Murchison Falls became one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. The park is situated at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley. It is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The government named it a game reserve in 1926. Since then, it has become a symbol of the country’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
The park’s centerpiece is the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls. There, the Nile River is just 8 metres wide. It then plunges 45 metres into the “Devil’s Cauldron” with a loud roar. This waterfall is dramatic. It creates a trademark rainbow. It is the final event in an 80-kilometer stretch of rapids. The large cascade turns the river into a wide, calm stream. It flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles.
The north of the park has savanna and Borassus palms, acacia trees, and riverine woodland. The south has woodland and forest patches. The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including:
– 51 Reptiles and 51 Amphibians: These species add to the park’s rich biodiversity.
Many famous visitors have come to Murchison Falls National Park over the years. They include Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and several British royals. The park also served as the filming location for the 1951 film “The African Queen.” Humphrey Bogart starred in it. They filmed it on Lake Albert and the Nile.
The park offers a wide range of activities to enhance your visit.
– Game Drives: Include the option to view the Big 5.
– Boat Safari on the Nile River: Witness the diverse aquatic life and bird species.
– Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls: Experience the falls from a unique perspective.
– Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest: Get up close with our closest relatives.
– Birdwatching: Explore extensive birdlife, especially along the Albert delta.
– Sambiya Zip Lining and Canopy Walk: An adventure for the thrill-seekers.
– Cultural Experiences: Engage with the local communities and learn about their traditions.
– Sunrise in Murchison Falls: Enjoy breathtaking views at dawn.
Accommodation
Murchison Falls National Park has many accommodation options. They suit different preferences.
– Luxury Lodges: Baker’s Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge.
– Midrange Lodges: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Sambiya Safari Lodge.
Uganda’s national parks and reserves exemplify environmental stewardship and climate-friendly practices. All areas adhere to sustainable management principles. They preserve biodiversity and natural habitats. This ensures that the landscapes stay pristine and resilient to climate change.
Download Park Brochure
Download the Murchison Falls National Park Brochure here: Murchison Falls National Park Brochure
The park shows nature’s grandeur. It offers a memorable experience for every visitor.
