When the park was created in 1952, the Game Department enthused, ‘The main attractions of this park are undoubtedly the unique Murchison Falls and the River Nile with its teeming hippo and serried ranks of crocodile on the sandbanks, coupled with large numbers of other species… coming down to drink and bathe.. ‘
For 80 kilometres between Karuma Falls and Murchison Falls the river is a rushing torrent of water, which drops about 300 metres. As it spills over the ancient rocks that form the Western Rift Valley wall, much of the water’s energy is lost in the force with which it explodes through the 6-metre gorge and into the cauldron of turbulent water below (known to fishermen as “Devils Cauldron”). The Nile then continues on a slower, wider course for another 28 kms until it reaches Lake Albert.
Top of the Falls Experience
Today the highlight of a visit to Murchison is the launch trip upstream to view the Falls and riverside wildlife. The launch departs at 09.00 and 14.00 daily. The round trip takes three hours. An additional boat trip heads downstream from Paraa to the papyrus delta at the river’s entrance into Lake Albert. This 4-5 hour return voyage offers a good chance of sighting the shoebill stork and a variety of other wildlife.
Go Fishing
The Nile below Murchison Falls provides exciting challenges to anglers including the chance to land a massive Nile Perch (the record is 108kg). Fishing is restricted to designated sites and places are limited so prior booking is recommended. Some boats may be hired for fishing by prior booking. Do bring your own fishing equipment.
The most dramatic view of the waterfall is the ‘Top of the where the sight and sound of the Nile crashing through, wide chasm make an unforgettable assault on the senses site -may be reached either by vehicle or a half hour c1imb leaving the Paraa launch.