Things to do  In Murchison Falls

At 3840km, Murchison Falls National Park  is the largest park in Uganda and is named after the astonishing Murchison falls that is located where the mighty River Nile is forced through a narrow 7m gorge and tumbles 43m(141ft) into the ‘Devils Cauldron’ to create an ever present beautiful rainbow. The waterfall was named in 1864 by explorer Sir Samuel Baker, who considered the astonishing waterfall to be “the most important object of the entire course of the river”. The park is also endowed with beautiful green vegetation, savanna, riverine woodland, borassus palms, and several acacia trees that contribute to the serene environment and marvelous scenery that all in all make Murchison falls national park the perfect destination for safari in uganda

There are over 76 species of mammals that call Murchison falls national park their home. Of these, 4 belong to the category of the big 5, these are the mighty lion, the leopard, the elephant, and the African buffalo. One is able to see the rhinoceros at the rhino  sanctuary just 3 hours away from the park.

The animals are often seen while enjoying a splendid boat safari or during adventurous game drives through the park. The more common animals often seen are; Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Bushbucks, Jacksons Hartebeests, Oribi, waterbucks and warthogs to mentions but a few. The big cats, Leopards and Lions are easier to find in the prime of the morning as they retreat into their residences as the heat from the sun intensifies. The park is also home to several primates including Baboons, Patas monkeys, Blue monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys and Black-and-white Colobus monkeys and Chimpanzees are found in the forested area of Kaniyo Pabidi which is part of Budongo forest. Murchison falls national park is therefore the perfect destination for a safari in Uganda. The various activities carried out at the park include.

Game drives

The game drives at Murchison falls national park provide a perfect blend of thrilling adventure, splendid scenery and comfort. There are tracks along the banks of the mighty Nile River demarcated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority that provide a clear view of all the park has to offer. The state-of-the-art tour vehicles spare no expense in ensuring that you capture the beauty of the wild, and nature in all its glory while enjoying comfort as if you were sitted on your couch at home.

The game drive takes anything from 4 hours to an entire day depending on your interests and routes taken. Have your cameras to shoot photos of the different animals, birds and landscape but most importantly use the time to enjoy nature. The animals to look out for include; Bushbucks, Waterbucks, hartebeest, Oribi, Uganda Kobs, giraffes, Patas monkeys, Warthogs, Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards and Lions etc.

Chimpanzee trekking

Kaniyo Pabidi is a section of Budongo forest, located in the boundaries of Murchison falls national park and it is home to numerous primates for example; baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, lots of rare bird species and big game like Buffaloes, Elephants, and bush pigs with magnificent scenery. Here, one is able to track various species of primates as well enjoy breathtaking views of nature.

The chimpanzee trek normally takes  3-4 hours depending on where the chimps nested the previous night, once located the people are can stay in the presence of chimps for an hour watching them eat, play, rest and groom each other. This needs to be booked in advance with Uganda wildlife authority or Budongo Eco Lodge.

There is also an opportunity for a full day Chimpanzee habituation experience which gives more time learning and watching the chimpanzees – this also has to be booked prior to your safari.

Sport fishing

Sport fishing is allowed on the Nile after obtaining the permit from Uganda Wildlife authority through your tour operator. The waters after the falls on Victoria Nile provide some of the most exciting challenge to anglers with presence of Nile Perch.  The largest Nile perch recorded is 108kg.  Fishing is permitted in designated sites and places which require prior booking. You are encouraged to bring your own equipment.

Nature walks

The Murchison falls national park provides beautiful nature walks that enable the people to absorb the serenity of nature at its best. Most of the nature walks happen through the forests, Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forest where you have opportunities of watching the primates such as Chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkey, and numerous bird life.

The Hike up the top of Murchison falls is another exciting walk that everyone should take. Once on the boat trip from Paraa toward the ‘Devils cauldron’, stop a few meters from the bottom of the falls and take hike through the vegetation to experience the top the falls. The hike is fulfilling as you watch the waters of the Nile be squeezed through a 7m gorge. This hike takes any thing between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the interests of the people and their speed at hiking.

The boat safaris

The boat safaris at Murchison Falls national park run along the Victoria Nile and moves towards the falls. This boat safari provides a serene and fulfilling experience on water as one is able to enjoy the wonders of the Victoria Nile while riding on its waves. The various animals to look out for include; Crocodiles, Hippos, monitor lizards in the water and herds of Buffalo, Elephants and antelopes that come for water on the Victoria Nile. Water birds famously grace the scenery of the boat ride and provide a beautiful display of aerodynamics while  playing around on the water.

The launch trip happens twice a day with a morning trip starting at 9am and afternoon at 2pm; however, one can rent a boat and take trip at their leisure. For those most interested in bird watching we recommend the boat ride to the delta where you have chances of sighting the Shoebill as it fishes.

Hot Air Balloon Murchison Falls Uganda

Hot air Balloon safaris is an adventurous fun tourist activity that was recently introduced in Uganda. The activity is increasingly becoming popular in the country and is available at the Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. The hot air balloon safaris deliver a panoramic view of Murchison Falls National Park, breathtaking sunrise and/or sunset views from above, top level view of the trees, herds of animals and hidden off-road animals.

While on a trip to Murchison Falls national park, Hot air ballooning is one of the activities you should not miss out on.  The Murchison Falls National Park is the largest protected area and has so much to offer when it comes to nature; that’s to say a great diversity of wildlife, the powerful waterfalls and not forgetting the famous River Nile.