. Gorillas move around the forest to find food and water, so their location can change.
You do not need special skills for gorilla trekking. However, you should be reasonably fit. Some trails can be steep, muddy, and challenging.
Finding the gorillas is an exciting experience. You may see silverbacks, mothers, and young gorillas. You may also see them feeding, playing, or resting. You will have time to watch them and take photos while following the park rules.
After the trek, return to your lodge and relax. If you have enough time and energy, you can visit a Batwa community in the evening. This is a great chance to learn about their culture and traditional way of life.
Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Travelers Rest Hotel / Valley Lodge
- Mid-range: Lake Mutanda Resort / Chameleon Hill
- Upmarket: Volcanoes Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, leave Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and drive east to Lake Mburo National Park.
The journey takes you through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands. You will also pass through Mbarara, a town known for its long-horned Ankole cattle.
Lake Mburo National Park is home to many animals. You may see zebras, antelopes, hippos, warthogs, buffaloes, and many bird species.
Stop for lunch along the way before continuing to the park. When you arrive, check in at your lodge and take some time to relax.
In the afternoon, enjoy an evening game drive in the park. Look out for zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, and other wildlife.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing night.
Accommodation Options
- Upmarket: Mantana Tented Camp / Mihingo Lodge
- Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock / Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
- Budget: Rwonyo Campsite
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Boat Safari on Lake Mburo and Departure back to Kampala
After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Mburo. The boat trip offers a great chance to see wildlife around the lake.
Look out for hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, and many bird species along the water. You may also see birds such as the grey crowned crane, saddle-billed stork, and Abyssinian ground hornbill.
After the boat safari, return to the lodge and relax. You can rest at the bar or enjoy some time by the swimming pool.
After lunch, leave Lake Mburo National Park and start your journey back to Kampala.
Along the way, stop at the Equator for photos. You can also visit the local shops and buy handmade crafts and souvenirs.
You will arrive in Kampala in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your safari.