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Top 9 Best Reasons To Visit Murchison Falls National Park In Uganda
Here are the top 9 best reasons to visit Murchison Falls National Park if you want to take your eyes, mind, body, and soul on a thrilling adventure while having fun. Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda has got you covered!
Located in the north western part of Uganda, it is the largest and oldest game reserve in the country, she is filled to the brim with various forms of wildlife for example; more than 450 recorded bird species, over 76 different animal species including “The Big Four” (Elephants, Lions, Leopards and Buffaloe) and other animals like hippos, Kobs etc.
The park has beautiful scenery and is home to the famous Murchison falls and it is one of the top tourist attractions in Uganda. To further fall in love with nature, these are the 9 reasons why you should visit Murchison Falls National Park:
1. Murchison Falls The Most Powerful In The Whole World
These beautiful falls are surprisingly the most powerful in the whole world and for no other reason would you want to miss out on this awesome phenomenal. They lie between Lake Albert and Lake Kyoga on Victoria Nike.
You can take pictures of the falls and share beautiful memories with your friends back home. The mighty River Nile flows through the park creating a powerful phenomenon at the Kabalega Falls.
Enjoy the views of these magnificent falls where Nile forces its way through a gorge in the rocks and tumbles 43m below flowing westwards into Lake Albert. Did you know that Murchison Falls are the most POWERFUL waterfalls in the whole world?
2. Wildlife In Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is home to the big 4 mammals which include; elephants, lions, buffaloes and leopards, and more than 70 other species of wildlife such as chimpanzees, Uganda Kobs and hippos among others which you can feast your eyes upon while on the game drive through the park.
You can come and experience how it feels like to live in paradise. The famous Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area, home to 3/4 of the world’s population of Rothschild giraffes plus a healthy population of herbivores.
Things To Do In Murchison Falls National Park
These are some of the things to do in Murchison Falls National Park
3. Bird Watching In Murchison Falls National Park
There are over 450 different bird species including 23 Albertine rift endemics situated all over Murchison Falls National Park such as the African darter, the giant king fisher, Marabou Storks, Senegal thick knee, Secretary bird among others. Some of them are forest birds, migratory birds or even water birds depending on where they reside.
You can see all these species while on our bird watching activities also known as Birding to appreciate their true beauty and uniqueness. Bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park is done either during early morning hours or in the evening under the guidance and supervision of experienced bird tour guides.
Each of these bird species makes a unique sound which you can record to you’re your folks back home. You are actually more than welcome to take as many bird pictures as you want. Nature truly is amazing.
4. Chimpanzee Trekking In Budongo Forest
After travelling long journeys to reach the park, you can stretch your legs by walking on foot for a few hours in the forest to spot and enjoy the chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park and you see how they conduct themselves in their natural habitat, this is both fun and therapeutic.
5. Boat Rides In Murchison Falls National Park
As if the park itself isn’t beautiful enough, it’s also a pathway for river Nile which is the longest river in the whole world. And on this beauty, you can cruise while taking in the spectacular view of the falls, Paraa and all other wildlife that would be within your view. Sounds super fun for sure.
Paraa is a local name that means “home of hippos,” which explains the large number of hippos found in the area. Paraa is an important area and very attractive in Murchison Falls National Park, where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hot air balloon rides, fishing trips, cultural visits, guided nature walks, and the opportunity to visit the Luo people and learn more about their way of life and cultural experience.
6. Sport Fishing In Murchison Falls National Park
Imagine fishing for fun and for as long as you want! Yes, you heard that right! With sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park, you use baits to trap big fish like the Nile Perch. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun mess and adrenaline rush.
7. Hiking In Murchison Falls National Park
Hiking in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most enjoyable and memorable activities that tourists get to take part in. You hike from the top of the waterfalls to the bottom i.e. this involves you walking from the top of the waterfalls and descending half way down then heading right back at the top. There are several paths clearly demarcated for hiking.
You are most likely going to break out in a sweat, it’s more like doing good old exercise in a good old jungle.
8. Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park
All the spectacular sights, birds and animal species can all be seen more up close and studied during the game drives. This is done in strong 4×4 WD tour buses accompanied by a tour guide and skilled driver.
This enables tourists to spend enough time in the wilderness as they spot several animals like the Oribi, Uganda Kob, giraffes, elephants and others. You will be able to cover long distances of amazing things to see which would have been impossible to cover on foot.
There are a number of tracks to follow while game viewing, some of these include; Victoria, Albert and others. The best time for game drives is also either very early in the morning or in the evenings to ensure that you do not miss out on any animals especially nocturnal ones and those that stay away from direct sunshine.
9. Hot Air Balloon Experience
This simply means boarding a balloon-like craft that is pumped by hot air which is released up in the sky to give tourists an aerial view of the park. This experience can only be enjoyed at this particular park hence making it more attractive.
You will be able to see sun rises, clear views of the falls and lake Albert. Everyone who takes part in the hot air balloon experience is given a certificate of participation and is treated to a bush treat (Champagne and breakfast) prepared by chefs at Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Where To Sleep In Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park offers a wide range of hotels, lodges and villas to ensure the comfortable stay for all their beloved visitors in their respective classes i.e., Luxury accommodation, Mid-range accommodation and Budget accommodation.
The Luxury Accommodation include: Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge and so many other luxurious places. These offer the very best staycation services for their guests.
The Mid-Range Accommodation include: Murchison River Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge and Fort Murchison Safari Lodge amongst so many others.
The Budget Accommodation include: Red Chili Rest Camp, Tangi safari Lodge and a lot more affordable place.
Most of these accommodation places can be booked online and the earlier you book for your stay, the better for example booking at least a month to your stay to avoid postponing and finding the places fully booked.
When To Visit The Murchison Falls National Park
The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry season in Uganda which is around June to September and December to February when the sunshine is at its peak.
How To Get To The Murchison Falls National Park
By Air;
You do not have to worry about how to get to the park because there are direct flights from Entebbe International Airport straight to Murchison Falls, book a flight in less than 1.5 hours you would have reached.
By Road;
You can also travel by bus or private vehicles and in 4-6 hours you would be at the park.
Murchison Falls National Park is a dream come true for lovers of nature, peace, beauty and breath-taking sights. And visiting the park is our way of showing appreciation to mother nature. You are most welcome any day, any time.
Weather and Climate In Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park has a tropical and hot climate.
Temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year.
Daytime temperatures of around 31°C/88°F are common, with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 18°C/64°F.
The rainy season lasts from March to November, with a dry spell from June to July.
During the Dry season, there is little rain (December to February).
December to February is the dry season (It’s hot and dry)
- December, January, and February are the driest months.
The sky is mostly clear and sunny.
These are also the hottest months, with average afternoon temperatures of 32°C/90°F.
It drops to about 18°C/64°F at night.
March to November is the rainy season
It doesn’t rain much during the Wet season, but heavy storms are possible.
- March, April, and May – By March, the rains have begun, and the skies have become more overcast.
Rainfall is heavier in April and May.
Temperatures during the day average 31°C/88°F, while temperatures at night average 20°C/68°F. - June and July – This is a drier spell, but rain is still expected.
The average daytime temperature is 30°C/86°F. - August, September, October, and November are the wettest months, with October being the wettest.
It doesn’t rain every day, but when it does, it’s usually in torrential downpours.
By November, temperatures begin to gradually rise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Murchison Falls National Park
- Is Murchison Falls the most powerful waterfall in the world? Yes, the Murchison falls is the most powerful falls in the world.
- Why is it called Murchison Falls National Park? Baker named the falls Murchison Falls after geologist Roderick Murchison, who was the president of the Royal Geographical Society at the time.
Between 1907 and 1912, the residents of an area of approximately 13,000 square kilometers (5,000 square miles) were relocated due to sleeping sickness spread by tsetse flies. - Who named the Murchison Falls? In the mid-1860s, English traveler Sir Samuel White Baker visited the falls and named them after geologist Sir Roderick Murchison.