There are several places of interest to visit in Murchison Falls National Park.
- The Top of the Falls
- Rabongo Forest
- Budongo Forest
Areas of Interest in Murchison Falls National Park
The unique Murchison Falls
The biggest attraction in Murchison Falls National Park is none other than the falls. It’s among the most powerful waters in Uganda. The top and the bottom Murchison falls offers the best views. Here water forces its way from uplands – down slope in a narrow gorge which creates a rain bow like features and the splash of moist winds.
The Murchison Falls is the main attraction of Murchison Falls National Park. This stunning waterfall, also known as Kabalega Falls, lies between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile. The water forces its way through a narrow gap in the rocks, creating a 7-meter-wide, 43-meter-high waterfall. The falls create a permanent rainbow as the water flows westward into Lake Albert. Murchison Falls is a powerful and dramatic sight, with loud roars and sprays of water. Many visitors prefer staying close to the falls to hear the sound of the water, especially during quiet nights.
Top of the Murchison Falls
The Top of the Falls offers clear views of the amazing falls. While at the top, you will see water forcing its way into the narrow gorge. Take photos and then proceed to another destination of your interest.
The “Top of the Nile” provides the most spectacular view of the waterfall. Here, visitors can see the Nile crashing through a narrow chasm, creating a dramatic sight and sound. The site can be reached either by car or by a 30-minute hike from the boat landing at the base of the falls.
The bottom of Murchison Falls
Board a boat to the bottom of Murchison Falls. The bottom offers clear view of the falls. While on the boat to the bottom of the falls, crocodiles and Hippos are a must see!
The River Nile
It’s the longest River in Africa. River Nile originates from Jinja and power its waters in Mediterranean Sea. The river flows through Murchison Falls National Park making it one of the most popular attraction there. Another major attraction in the park is the River Nile. Known as the longest river in the world, the Nile starts in Uganda’s Jinja and flows through Murchison Falls National Park. The river is home to many hippos and large crocodiles, animals and birds can often be seen drinking or bathing along the riverbanks. The best way to explore the river is by taking a launch trip, which departs at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM every day. The boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls takes about 3 hours, and a trip downstream to the papyrus delta takes about 4-5 hours, offering a good chance to spot the rare shoebill stork and other wildlife.
Nile Lake Delta
The Nile Lake Albert Delta, located in the southwestern part of the park, is an important birding site. This delta is where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert and is surrounded by beautiful scenery with forests and vegetation. Visitors can enjoy views of the Congo Mountain ranges, which are home to a variety of birds, including the rare shoebill, hornbills, grey herons, woodpeckers, and kingfishers. The delta is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Buligi Game Area
It’s one of the major wildlife tracking answers. Most of the game drives are done in Buligi and while there, expect to see Hippos, Buffaloes, leopards, giraffes and warthogs among others.
The Buligi Game Area is a prime location for game viewing in the park. It includes open savanna grasslands, riverine vegetation, and woodlands. The area is popular for game drives, with both morning and afternoon safaris. A guide from UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) is recommended for an informative experience. The area also offers great views of the western rift valley and Lake Albert, extending into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These tracks stretch between the Victoria Nile and Albert Nile and offer game drives where you can see a variety of animals. The game tracks run through open savannah grasslands, woodlands, riverine areas, and acacia vegetation, covering a distance of 120-170 kilometers.
Paraa
Its an Acholi ward meaning home of Hippos. It’s situated in the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park. You can take a game drive in Paraa sector to see animals like Hartebeests, giraffes, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, Buffalos, lions, leopards, bushbuck, Reedbucks, Warthogs and duikers and so on.
Paraa is a key area in the park where many roads converge. The name “Paraa” means “Home of Hippos” in the local Luo language. It is a hub for accommodation, with several hotels and safari lodges, making it a popular place to stay. Paraa also has a gift shop and museum, located on the northern bank of the park. From here, visitors can embark on game drives, nature walks, and boat trips.
Budongo forest
Its situated in Murchison falls national Park however, some people believe that this forest is independent from the park. The forest is dominated by the tall mahogany trees harboring over 600 chimpanzees and other primates.
The forest is located in the southwest of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest is a famous habitat for primates, especially chimpanzees. The forest is home to around 800 chimpanzees and 360 bird species, including the African dwarf kingfisher, black-eared ground thrush, and the brown twin spot. Budongo also has a variety of primates such as the black-and-white colobus monkeys and the olive-breasted greenbul. The forest is an excellent location for bird watching and nature walks, with the Royal Mile being a prime birding spot.
Kaniyo Pabidi forest
It’s among the remaining rain forests in Uganda. Like Budongo forest, Kaniyo Pabidi forest is dominated by the tall mahogany forest and habours chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys among others. The Park can be visited together with Murchison falls national park because of the short distance from each other.
It is located just 5 kilometers from the Kichumbanyobo Gate, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is one of the best places for chimpanzee tracking situated in the southern part of the park, the forest is home to habituated chimpanzees, which are tracked by tourists. In addition to chimpanzees, the forest is inhabited by black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and blue monkeys. Kaniyo Pabidi is also a great birding location, with species such as the yellow-footed flycatcher, Puvel’s illadopsis, and the white-thighed hornbill. Visitors may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards. The forest is part of Uganda’s largest remaining Mahogany and Ironwood forests, providing a habitat for various wildlife and birds.
Rabongo Forest
Rabongo Forest is a 4-square-kilometer green forest located just 1-2 hours’ drive from Paraa Safari Lodge. It is an excellent birding destination and home to species like the yellow-footed flycatcher, Ituri batis, and white-thighed hornbill. Rabongo is also home to primates, including blue monkeys, baboons, and red-tailed monkeys.
Being the largest national park is Uganda and a lot of endowment, Murchison falls national park should be put on your destinations to visit while on your Uganda safari. It is the best savanna national park in the country and one of the most accessible.