Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park

History

It is the largest and oldest National Park, located in the Northwestern part of Uganda, covering an area of 3893 square Kilometers. The park was gazzeted in 1952 and upgraded from a game reserve that was known as Bunyoro-Gulu game reserve to a national Park. The Park’s name was derived from Murchison Falls, the falls that were named after Sir Roderick Murchison, a Scottish geologist that was a member of the British Royal geographers. It is the British Explorers Sir Samuel Baker and his wife Florence Baker that awarded him the honors. In the 1970’s under the presidency of Iddi Amin, the park’s name was changed to Kabalega National Park in commemoration of the local fierce King who had defied the colonial rule in his Kingdom called Omukama Kabalega hence the name Kabalega National Park. The park regained its former name after the overthrow of Amin’s government.

Attractions and Activities

Budongo Forest

Murchison falls national is bisected into two parts by the Nile River creating the southern and the Northern banks. The southern bank is mostly covered by the tropical rain forest and the savannah woodlands.

Budongo forest is part of the park and one of the largest forests in the country inhabiting a variety of wildlife, including one of the highest populations of Chimpanzees, endemic forest bird species, Butterflies, different monkey species like the black and white Colobus , Red tailed, Grey cheeked, vervet monkeys and many others. Elephants and Buffalos can be sighted as well,

The major activities carried out in the southern bank of the park are chimpanzee tracking, Forest walks and Bird watching.

Chimpanzee tracking  

The second largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda are found in Budongo Forest within Murchison Falls National Park. The activity is carried out in the morning and afternoon sessions depending on the suitable schedule of the clients. Tracking takes between two to five hours depending on how far or closer the chimpanzees may be located. Every group of Tourists has a maximum of eight people and Guided by a ranger.

In preparation of chimpanzee tracking, nature blending clothes like long sleeved shirts, Trousers, closed shoes, huts, face masks, insect repellent, rain jackets, water and food must be put into consideration. A backpack therefore may be required to carry some of the items.

Murchison Falls

The falls are believed to be the most powerful in the world! This can be described by the largest outlet of Lake Victoria which is the Victoria Nile that traverses over 300 kilometers to get to a narrow gorge of 7 meters wide and 43 feet beneath before the rapids of waters on a high speed congesting itself into a path to create an uproar of a waterfall with always a trademark of a rainbow before flowing smoothly on the lower side of the river bed. Murchison falls are one of the highlights of a trip to Uganda!

Game Safaris

The park boosts of over 140 mammal species, 455 bird species, 50 reptiles and many more, with highest numbers of animal concentration in an area amongst all the parks. It is definitely a place to go for safaris! Herds of Elephants can be encountered, Buffalos, prides of Lions and higher chances of seeing Leopards.

Boat cruises

Sun set and delta cruises are conducted on the Nile river since it crosses through the park. The river being the main source of water, a variety of animal species, birds and reptiles come on the shores to cool off and drink when it’s hot. Animals like Giraffes, Hippos, crocodiles, Elephants and many bird species are encountered.

Sun set cruises take an average of 3 hours for which they commence at 2 Pm and end at 5 Pm while Delta cruises begin in the morning at 7 AM and end at 11 AM. The Delta cruise takes 5 hours and majorly includes the shoebill Stork search. A variety of other birds are always encountered and different kinds of animal species.

Sport fishing

For those interested in sport fishing, Murchison falls National Park is a haven for Anglers! A variety of fish species ranging from Nile perch, Cat fish, Tilapia, Lung fish and many others are permanent residents. The favorite among all has always been the Nile Perch due to its large size. The largest to have ever been caught weighed 114 kilograms.

Expectations and Requirements

The activity is carried out on the Nile River and takes a full day or half depending on the Angler’s wish per session. You can as well decide to fish of 2-3 days or even more. It is always advisable to carry your own equipment in case the one available does not suit your preference.

Food and drinking water are always provided during the activity. Other requirements like huts, insect repellent, lotions to prevent sun bans and any other personal necessities are advisable to be carried for the smooth running of the activity.

An experienced fishing guide is provided to help in any kind of set up required and usage of his local knowledge in finding suitable sites for better catches.

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