Activities in Murchison falls national park: exciting things see on a Murchison falls tour.
Murchison falls national park is not new to the world of fame, given its spectacular landscapes and array of wildlife that underline its plains. The park is filled with a lot to see, do and hear. While within it, you will have the opportunity of getting your game better by engaging in a number of activities and sports. Every activity is unique in its own way and offers a rare kind of happiness. You will traverse the plains, grasslands and water areas as part of an exceptional system and ecoregion. The activities in Murchison falls national park vary depending on your interests, time and available resources.
Murchison falls national park activities and sights.
What to see on a Murchison falls tour.
The Murchison falls.
Along the Nile river as it pierces to soils of Egypt, a spectacle and grand feature known as the Murchison falls finds its rest within the regions of Northwest Uganda. The falls are great in both form and diversity and form an ethereal landscape that has to be seen to be believed. They are the biggest highlight of a Murchison falls tour.
You will witness great turbulence in the waters of the Nile where vivid compressions of water can be seen. Right here at the World’s most powerful water fall, the unmitigated power force of the mighty river stirs up magic and squeezes through a tiny chasm of 7 meters as it vehemently tumbles 43 meters down. The sight so created is good to look at. The area near the falls also attracts numerous species of birds and wildlife which come to cool off from the heat and as well take a drink. This creates a great combination of beauty all in one place and offers more than just moments and memories. The experience encountered is just forever beautiful!!
The falls can be accessed by a 30 minutes hike, a car or by a taking a boat cruise from Paraa.
Four of the Murchison falls national park big five.
The big five refer to mammals which are dangerous and originally hardest to hunt. These include the Elephant, the Buffalo, the Lion, the Leopard and the Rhino. Murchison has all of them with the exception of the Rhinos. Therefore, on your Murchison falls tour, you will see these animals within the different pockets and ecosystems of the park. You will also see other big game and wildlife species. To see them, you will do game drives and boat cruises.
Many species of birds: Birding activities in Murchison falls National Park.
Murchison is a combination of different ecosystems which provide for the prevalence and survival of numerous species of birds. The park has over 460 bird species that include the rare shoebill. Other species of birds include the Grey backed Camaroptera, The African Crake Crex, Glossy Ibis, Laughing Dove, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, African Jacana, African Paradise Fly Catcher, Augur Buzzard, Barn owl, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Marsh Tchagra, Lesser Moorhen and the African Crake Crex among others.
Birding at Murchison falls National Park can be done at majorly 3 spots. The include the Nile Delta at Buligi, the woods at Kaniyo padidi and around the falls. You will encounter many endemic, resident and migratory birds.
Wildlife activities in Murchison falls National park.
Murchison falls National Park is the prime destination for game viewing and wildlife excursions. The park has a phenomenal 76 mammalian species. Murchison falls is the main stronghold in Africa for Rothschild Giraffes and therefore large herds of them can be found at the park. You will also encounter other wildlife species like the warthogs, cheetahs, hippos, waterbucks, oribis and chimps among others.
Murchison falls National Park is the prime destination for game viewing and wildlife excursions. The park has a phenomenal 76 mammalian species. Murchison falls is the main stronghold in Africa for Rothschild Giraffes and therefore large herds of them can be found at the park. You will also encounter other wildlife species like the warthogs, cheetahs, hippos, waterbucks, oribis and chimps among others.
Activities in Murchison falls national park.
Game drive murchison falls.
Murchison falls game drive is one of the most popular activities in Murchison falls national park Uganda. In Murchison, the Nile river divides the park into two sectors: the Southern and Northern sectors. The Northern section largely contains savannah and woodland ecosystems as compared to the south which is more punctuated by forest cover. Therefore, the game drives Murchison falls are predominantly done in the Northern area of the park. If your lodge is in the south, you will be transferred to the northern sector by ferry crossing.
The game drives happen during different intervals but are best done in the early morning or the late afternoon/early evening since the weather then is still favorable for the animals. The early morning is a better time for to spot nocturnal animals and elusive predators such as Leopards since they are usually still out actively hunting in the morning hours and haven’t returned to their hideouts. Game drives during Midday or Afternoon are usually least productive since fewer animals can be seen in the hot weather.
