Murchison Falls is the largest national park in Uganda extending over 3,840squ.km gazetted in 1952. Murchison Falls known as the world’s most powerful waterfall is the most beautiful site not just in the park but probably one of its kind in Africa. It is here that river Nile forces itself in a narrow cleft about 6m before powering its waters into Lake Albert only to come out proceeding to the Mediterranean Sea.
This beautiful scenery is one of the places where the “African Queen” movie of the year 1951 starring Humphrey Bogart was filmed.
The beauty of this park stretches to its biodiversity. Gifted with a big community of habituated Chimpanzees, at least 76 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptile and 51 amphibian.
There is a range activities you can choose from while here;
Chimp tracking in Budongo
With a habituated group of over 90individuals, Budongo Eco lodge offers around 36 permits daily for chimpanzee trekking. A permit here costs $90 compared to $200 premium trekking in Kibale National Park. It is possible to do chimpanzee habituation and spend a minimum of 6 hours in the jungle at US$155 per person.
Bird watching in Murchison Falls-Budongo
Murchison falls National Park has over 500 species of birds that is half the population of birds in Uganda. For those looking for forest species, Kaniyo Pabidi forest is the place to be. While here, the best spots include around Budongo Eco Lodge and the main road that’s starts from the main gate of the National park.
Forest species include Narina Trogon, Chest-nut wattle eye. Chest-nut winged starling, Pygmy and dwarf Kingfisher and much more. It is important to note that the magnificent green-breasted Pitta was recorded here. One special bird of the area is Puvel’s Illadopsis, that is not seen anywhere in East Africa.
Savannah species can be seen on game drives in the upper Nile. The same thing is with water birds which are readily available around the Delta. The special bird of this region is the shoe bill, Africa’s most sought bird with a life span of up to 50years. A private boat/shared can be arranged to the Delta not just in search of the shoebill but even other species of birds and mammals.
Boat trips in Murchison from Paraa
There are three major trips by boat operating on the Nile from paraa namely Base of the Falls boat trip, Delta cruise and Fishing excursion.
This boat trip takes around three hours to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls, the most beautiful site of the park. Game viewing is good and Hippos, Crocodiles, Giraffes, Black and white colobus monkey are hard to miss. It is common to see elephants cooling off the heat of the day.
The avian wealth here is breathtaking and birds to look out for include; Black headed gonolek. Goliath Heron, Saddle billed stock, Yellow mantled widowbird, red throated bee-eater and more. Of course on top of the list is the shoe bill whose chances here cannot quite compare with the Delta side.
Fishing on the Nile is fruitful and fun. The major challenge to the participants is the large Tiger fish and even bigger Nile Pearch. Kevin Nicholson’s record in 2013 for rod and line in Murchison stands at 114kgs close to Tim Smith’s 113kg in 2009.
An interaction with the local fishermen will reveal claims of netting specimens of upto 163kgs. Sport fishing permits are available at UWA and can be arranged by your safari company.
This 20km long trip starts from Paraa to Lake Albert. This is more rewarding for birdwatchers and those on a sundowner cruise. This trip offers one of the best opportunities to see the shoebill in Africa. If big game is your thing, this may not be worth your time.
Game drives in Murchison Falls
Game drives are mostly done in the northern part of Murchison Falls National park across River Nile. Your safari favorites like the lion, leopard, elephants are quite easily seen and being a large conservation area, it is worth more time if resources are in your favor.
List of lodges in Murchison Falls