Murchison falls National park is one of the most visited parks in Uganda. With over 50,000 tourists annually. It is the largest and oldest and it spans approximately 3,800 square kilometres. It is located in Masindi district via the Kampala-Gulu highway in Northeastern Uganda and lies in the Eastern arm of the great rift valley. Murchison falls national park boasts the most powerful waterfalls in the whole world. River Nile (Albert Nile) flows at a width of 40m but drastically narrows down as it passes through a 6m gorge, plunging 43m down a sheer cliff. At the top of the falls, it is always drenched as water splashes from too much pressure. The water vapour forms a rainbow over the falls, it is seen most of the time during the day.
Historical background
Murchison falls were originally known as Kabalega falls but in 1864, Sir Samuel Baker, the first European explorer to discover the Kabalega falls named them ‘Murchison’. This was in honor of the then president of the Royal Geographical Society, Sir Roderick Murchison. This opened up Uganda to the rest of the world. Later on in 1962 the water levels rose and other waterfalls were formed. They were named Uhuru, meaning independence because this was the year when Uganda attained her independence.
Today, you can no longer view the Uhuru falls from the top. The viewpoint was extended due to further increase in the water levels. The region around Murchison falls national Park is inhabited by the Alur, Bagungu, Banyoro and the Acholi, who depend on agriculture and fishing for a living. They have learnt to coexist with wildlife and nature over the years. Visits to these communities equip you with knowledge on the history of the region.
Biodiversity
Murchison falls National Park’s biodiversity is overwhelming, it has a rich drainage system. Vegetation varies from savannah, acacia trees, riverline woodlands and the Borassus palms, this one was dispersed by elephants which were transferred from Queen Elizabeth national Park. Lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, primates like baboons, monkeys, chimpanzees, reptiles, bird species of the heron and egret, the ground hornbill african data among others, reside on the premises. You will also see semi- aquatic animals like the hippos and the Nile crocodiles. Hippos spend most time of the day underwater because their skin is very soft. It can easily get affected by the strong sun rays.
Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Morning game drives are the most fruitful, however evening game drives also present a satisfying experience. In the morning, animals are waking up from their slumbers and in the evening, they are retiring for the day. In the afternoon, you might encounter limited species because it is usually hot so the animals look for shades to rest. Night game drives come at an extra cost, targeting nocturnal animals. There are specific trails designated for these game drives; Victoria, Albert and Buliji. A speed not higher than 20 km /hr is enforced. A visit at the hippo pool on Lake Albert is ideal. You may encounter very many hippos relaxing here. It also has beautiful views and a calm environment.
Another activity that is really popular in this National Park is the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, along the Albert Nile. The Uganda Wildlife Authority boats usually leave at 2:00 p.m. But you could use a private boat in order to cruise at your convenience. An afternoon boat cruise is ideal because various animals slope down to the river to quench their thirst.
Birders are in for a special treat, as very many birds are presented during this cruise, for example the white, great egret, the herons, red throated beater eater, African data also known as the snakebird, Fish Eagle, Egyptian goose, Jacana, hornbill and the shoebill, this one is dealt with independently. All this is wrapped up by the view of the vigorous Murchison falls from the bottom. From there you may choose to either make a U-turn or get off the boat and hike to the top along a designated trail. Here you will see all angles of the falls including the Uhuru falls.
Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is also home to the largest surviving natural forest in Uganda. Budongo forest is home for primates especially the chimpanzees. So you are in for the mind blowing activity of chimpanzee trekking and fruitful nature walks. Accommodation facilities around the national park range from budget, midrange and luxury. Lake Albert also sits in Murchison Falls National Park and is rich with oil. An oil drilling project is ongoing at the premises with the comforts and conservation of Wildlife at a high interest.
Murchison Falls National Park is a very rich destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, it is accessible throughout the year. On your way there from Kampala you might have a stop at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary located in Nakasongola District, where the endangered white rhino resides. You can take part in nature walks and rhino trekking at the scene. You might as well continue northeastwards to Kidepo Valley National Park for yet another wildlife experience. In conclusion, Murchison Falls National Park is a haven with abundant wildlife and nature, rich drainage systems, different arrays of landscapes and hospitable communities. Making it a multi purpose destination!