Evening drives are as rewarding as the morning ones since the big cats tend to become more active in the evening hours. The best game viewing spot in Murchison is at Buligi on the Nile delta where the White Nile joins lake Albert to form the Albert Nile. The pastures and plenty of waters in this place attract large animal populations. Predators are also common in this area to take advantage of the high prey concentration. There are different tracks within the park that lead to different hotspots where various species of wildlife can be found. The game trails towards the Albert delta will expose you to different species of wildlife including the predators and many antelopes. The verdant pastures and abundant waters in this area attract large animal populations. There are some large predators such as lions, leopards as well as other members of the cat family that can regularly be seen. Tip: Viewing these animals is better done with the help of powerful binoculars. However, most animals at the park are grazers and can be seen at close range, sometimes at a close distance of two meters. Examples of beautiful grazers you will not miss to see include; giraffes, water bucks, antelopes, cape buffalo, elephant, Uganda Kob, Hippo, bush buck, reed buck, Jackson’s heart beet, and sitatunga. Most of these animals move in herds which makes game viewing much more exciting. You’ll be blown away by these beautiful creatures as you enjoy the beautiful savannah landscape that is immersed with plenty of life and wonderful scenery. The game drive will last for approximately 3 hours.
Murchison Waterfall Hike
The Murchison waterfall hike forms one of the most memorable experiences on your Murchison falls tour. The waterfall hike is 141 feet high and is found between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile. The hike is perfect for those who feel like stretching their legs and works magic for many adventurers. This activity involves climbing steps for an hour or less and then taking a walk back to Baker’s point. Baker’s point is the actual place where the famous explorer Sir Samuel Baker stood on a huge rock and named the waterfall its current name- Murchison falls in 1864. Since it is not so steep, most unfit people can also engage in this great activity.
The Murchison waterfall hike offers fantastic views of the falls and reveals clearly the devil’s cauldron which cannot be exactly seen from the boat. At the top of the falls, you will also have a perfect view of the nature below and witness a variety of birdlife as well as the scenic views of the albert delta. In the earlier times, the top of the falls would be reached by a car drive. However when the hike option came into play, many travelers currently choose to combine the 2-hour long Murchison waterfalls boat cruise with the hike to make it to the top of the falls.
Nile Boat Cruises
Nobody comes to Murchison and misses out on a boat ride. The river is a pathway into the deeper beauty of the park. There is no other way to discover the true beauty of Murchison Falls National Park than get on a boat with a life jacket, sunscreen and a pair of binoculars and follow the Nile as it leads you to the hidden treasures ahead. Several animals – Nile Crocs, Hippos, Elephants, and more – will be seen feeding and playing on the river’s forested banks. Game viewing and bird watching are even more exciting on a boat cruise. There are several private companies at the park which offer excellent boat cruise services. All the boats are inspected, secure and approved to navigate the calm waters of the Nile. Each boat will have swimming basics like a first aid kit and life jackets.
The most popular boat ride is the Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls, we not only offer great opportunities for game viewing and bird watching, but also a spectacular view of the Murchison Falls – the strongest waterfalls in the world. Boats set off at the jetty next to Paraa Safari Lodge and sail towards Fajao Gorge, right at the bottom of the falls. The calm waters of the stream make this boat ride an easy and memorable one. It beggars belief how the stream can be so calm yet the falls that feeds it is so turbulent and violent. The image of the Falling waters before you will never leave your mind. Murchison Falls will leave you humbled and bowing in respect to the integrity, beauty, and stability of Nature.
The boat cruise usually happens after lunch and lasts for 2-hours. The Launch Cruise (boat safari) on River Nile sets off at Paraa, going upstream to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. Boat ride offers an array of wildlife sightings – crocodile, hippos, and lizards are a common sight throughout the cruise. As you reach the falls, you notice a lot of huge crocodiles amongst the largest ever seen amassed together. The place is called “Croc Bar.” Big game such buffaloes, elephants and antelopes can also be sighted drinking and cooling off the heat by the river banks and with a little luck, you might even spot a leopard resting in a tree close by the water.
It is easy to see the animals at a close and clear encounter for many animals come to drink, bathe, and as well to eat some grass. Herds of hippos can be witnessed playing in the waters, all of which offers a wonderful opportunity to take photographs of the various animals. Since the Nile is a bird magnet, it offers an opportunity for one to tune in and listen to the melodious twitters of various birds that find the river environment an haven of rest. This birdlife is vey impressive, and keeps you constantly entertained, with a profusion of colors and species. You will also be totally blown away by a spectacle of sheer power and beauty with which the water squeezes through the devil’s cauldron.
