Murchison Falls National park Uganda : Located in the north western part of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and one of its most spectacular parks. Measuring over 3800 square Kilometers, the park offers a wide and interesting blend of wildlife, remarkable geophysical features and this makes it one of the most exciting parks to visit. With a scene that displays the Murchison Falls, a scene that boasts of the fine spectacle of water spewing through a narrow gorge in the middle of the great Nile River it is easy to see why the park is famous for bragging top natural appeals for nature admirers, athletes and photographers. Here is an insight into Murchison Falls National Park features and some key facts that make it such an attractive destination.
Brief History of Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park was gazetted in 1926 and has since recorded to be one of the best Uganda has to offer in regards to protected areas. As a result, it has a history of exploration and tourism since the late 19thCentury, Victorian era when Sir Samuel Baker together with his wife Florence discovered the falls in 1864. Sir Samuel Baker named the falls after Sir Roderick Murchison president of the then Royal Geographical Society. After this, the Murchison Falls National Park attracted other renowned personalities such as Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway in mid-20th century. That is why the history of the park only thickens the plot of an outstanding adventure one is to have.
The Iconic Murchison Falls
The greatest feature of this park is the Murchison falls whereby, the world’s powerful fast flowing Nile River reforms itself as it is compelled to squeeze through an incredibly narrow gorge of only 7 meters width before hurling itself 43 meters down. The view is truly breathtaking, the stunning power of water as it hits the rocks can be heard as a roaring and one can easily get lost into the mist. The falls are one of the most outstanding waterfalls in the world and the region has a unique growing environment with flora and fauna. Visitors can experience the falls from two distinct perspectives; from above and from below boat cruise. It is the size and look of the Murchison Falls themselves, which forms an invulnerable impression to those who have been privileged to visit this place.
Wildlife Encounters at Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is a paradise for fauna lovers as different kinds of animals’ live in the park depending on the variety of ecosystems including savannah, woodland, riverine and wetland. It supports more than 76 mammals and 451 bird species, thus making the park ideal for safari and bird watching.
The Big Five and More
While the elusive black rhinoceros is no longer found in the park, visitors can still encounter four of Africa’s “Big Five”: lions, elephants, leopard and buffalo. It is a shame to make a visit to these plains during the day when most of these animals are dozing off inside the thickets, a pride of lions laid up in a tree or a herd of elephants trundling across the wide savannah. There are also numerous numbers of giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs and a variety of Uganda Kobs and Oribis.
Primate Adventures
Not only the large animals, but Murchison Falls National Park is also a home to many primates. Aside from Budongo Forest, which is situated in the south of the park, chimpanzee tracking is also common here. People who are interested in seeing these highly developed and socially evolved animals can take nature trails and walks through this old rainforest-country. It is an informative and sometimes quite thrilling journey to watch the interaction of the chimpanzees’ community, as well as to discover the multiple forms of life in the tropical forests.
Birdwatching in Murchison falls National Park
Bird lovers particularly enjoy camping in Murchison Falls National Park because of its numerous species including the famous shoebill stork, colorful kingfishers and raptors. This comes as a result of the many different habitats within the park that can support resident as well as migrant bird species, which is always good news to birders and ornithologists not mentioning bird lovers in general. On the river you will also be able to meet African fish eagles, Goliath herons, and pied kingfishers among others.
Safari Experiences at Murchison Falls National Park
Having a safari ride in Murchison Falls National Park is highly recommendable that comes with equal opportunity of enjoying magnificent views of the park and come across with the park’s diverse wildlife. Here are some of the top safari activities you can enjoy;
Game Drives
Game drives are probably one of the most common activities that visitors partake in while in the park. These usual walking tours occur either in the morning or late in the afternoon since most animals are out of their dens during those times. You gaze at the gridded and positive topographies of the northern bank from the Nile, opened savannahs, rolling hills for the game tracks Buligi that is admirable for seeking the predators, grazers, and the birding. The tour guides offer interesting information on aspects of the behaviors of the animals and role of the park in the ecological system to improve the general value of the Uganda safari.
Boat Cruises on the Nile
Without doubt the most memorable thing to do while on a Murchison Falls National Park is to be on a boat cruise along the Nile River. You will also get a chance for boat ride at the Nile experiencing pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and different bird species found within the vicinity of the river. The finale of the cruise is at the jet base of Murchison Falls that one can view this powerful drop from a safer distance. A more reduced noise experience can be found on an evening sunset cruise since the red glow of the setting sun brightly lights up the river.
Hiking and Nature Walks
For those who like to walk in the park, another interesting way is to go on nature walks where a guide will tell you about the plants and animals of the park. In the top of the falls, you can get wonderful positioning or location to have a close look on the plant life forms that can be found. Tours take one through dense wooded area of Budongo forest richest in species of Wildlife and birds where you move a round in silence.
