Every weekend at the Murchison falls national park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest national park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge. The park is a popular safari destination, offering a range of activities, wildlife viewing opportunities, and various accommodation options.
Wildlife viewing
The park is home to 76 species of mammals and over 450 species of birds. The Victoria Nile bisects the park, attracting animals to its shores.
The Big Five: The park hosts four of the "Big Five": lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Rhinos, which were previously poached to extinction, have been reintroduced at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way to the park.
Other mammals: You can spot a wide array of other animals, including Rothschild's giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, waterbucks, and warthogs.
Primates: The forests in the park, such as Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi, are home to over 600 chimpanzees, as well as olive baboons and various monkeys.
Birds: The park is a birdwatcher's paradise with species like the rare shoebill stork, Goliath heron, and grey-crowned crane.
Popular activities
Boat Cruise: A trip along the Nile to the base of the falls is a must-do experience. Visitors can get up close to hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, as well as see elephants and buffaloes along the riverbanks.
Game Drives: Taking a safari vehicle through the northern section of the park allows for excellent wildlife viewing, particularly in the Buligi Peninsula. Early morning and evening drives are the best times to see animals.
Hike to the Top of the Falls: Hike from the boat landing to the top of Murchison Falls for a close-up view of the water thundering through the narrow gorge.
Chimpanzee Tracking: Trekking for chimpanzees is available in the Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests in the park's southern sector.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: A stop here offers the chance to track white rhinos on foot and is often included in safari packages.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: For a unique perspective, you can take a hot air balloon ride over the park at sunrise.
Planning your visit
Best Time to Visit: The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry seasons (December–February and June–September), when animals congregate around water sources. The wet season (March–May and October–November) offers lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
How to Get There:
Murchison Falls can be reached by road, a 4 to 5-hour drive from Kampala. Alternatively, domestic flights from Entebbe can land at airstrips like Pakuba inside the park.
Fees: Park entry fees are charged per person per 24 hours, with higher rates for foreign non-residents. Note that fees for activities like boat cruises and the Top of the Falls hike are charged separately.
Accommodation:
Options range from luxury lodges, such as Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, and Baker's Lodge, to mid-range options like Murchison River Lodge and budget camps like Red Chilli Rest Camp.