Reaching the bottom of the Murchison Falls, you will leave the boat and set out for a 45-minute hike rocks adjacent the Murchison falls and thereby accessing great views of the falls at different spots along the trail. If your reserved lodge is in the northern section, you will get a ferry to cross to the southern for a hike or to go to the top of the falls. Once reached the top you will find the tour guide waiting to drive you back to the lodge for dinner and overnight. You will have the opportunity to watch the sunset over the River Nile at dusk.
Another popular boat ride is the Delta Boat Cruise. This trip begins at the jetty next to Paraa Safari Lodge and follows the White Nile as it connects to the wealthy wildlife hub at the tip of Lake Albert.
Nature and guided walks
Nature walks enable one to explore the hidden beauty on the park on foot. As you navigate your way through nature, sights of rare birds become more evident as well as other wildlife that include the Nile Crocs, Hippos, Shoe bills and more. The nature walks take place from different landscapes, ecosystems and habitants. In the south of the park, there is an opportunity for forest lovers to traverse through the forest and enjoy the gold there is. The forest is also home to a habituated chimp group which can be tracked.
Cultural tours in Murchison falls national park.
Murchison is endowed with a variety of culture all across. You will interact with different tribal groups and get a detailed explanation of their activities, traditions and nature of living. You will see them dance, sing and participate in different cultural acts. There is for example a group of women from Bunyoro called the Boomu Women’s Group. The group is made of 40 women and was formed in 1999. The name Boomu means “together” and is a combination of women that come from the villages of Kihaguzi and Kigaragara.
Murchison Falls Viewing
Murchison Water falls is a mesmerizing and bewildering spectacle. The falls have an inherent thunderous sound symbolic of their powerful and mysterious nature. The leap of the water as the Nile gushes through the small constraining seven-meter space in the Murchison Rocks is simply indescribable. What is most remarkable though is the calmness the waters assume just a few meters after the falls. Viewing the Murchison Waterfalls is a must for every visitor and can be conducted together with boat rides, nature walks and hiking. Murchison is not regarded the strongest water fall in the world for nothing. The power with which the waters break through the rocks is nearly immeasurable. The noise made by the mighty falling waters can be heard a long distance away from the falls. The water falls colonize the nature around completely, and the sweet bird songs and gratified mammal bellows are barely perceptible in the face of the park’s roaring waters, when standing next to the Murchison Falls.
For those who do not want to do the hike up to the top of the falls after the boat cruise, can make a stopover on the day they arrive or depart Murchison Falls National park, if staying in a lodge on the southern side of the Nile. Please note that, you will not pass by the top of the falls, when staying on the northern side.
Rhino Tracking
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of Uganda’s greatest success stories in Wildlife Conservation. It beggars belief on how the Rhino ‘resurrected’ in Uganda after its extinction during the political crises and insecurity in the 1980’s. The Sanctuary, a work of foresight and love for nature, was established by Rhino Fund Uganda, an NGO whose vision is to protect, conserve and breed the rhino to a sustainable population that can be returned into the wild. There are presently about 31 southern white rhinos at the Sanctuary, most of which were born at the Sanctuary. Two of the first six rhinos at the sanctuary were a donation from the Disney animal Kingdom in the USA while the remaining four were captured from Solio ranch in Kenya. Each of the 31 rhinos has a unique name that describes its most dominant attributes. The passionate rangers and tour guides work diligently to ensure that the rhinos are healthy and secure. Some of the most popular rhinos at the sanctuary include; 17-year-old Moja – the dominant male, Taleo – the rhino that has fathered the most offspring at the sanctuary, Nandi – the Matriarch and oldest rhino at the sanctuary, Obama – the first rhino calf to be born in Uganda after the rhino annihilation in the 1980’s, and Apache – the youngest rhino on the park born on July 26th 2017. Other rhinos at the ziwa rhino sanctuary include: Hasani, Kori, Bella, Justice, Augustu, Malaika, Donna, Laloyo, Uhuru, Waribe, Luna, Sonic, Nguzo, Zawadi, Noelle, Ajabu, Apache, Madam, Mukasa Europe, Nakitoma, Whitakker, Elias, Kuc, Kageri, Anywar, Seiji and Armijn.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakasongola district and is currently the only place to see rhinos in the wild in Uganda. The 7000 hectared area of land is decorated by a variety of landscapes and habitats that are comprised of savannah and woodland vegetation which are home to a number rhinos and as well offer scenic views to every trekker. It is through these landscapes that the rhino trekker personally drives through to see the rhinos, or chooses to hire a driver guide of the Rhino Fund Uganda. For those that don’t find it extremely fun to observe these creatures from within the car, there is also on-foot rhino tracking. Here, you enter the rhinos’ territory and are then guided by the rangers on foot. It is usually advised to drive to the place where the rhinos are before taking the bush trek. After briefing, the trek usually starts and lasts from between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the location of the rhinos. Trekkers are advised to follow instructions during the rhino tracking experience. Even though it is possible to carryout the activity all day, early morning time (8 to 10) as well as evening time (4 to 6) is recommended!
