The stunning Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP) stretches for around 100 km along the Victoria Nile, from the Karuma Bridge to Lake Albert in the west. It is one of the most exciting places to visit in Uganda and covers a massive 3,840 square kilometres, making it the biggest protected area in the country. The magnificent Murchison Falls, a sensory-exploding natural marvel, is located in the park’s centre.
The magnificent Nile River, which is wide and swift, becomes a mesmerising cascade of white water that thunders and froths at Murchison Falls. An effervescent and breathtaking display of power and beauty is produced as it thunders down a ravine in the Rift Valley Escarpment. It is one of the most stunning waterfalls in East Africa because of its hypnotic display.
Wildlife watching opportunities abound in Murchison Falls National Park, whether from land or sea. Many species of animals, like lions, elephants, hippos, buffalo, and Rothschild’s giraffes, may be seen by tourists along the northern bank of the Nile. Unforgettable possibilities abound to meet these majestic species in the park’s different settings.
Incredible wildlife may be found at Murchison Falls National Park, which also happens to be the biggest portion of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA). To the south of MFNP, inside this conservation region, you’ll find the Bugungu and Karuma wildlife parks, which together cover more than 750 square kilometres. Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is one of the top attractions in Bugungu and Karuma. It is home to a remarkable group of over 80 habituated chimpanzees, providing visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these interesting primates in their natural habitat. Also, many different kinds of woodland birds call the forest home, so birdwatchers may expect to see a wide range of species in this area.
In particular, the secretive shoebill stands out among the more than 550 bird species documented inside the MFCA, which is sure to please bird aficionados. The odd-looking waterbird is a common sight in the delta, where the Nile meets Lake Albert, and it adds to the park’s uniqueness and attraction.
The Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA) supports an incredible variety of plant and animal life, according to new survey findings released in 2022. Incredibly, the park is home to 144 different species of mammals, 556 different kinds of birds, 51 different kinds of reptiles, and 51 different kinds of amphibians. Although a few large animal populations have yet to fully recover from previous decreases, the overall numbers are still rather remarkable. Aerial scans suggest that the African elephant population in MFCA has been on the upswing, going from 900 in 2010 to 1,330 in 2013.
Nubian giraffes, often known as Rothschild’s giraffes, are a popular attraction at MFCA. This endangered species is doing quite well there. With an estimated 1,000 individuals, the giraffe population in 2012 was the highest of its species globally, according to aerial surveys. In January 2016, twenty giraffes were moved from their usual north-of-the-Nile habitat to their new southern home in an attempt to increase tourism and conservation activities. The goal was to create a second free-ranging population and attract more visitors to the area.
The buffalo population has grown significantly as well, going from less than 4,000 in 1999 to over 10,000 in the present. In a similar vein, over the same time period, the number of kobs in Uganda increased dramatically from 7,500 to over 35,000. With an estimated 150–200 lions spread among 15–20 prides, the population is still rather large, and there are also significant populations of leopards and spotted hyenas. Many antelope species, including Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, bushbuck, Defassa waterbuck, Bohor reedbuck, and warthog, may also be found in the park. The savannah and forest sections are home to vervet monkeys, Anubis baboons, and patas monkeys, which contribute to the park’s richness.
Chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and other forest-dwelling primates find refuge in the Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests, providing visitors with a rare chance to see these amazing animals in their native environment.
Take a boat ride to the foot of Murchison Falls, a centrepiece of the park since its establishment, and set off on an exciting adventure. Ever since the Queen Mother’s first journey in 1959, this three-hour round-trip has captivated tourists, promising an experience that will never be forgotten. The boat leaves Paraa and makes its way down the Nile, giving passengers a view of the classic African landscape as it slowly sails eastward. Towering mahogany trees, expansive acacia forests, and gigantic borassus palms line the riverbanks, providing a stunning setting for the adventure to come.
There are plenty of animal sightings as the boat cruises down the river. Get ready to be astounded by the sight of hundreds of hippos sunning themselves in the water next to some of the biggest crocodiles in Africa. Along the beach, small herds of buffalo, waterbuck, and kob graze, and among the lush flora are often observed giraffes, bushbucks, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Look out for the fascinating spectacle of elephants splashing about in the water, which happens regularly and often just next to the boat. Even if seeing lions or leopards requires a little more luck, the adventure of the hunt is enhanced by the adrenaline of the chase.
