Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and the oldest national park,covering about 3,893km2. It was gazetted in 1952. The park is located in the North Western part of Uganda covering district of Nwoya, Buliisa, Masindi,Kiryandongo, Pakwach and Gulu.
Murchison Falls National Park is also known as the World’s most powerful waterfall. This is because the park’s heart lies on the spectacular Murchison falls,where Nile river forces through a narrow gorge of 7m wide and plunges 43m down creating a beautiful and powerful waterfall with a rainbow seen during a sunny day.
Murchison falls National Park is a home to diverse range of wildlife including; Elephants,lions,giraffe,buffaloes,hippos,crocodiles and about 450 bird species.
The park features a mix of savannah, woodland and riverine forest. These offer a beautiful scenery and diverse habitat for wildlife. Murchison falls National Park is a must visit place for nature lover. This is simply because the park offers the view of the big 5 and for your memorable travel book with Beyond sight safaris where every trip is a story
How the name Murchison Falls National Park came about.
The name Murchison Falls National Park was given by Sir Samuel and Florence Baker in 1864. These were the explorers that came in Uganda exploring the beautiful country. They named the falls after sir Roderick Murchison who was the president of the Royal Geographical Society at the time.
The original name of the falls was, “pajok” which is a Luo word meaning the place of spirits. It was the place where the people believed to have spirits and a lot of powers just as powerful as the falls. The people worshiped the gods and did sacrifices from the devil’s cauldron point which is at the top of the fall.
In 1971 during president Idi Amin regime, the name was changed from from Murchison Falls National Park to sir Kabalega National Park. This was done in recognition of the bravery and good services of Sir Kabalega who was the king of Bunyoro. Bunyoro covered some good parts of the national park.
Everything and all the documentations were changed in honor of sir Kabalenge. However in 1979 when the regime of Idi Amin was done, the name was changed back to Murchison Falls National Park. All the documentations were changed back up to date. The park remains the oldest and the largest national park in Uganda and the only park in the A+ category in Uganda.
Location
Murchison Falls National Park is located in Northwestern part of Uganda. It spans across several districts, including Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo, and Masindi. The park is approximately 305 kms (190 miles) North of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
Murchison Falls National Park is located at 2.2031° N latitude and 31.5874° E longitude.
The park can be accessed by road from Kampala via the Masindi route which takes about 6-7 hours. There are also domestic flights available from Entebbe International Airport to the Pakuba Airstrip, which is within the park.
Activities done in Murchison Falls National Park
The park offers a variety of activities such as:
Game drives
There are morning game drive,afternoon and evening game drives offered at the park where one is in position to spot a lot of wild life during the drive . Each time of the game drive offers different experience and view.
jackson hartebeest,one can view during a game drive
Boat cruises
Opt for Nile Boat Safari,a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. This offers a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds up close.Though you can still enjoy a boat trip to the Nile Delta, where the river meets Lake Albert. It’s a great spot for bird watching and seeing aquatic wildlife.
Bird watching
The park is a bird watching haven having about 450 species of birds including the rare shoebill stork, gray crowned crane and goliath heron. Some of the birding spots in the park includes; Nile delta, Lake Albert and along the banks of the river. However the park has experienced guides in birding who know the birding spots very well.
Hiking to the top of the falls
It’s an amazing activity hiking to the top of the fall with a breathtaking view as you witness River Nile squeezing itself through a narrow gorge as it plunges down. Have a beautiful photo at that point as you enjoy the beauty of nature.
Spot fishing
Try your hand at spot fishing. Spot fish like Nile perch, tilapia, catfish among other species of fish. It is good to book your spot fishing permit with Uganda Wildlife Authority(UWA) or reputable tour company like Beyond Sight Safaris in case you are interested in spot fishing.
Spot fishing permit goes for $50 for all categories of visitors including Ugandans per day. However the price changes and its always better to check it out with UWA or a reputable travel company like Beyond sight safaris
Nature walks
Enjoy a guided nature walks while at Murchison Falls National Park in order to have encounter with nature on foot. Nature walks enables one to learn more regarding fauna and flora. It as well offers a good birding opportunity to the birders.
Birding and nature walks goes for $25foreign non resident,$20 foreign resident and UGX20,000 for East African Citizen.
Community visit
Visit the nearby community with in the park so as to have cultural encounter with them. Learn more regarding their lifestyle, cultural dances and enjoy storytelling as well.
Whoever is interested in community visiting, you can organize it with the tour company such as Beyond sight safaris. This will help them plan for it during your stay at Murchison Falls National Park in order to have your best stay at the park.
Other tourist that would love to do charity work or donations to the community or would love to give back to the community which is a very good thing to do and the best time of doing that is during the community visit. Where you will be able to have a one on one interaction with the community in order to help them accordingly.
Hot air balloon safaris
At only $580 permit organize your hot air balloon safaris in Murchison Falls National park using your tour operator. It is a lifetime experience with a breathtaking view of wildlife at the park.
The experience last for about one and a half hours as you conclude it by enjoying a special bush breakfast with champagne.
Accommodation
Murchison Falls National Park offers one of the best and most relaxing hotels and lodges. With different type of dishes prepared catering for the needs of both the locals and international visitors. some of the lodges include:
Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa safari lodge is a luxurious lodge with comfortable rooms,swimming pool and stunning views of the Nile. Its located near the park’s headquarter , towards the staff quarters and the student centre. This makes it very easy for the visitor to access any activity in side the park because it’s well centred.
Red Chilli Rest Camp
Budget-friendly camp with basic amenities great for travelers looking for a more rustic experience. It’s also good for the tourists who may wish not to overspend. The camp is located Within the park and close to the falls.
Sambiya River Lodge
It’s a Mid-range lodge with spacious rooms, private balconies, and excellent Nile views. It offers activities like nature walks, canopy walk, fire camps which is worth enjoying.The lodge is located along the river, offering easy access to boat safaris.
Nile Safari Lodge
It is Safari-style lodge with comfortable rooms, delicious food, and offers a variety of activities.The lodge is located near the Nile River and its perfect for wildlife viewing.
Chobe Safari Lodge
It is a luxury lodge with high-end amenities, great for a more upscale experience.The lodge is located Close to the park entrance.
Yebo Safari Camp
An eco-friendly camp with a focus on sustainability, offering a unique and immersive experience.The lodge is located within the park, surrounded by nature.
Boomu Women’s Group Bandas
The lodge is a Community-run accommodation offering a cultural experience that proceeds with supporting local women.The lodge is within the park, providing a unique cultural stay.
Budongo Eco Lodge
Eco-lodge focuses on conservation, offering comfortable rooms and a chance to learn about local wildlife. It’s located near Budongo Forest and most recommendable for visitors visiting Budongo forest or going for chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest.
For a perfect and unforgettable experience in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, book your travels with Beyond Sight Safari