The sanctuary is also highlighted by other wildlife species that may be encountered during the rhino trekking experience! Such species include: oribis, water bucks, bush bucks and Uganda kobs among others. For bird enthusiasts, the area is also punctuated by over 300 bird species that produce a series of melodies that make the atmosphere spiffy. There are four bird trails within the sanctuary that cover woodland, savannah and swamp; the place has the lugogo swamp which is home to a number of water bird species. There is also a popular shoe bill trek that leads one to the beautiful rare bird! However, birding is done very early in the morning which requires one to have slept within the sanctuary, since entry is not permitted before 7:30. Other activities in the sanctuary include: canoe riding, night and nature walks.
The 2018 Rhino tracking price list is already out. Non-resident visitors will be charged US$45 for a three-hour activity (which include the trekking to find the rhinos). East African Residents will pay US$35, and Ugandan Citizens will be charged 30,000 shillings only for a three-hour rhino tracking experience! If you want to complete your Big Five on your Uganda Safari, do not miss out the Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Getting there.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is approximately 1000 miles to the North of Kampala on the Gulu highway. As one heads to Murchison Falls National Park, there is a route that branches off to Nakitoma Trading Centre. It is through this route that Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is revealed.
Chimpanzee Tracking at Budongo Forest
The Chimpanzee is a very fascinating animal. Just like the gorillas of Bwindi, the chimp is a close relative of the human race and behaves and thinks in a distinct manner from all the animals of the jungle. Our guests have been riveted by the chimp’s learning capacity, communication patterns and organized social life seemingly based on order, friendship and respect for one another which are pretty much human values. This makes Chimpanzee Tracking at Budongo Forest phenomenal and interesting.
An estimated 700 Chimpanzees live in the Budongo Forest Reserve of Kaniyoo Pabidi. The dense mahogany forest has about six habituated groups of Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) that can be seen throughout the year, but are more accessible between the months May and August. Tourists that have chimpanzee tracking on their itinerary can sleep in the lodges closest to the forest reserve. Budongo Eco Lodge is a perfect location, as it is right in the forest, but also Murchison River Lodge is a good place to stay since it is only 45-minutes’ drive away from the park. This 8-hectare conservation area is managed by the James Goodall Institute under the watch of the Uganda wildlife Authority. Budongo is semi-deciduous and moist tropical rain forest found at the top of the Albertine rift. The place is designated as a Central Forest Reserve with a total land area of over 825 km² of continuous forest cover. Budongo is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa.