A sensory feast awaits you with the equally amazing birds along the Nile. Saddle-billed storks, African jacanas, Goliath herons, and African fish eagles are often seen; however, the precise species may change based on the time of year and exposure to sandbanks. African skimmers, piacpiacs, and rock pratincoles are among the birds that adorn the riverbanks, while pied and malachite kingfishers elegantly dart along them. For a look at black-headed gonoleks, black-winged red bishops, yellow-mantled widow-birds, and yellow-backed weavers, have your binoculars close at hand. When the seasons are appropriate, migrating waders enhance the variety of birds that inhabit the shorelines.
The strikingly colourful red-throated bee-eaters use the sandbanks between Paraa and the falls as breeding grounds. This is a unique chance to see these magnificent birds in their native environment. Of course, the ultimate prize in birds is the magnificent shoebill, which is possible to see even if it is less common than in the delta, particularly in the dry season.
The park boasts over 450 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Some notable species include the shoebill stork, the Goliath heron, and the African fish eagle.
Birdwatchers will find MFCA’s varied bird population fascinating. There are good chances of seeing the much sought-after shoebill along the section of river that runs between Nile Safari Lodge and the Lake Albert Delta. Riverbanks are home to a wide variety of water-related birds, and 53 species of raptors have been identified in the region.
With sightings of the rare white-crested turaco, red-headed lovebird, and red-winged grey warbler, Murchison Falls National Park is a birder’s paradise. The riparian forests along the south bank are a frequent spot for these species, which adds to the park’s appeal to birdwatchers.
Numerous important bird species, such as the Abyssinian ground hornbill, Denham’s bustard, black-headed lapwing, and black-billed barbet, may be found on the northern plains. In the meantime, the Kaniyo Pabidi forest is home to a wide variety of forest birds, such as the Puvel’s illadopsis, which is unique to East Africa, and the green-breasted pitta and chocolate-backed kingfisher.
Murchison Falls National Park’s delta region is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a wide variety of avian species to see. The stunning Abyssinian ground hornbill, with its absurd eye-fluttering show, and the graceful grey-crowned crane, a symbol of grandeur in African legend, are two of the ground birds that captivate the mind. The localised beauty of Denham’s bustards is on display as they strut over the savannah, while saddle-billed storks delicately monitor the marshlands. Notable sightings also include the Senegal thick-knee and the black-headed and spur-winged lapwings.
You may find a wealth of forest birds by walking into the towering acacia stands that border the Albert Nile Track, which is located just north of the intersection of Queen’s Track. Among them, the shy black-billed barbet lurks in the underbrush, while the vivid colours of the swallow-tailed, northern Carmine, blue-breasted, and red-throated bee-eaters fill the air. Look for herds of grazers, especially buffalo, followed by flocks of piapiacs, red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers, and cow egrets that feed on the insects that the animals attract.
Numerous tiny pools, rivers, lakes, and other aquatic environments in the park are home to a wide variety of ducks, waders, herons, and egrets. Admire in wonder as the mighty African fish eagle soars above, surveying its territory, and watch as marsh harriers soar over the lake, hunting for their next meal.
A leisurely drive along the Victoria Nile Track extension provides unrivalled possibilities for birdwatching for ardent birdwatchers. About 1.5 kilometres south of Hippo Point, this hidden treasure branches southwest from a junction that’s easy to miss but well worth the hunt. The three-kilometer trail follows the papyrus-lined Victoria Nile until it ends 200 metres from the riverbank at a seasonal hipposwamp. Here, you may often see shoebills, so named because of their unusual appearance, soaring above the delta or standing still among the beds of papyrus. A stunning bird that often perches near the hippo pool, the lone osprey adds to the attraction of this fascinating place to go birding. Keep an eye out for it.
The most well-liked and fruitful circuits for game watching are the Delta Circuit and the Buligi area in the northern part of MFNP, which provide unmatched benefits for game drives.
The Buligi area’s vast grasslands, located north of the Nile, are home to the majority of Murchison Falls’ animal show. Reachable along the Pakwach Road to the north of the ferry crossing, the route to Buligi winds through picturesque scenery filled with towering borassus palms. Look out for the unusual whistling acacia, which produces a gentle whistling sound as the wind blows through their aerated pods.
