Covering a total area of 3898 square kilometers, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest among Uganda’s top ten Parks. It’s home to the renowned Murchison falls, these falls are formed by the waters of the Nile that flow through a narrow gorge.
Murchison Falls Conservation Area was first visited by explorers John Speke and James Grant in 1862. Later explored thoroughly by Samuel and Florence Baker in 1863 to 1864. The falls were named Murchison falls after the geologist “Roderick Murchison”. Inhabitants of an area totaling to 13000 square kilometers were evacuated between the years of 1907 and 1912 due to sleeping sickness spread by tse-tse flies.
After the establishment of the National Parks Act of Uganda by the British administration in 1952, this area was declared Murchison Falls National Park
Location – Murchison is located in the north western part of Uganda, it straddles for four Ugandan districts including Buliisa, Nwoya, Masindi and Kiryandongo.
Masindi is the nearest large town, it’s about 72 km to the Kibanda area of the Park. By road, Murchison is about 283 kilometers North West of Kampala city.
How to get there
There are two options of reaching Murchison from Kampala – You either go by road or feel luxurious in the privately arranged charters.
By Road, Kampala – Masindi – Gulu high way is the usual route to go, it takes about 7-8 hours for the drive from Kampala to the Park depending on the speed used and en route stop overs included.
On your way to Murchison, you can have a stopover in Nakasongola for Rhinoceros in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary if it’s your interest.
Have lunch either in the Sanctuary or in Masindi town and after continue Journeying up to the Park for check-in at your lodge of stay.
If not Kampala, you can connect to Murchison Falls National Park from Kidepo Valley National Park or Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park via Hoima – Masindi road.
By Air – Private charters are usually arranged from Kajjansi airstrip up to Pakuba airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park. For this, there is no option of stopping over in Nakasongola for the Rhinoceros.
Things to do in the Park
Boat Cruise.
Murchison’s boat cruise starts from the top of the falls to the bottom, it reveals more of different aquatic species including the Wild animals such as elephants which draw near the banks in need of water.Other species to sight on boat include Hippopotamus, crocodiles and species of water birds. It costs $30 USD per person.
Chimpanzee Tracking.
This is all about meeting with the Chimpanzee Primates in the Jungles, it’s usually done in a group. Further it involves trekking for a reasonable distance following the permanently established trails until you discover the presence of these primates.
Distance moved depend on where these creatures spent their last night. Not just Chimpanzees but visitors are exposed to a wide range of inhabited species. While in Murchison Falls National Park, this activity is only done in Budongo forest reserve.
Game Drives.
This is the best way to immerse several bird’s eyes views of different Wild animals, rolling hills, Savannah, along with sunset or sunrise.
Using suitable 4×4 wheel Safari jeep with pop up roof, drives are done following permanent trails at a low speed such that clients are able to take a lot of photos, admire different views and more.
Day game driving is usually done in the morning to catch the early risers or evening when different animals and bird species are setting back for night stay plus scenic views of sunset. It costs $20 USD for day and $100 USD for night game drive.
Bird Watching.
Murchison Falls National Park is regarded as a paradise for bird watching to birders with its huge numbers of different bird species. Budongo Forest reserve part of Murchison is the most perfect with unique species. The best time for several sights is either morning or evening time. It costs $30 USD per person.
Other exciting activities done but not popular in the Park include White water rafting at a cost of $50 USD per person, and hiking to the top of the falls at a cost of $15 USD per person.