Budongo is punctuated by a plethora of chimpanzee groups. These include: Sonso Community, Waibira Community and the Kaniyo-Pabidi Community among others. The Sonso community has been studied since the 1990s and is currently estimated at 85 individuals as of 2014. Found north-east of the Sonso range is the Waibira community. The community contains an estimated 120 individual chimpanzees that is underlined with over 30 males. The group also has a home range of approximately 10.4 square metres which favours the survival of its activities. However, all these groups have suffered adverse effects from the activities of the neighbouring communities. Such activities include wire snaring, which involves setting snares to trap animals like duikers and forest pigs. In efforts to trap those animals, chimpanzees are found to experience and sustain snare injuries in their attempts to escape from the snares. Currently, there is even one chimpanzee that has a missing foot and two with missing hands. Because of the continous research project conducted on the Sonso and Waibira groups, tourists may not be allowed to visit these groups. However, there are other groups that fascinate everyone that signs up for the trekking experience. These include; The Kaniyo-Pabidi Community which was habituated by the Jane Goodall Institute. These chimps have been noticed to move into the surrounding savannah, crossing into the main part of Budongo forest. This group is managed by the Budongo ecolodge. Another group is the Busingiro which also presents a perfect trekking experience. Other groups found in Budongo forest include: The Nature Reserve and the Waisoke communities, although these two have neither been habituated nor studied. Chimpanzee tracking at Budongo forest usually starts at 7:00 am at the information centre for briefing, after which the trekkers enter into the forest for the experience. The trek within the forest usually lasts for three hours with rewards of sights at the exciting chimps. There are also the chimpanzee habituation experience which happens with researchers for a whole day. Chimpanzee habituation usually lasts for over two years. Therefore, whoever is interested can book a day within this time period for the experience. Chimpanzee habituation is cheaper in Budongo than in Kibale National Park! It should be noted that individuals who participate in the chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences should be in good health and free from transmissible diseases like flu, cough and tuberclosis among others as these make the chimpanzees also vulnerable. Furthermore, the trekking experience is only available for individuals above 15 years of age. Just like it is with the gorillas, chimpanzee cannot be tracked without a permit. 24 chimpanzee permits are available everyday with each costing $100. Individuals are emcouraged to book in advance! The price of permits rises and fluctuates with the seasons. Permits are issued to non-resident foreigners, resident foreigners, and Ugandan Citizens at slightly differing prices.
Apart from Chimpanzees, Budongo has a high biodiversity with 24 species of small mammals; 9 primates; 465 species of trees and shrubs; 360 species of birds; 289 species of butterflies; and 130 species of moths. Budongo forest comes second after the Semliki National Park as the most important forest in Uganda with species of the Guinea Congo forest-Biome.
The forest also offers wonderful birding opportunities. There are more than 300 bird species in the area some of which for example Puvell’s Illapolis,Little green sunbird, Crowned eagle, White spotted flutfftail, African pied wagtail, Black kite, and Chocolate Backed King Fischer – are not known to live anywhere else in East Africa. There are also rare forest birds like the Pitta reichenowi. The forest is also famous for its high populations of Mahogany and ironwood trees, species which are said to be highly endangered.
The land slopes from southeast to northwest, and its four main rivers; the Waisoke, the Sonso, the Kamirambwa and the Siba rivers flow toward the Northwest to the direction of the Albertine Rift. This water flow in the area creates a decorated pattern of a landscape that makes the area altogether spectacular!
For those interest in history, one can pay a visit to the church in the forest, which acted as home to 11 polish refugees during World war II. There are also guided nature walks in areas within and around the forest. To reach the place, one has to pass through the Kichumbanyobo gate of Murchison falls national park, which is a 30 minutes drive.
Bird Watching at MFNP
Almost every area in Murchison is a bird watching Zone. The three main spots for bird watching however are: The Nile Delta at Buligi, the virgin woods of Kaniyo Pabidi, and the area around the falls. Pabidi is a good place to see the endemic bird species. The Nile Delta is home to the Shoe Bill and other stunning water loving bird species. The Murchison Falls area is a good spot to watch the riverine and savannah forest birds. Bird watching is usually done with an accompanying activity. Hiking, boat rides, nature walks and hot air ballooning all offer great opportunities for bird watching. Examples of Bird species found at the Park include; African Fin Foot, Green-winged Phitilia, African Paradise Fly Catcher, Augur Buzzard, Barn owl, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Marsh Tchagra, Grey backed Camaroptera, The African Crake Crex, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, African Jacana, Lesser Moorhen, Glossy Ibis, Laughing Dove, The African Crake Crex, and many others.
Hot Air Balloon Safari at Murchison Falls National Park
Some tourists prefer the aerial view of these huge animal herds to the terrestrial one. Aerial game viewing can be done in a hot air balloon. The Hot Air Balloons fly over the park for a maximum period of 45 to 60 minutes, giving amazing views of the water channels, forests and grassland and animals below. This is the perfect time to take those awesome wildlife pictures to show to your friends and family when you return home.