Multiple tracks converge as you go further into the Buligi area, providing multiple routes to the delta. For those with limited time, the 10-kilometer central Queen’s Track offers a relatively easy and fruitful game watching route.
When you get to the grassy peninsula, which is surrounded by the Albert Nile to the north and the delta to the south, you’ll find a flourishing environment brimming with species. Stop off at the unmarked Hippo Point overlook to see a variety of birds and hippos in the shallow reed beds. Jackson’s hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck, and Ugandan kob in large herds are often seen in this region.
A unique sight seldom seen elsewhere in Africa, the spectacular herds of giraffes, frequently reaching 50 or more, call for prepared cameras. With their unique genetic characteristics, buffalo herds traverse the delta, providing vistas of some of Africa’s most recognisable animals.
A number of lion prides visit the delta region due to the abundance of kob. Watch for the telltale indicators of their presence, such as kobs that are alert and make high-pitched alarm sounds. The variety of sightings is further enhanced by the presence of side-striped jackals and native Patas monkey tribes in the vicinity.
Roadside waterholes along the route attract a diverse array of animals, including giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and many types of antelope. The animal sightings may diminish as you go closer to Wankwar Gate, but the memories of your safari experience will last for a very long time.
Murchison Falls National Park has a lot of different settings and scenery that you can explore. Every step you take will reveal a new adventure waiting to be had. Put on your climbing boots and enjoy the beautiful nature of this breathtaking desert.
Explore the beautiful trails in the Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo Forests. At every turn, you can see apes, birds, and other animals. It is suggested that you listen to the sounds of nature as you walk through these untouched woods.
If you go on organised swamp walks around the Nile-Lake Albert Delta, you might see the rare shoebill. The walks last between two and four hours. If you pay close attention as you walk through the marshes, you might see this beautiful bird when the water level is low.
Ascend to new heights as you walk through the woods for 45 minutes to get to the top of Murchison Falls. Watch the sheer power of nature as white water waves crash through the six-meter gap, creating an amazing show that will leave you breathless. Feel the spray on your face, hear the loud roar, and feel the rock beneath your feet shake as you walk. As you look in awe as the waterfall cascades over the gap, its natural beauty will hold your attention. Listen to the sound of the falls and enjoy the cool spray on your lips. This is a sign of how powerful Mother Nature really is.
If you want a more relaxed adventure, you can stop on the north bank during your game drive and walk down a set of steps to get right up to the roaring waves. Feel the energy of the falls flow through you as you look up close and admire this natural wonder.
Birdwatchers and people who love nature can start short hikes on the south bank at Sambiya River Lodge or Mubako Junction. You could also walk along the north bank from Paraa, past the Emmy River, and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. With walks that last between 1.5 and 2 hours, these easygoing routes are the perfect way to get in touch with nature and enjoy the sights of Murchison Falls National Park on foot.
For bird watchers, Murchison Falls National Park does not disappoint. There, you will have exciting experiences with a wide range of amazing birds. As you drive through the huge fields on game drives or take a boat launch trip down the river, you’ll have great chances to see a wide range of birds, including savannah forest, water, and rare Albertine Rift endemics. Keep an eye out for the beautiful shoebill, which is the park’s main bird draw and can be seen best from January to March, when it’s dry. As you travel across the plains, you’ll see many familiar bird species, like the Marabou Stork, the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and the Secretary Birds. Watch out for the black-bellied bustards, the open-billed storks, and the widow bird to make your birding experience even more enjoyable. Get closer to the river, where thickets and forests are full of birds. The swallow-tailed and red-throated bee-eaters, which are most common near the Nyamusika Cliffs, have beautiful, bright colours. Watch the skilled dives of the Woodland, Pied, Giant, and Malachite Kingfishers and look for Francolins, Hornbills, Grey Herons, and Hamerkops in the trees. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of shrikes, flycatchers, cuckoos, woodpeckers, crombecs, and warblers. When you take a boat ride, you can also see different species of ducks, geese, stilts, and plovers along the riverbanks, adding to the diverse range of birds that live there.