Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP), spanning 3,840 square kilometers, is a crown jewel in Uganda’s conservation history and wildlife tourism. It was first gazetted in 1926 as the Bunyoro and Gulu Wildlife Reserve and later upgraded to a national park in 1952, making it one of the country’s oldest protected areas. Together with the adjacent Karuma and Bugungu Wildlife Reserves, the park forms the expansive Murchison Falls Conservation Area (5,072 square kilometers).

Located at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, Murchison Falls National Park is a remarkable tapestry of diverse ecosystems. The northern sector boasts savanna grasslands dotted with borassus palms and acacia trees, while the southern part features bushland and dense forests. These habitats support an astonishing variety of wildlife, including 76 mammal species and over 451 bird species.

The Iconic Murchison Falls

The park’s namesake and one of its most dramatic features is Murchison Falls. Here, the mighty Nile River forces its way through a narrow six-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron. This spectacular cascade marks the transition of the Nile from a series of rapids to a calm river meandering across the rift valley towards Lake Albert. Visitors can experience the falls from multiple perspectives, including the “Top of the Falls” viewpoint or a boat cruise that reveals the tumultuous beauty of this natural wonder.

Wildlife Spectacles Along the Nile

The Nile is the lifeblood of the park, offering one of Uganda’s most captivating wildlife spectacles. On a boat trip along the river, visitors can spot elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes gathering at the riverbanks. Permanent residents of the water include hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic birds. This serene yet dynamic environment has been the backdrop for legendary visitors, from Winston Churchill to Ernest Hemingway, and even served as a filming location for the classic movie The African Queen (1951).

Access to the Park

By Road:
Murchison Falls National Park is accessible through multiple entry points:

  • Southern Entrance Gates: From Masindi town, approximately 305 kilometers from Kampala, visitors can reach the park via two main routes. The direct 86-kilometer road passes through Kichumbanyobo Gate, while the scenic 136-kilometer route via Bulisa offers stunning views of Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Northern Entrance Gates: Visitors coming from Gulu or Kidepo Valley National Park can access the park through the Chobe, Wankwar, and Tangi gates via the Kampala-Pakwach road.

By Air:
Chartered flights to Pakuba Airfield, located 19 kilometers from North Paraa, offer a swift alternative to road travel. Other airfields within the park include Chobe and Bugungu.

Climate and Best Visiting Times

Murchison Falls National Park experiences daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C, with cooler nights dropping to around 18°C. Rainfall is sporadic but intense, particularly during storms. The dry seasons (December to February and June to September) are ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources. Bird enthusiasts should visit between January and March when tourism is less crowded, allowing for uninterrupted birdwatching.

Accommodation Options

MFNP provides a range of accommodation facilities to suit various budgets:

  • Luxury Lodges:
    • Chobe Safari Lodge: Renowned for panoramic views and the mesmerizing sounds of the Nile’s rapids.
    • Paraa Safari Lodge: Offers a luxurious experience with Uganda’s signature hospitality.
    • Pakuba Safari Lodge: Located along the Nile, featuring breathtaking scenery and excellent wildlife encounters.
  • Mid-Range and Budget Options:
    • Red Chilli Rest Camp: A favorite among budget travelers for its affordable yet comfortable facilities.
    • Sambiya River Lodge: Combines rustic charm with immersive wilderness experiences.
    • UWA Campsites: Operated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, offering affordable options at North Paraa and the Top of the Falls.

Activities and Attractions

  1. Paraa: The Park’s Tourism Hub
    Paraa, meaning “home of the hippo” in the Luo language, serves as the central point for most visitor activities. It is the departure point for boat cruises to the Falls and the Nile Delta, and a hotspot for game drives on the Buligi Peninsula.
  2. Boat Cruises on the Nile:
    • Murchison Falls Cruise: The iconic boat trip from Paraa to the Falls provides close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
    • Delta Cruise: Explore the maze of channels in the Nile Delta, a haven for waterbirds including the elusive shoebill.
  3. Sport Fishing:
    Anglers can test their skills in the river below the falls, where the record catch for a Nile perch is a staggering 108 kilograms.
  4. Game Drives:
    The Buligi Peninsula, a triangle of savanna bordered by the Victoria Nile and Albert Nile, is the park’s premier game-viewing location. Visitors may encounter elephants, giraffes, and lions. Delta Point is a perfect rest stop to view waterbirds and hippos.
  5. Forest Walks and Chimpanzee Tracking:
    The Kaniyo Pabidi Forest offers guided chimpanzee tracking, birding, and an intimate experience with Uganda’s biodiversity. Albertine Rift endemics like the chocolate-backed kingfisher and Puvel’s illadopsis are highlights for birders.
  6. Hot Air Balloon Safaris:
    For a unique perspective, visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the plains. These excursions offer a serene and panoramic view of the park’s landscapes.

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

With over 451 bird species, Murchison Falls is a birder’s paradise. Highlights include:

  • Easy sightings of waterbirds on boat cruises.
  • Shoebill storks in the Nile Delta, particularly during the dry seasons.
  • Forest species such as the white-thighed hornbill in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest.

Outside the Park: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Located 70 kilometers from the park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Visitors can track these magnificent animals on foot, contributing to efforts for their reintroduction into protected areas.

Conservation and Community Involvement

Twenty percent of park fees are shared with local communities in boundary parishes, fostering support for conservation through shared benefits.