Hot Air Balloon Safari is the newest and fastest growing activity at Murchison Falls National Park. There are not many Safari companies that offer this activity on their itineraries but Ellington Safaris believes that it is one of the most riveting activities to enjoy at the park. Hot Air Balloons offer scintillating aerial views of the Nile, Lake Albert, the falls, and the vegetation below. Currently there is one hot air balloon operating in the park which can accommodate a maximum of 8 people and the pilot. For bigger groups, we recommend to split the group and do one flight in the morning and one in the evening. The economy of the balloon is however only served when at least 5 to 6 passengers are flying, although the service providers are currently not restricting their flights with any minimum number of passengers. It is also important to note that children at the age of 6 and below are not allowed in the balloon because the hot air balloon can go as high as 2500 feet, which may make them feel uneasy. They can however be accepted if they can stand without assistance.
Hot Air Balloon safaris are offered by the Dream Balloons company that was certified by a series of organisations that include; the Civil Aviation Authority, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the National Environment Management Authority among others. The Balloon operating in the park is the Ultramagic type M-160 manufactured in Spain and can fly up to 10,000 ft above sea level. You will be taken to the area near the Paraa Safari lodge where the safari usually starts. Before anything happens, the company usually does tests that involve the weather and wind direction; the balloons operate in winds less than 10 knots, with a visibility of not less than 4km and no rain. You will also be able to witness how the hot air balloon is set up and inflation after which briefing about the safari will follow. During briefing, you are told about the regulations and precautions to take during the hot air balloon experience. As soon as you get into the air, one is able to enjoy the scenic views of wildlife and landscapes. he flight usually last for 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the fuel on board, the combined weight of passengers and the air temperature. The duration can also sometimes depend on when the pilot finds a perfect location for landing. Sometimes the balloons are lowered close enough for the tourists to take wonderful pictures of the huge animal herds in the Park. The sights at the Murchison falls, Nile river and the savannah plains are altogether panoramic and spectacular! The Hot Air Balloon Safari can either be done in the early morning or late afternoon, as the wind lessens. You will thus enjoy the early morning sunrise and take nice photographs. You will also be able able to take photos inside the balloon during the cold inflation. Every one that takes part in the hot air balloon exercise receives an certificate of participation. In addition, you have the chance to book an exclusive bush breakfast after the flight. The hot air balloon safari makes Murchison Falls National Park a platonic ideal of a honeymoon spot.
Cost of the Hot Air balloon Safari at Murchison Falls National Park.
The price of the hot air balloon experience is USD $380 per person with the exception of children upto 12 years that receive 50% off the adults price. The rates include the certificates, the flights and the refreshments. Without the bush breakfast, the trip itself is $300.
The best time to take on a hot air balloon safari is during the dry months of the year, that is, December to February and June to September. The dry months makes the vegetation less, which then works for optimal viewing and as well provide for the absence of rain, which usually interferes with the ballooning experience!
Nile Boat Cruises at MFNP
Nobody comes to Murchison and misses out on a boat ride. The river is a pathway into the deeper beauty of the park. There is no other way to discover the true beauty of Murchison Falls National Park than get on a boat with a life jacket, sunscreen and a pair of binoculars and follow the Nile as it leads you to the hidden treasures ahead. Several animals – Nile Crocs, Hippos, Elephants, and more – will be seen feeding and playing on the river’s forested banks. Game viewing and bird watching are even more exciting on a boat cruise. There are several private companies at the park which offer excellent boat cruise services. All the boats are inspected, secure and approved to navigate the calm waters of the Nile. Each boat will have swimming basics like a first aid kit and life jackets.
The most popular boat ride is the Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls, we not only offer great opportunities for game viewing and bird watching, but also a spectacular view of the Murchison Falls – the strongest waterfalls in the world. Boats set off at the jetty next to Paraa Safari Lodge and sail towards Fajao Gorge, right at the bottom of the falls. The calm waters of the stream make this boat ride an easy and memorable one. It beggars belief how the stream can be so calm yet the falls that feeds it is so turbulent and violent. The image of the Falling waters before you will never leave your mind. Murchison Falls will leave you humbled and bowing in respect to the integrity, beauty, and stability of Nature.
The boat cruise usually happens after lunch and lasts for 2-hours. The Launch Cruise (boat safari) on River Nile sets off at Paraa, going upstream to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. Boat ride offers an array of wildlife sightings – crocodile, hippos, and lizards are a common sight throughout the cruise. As you reach the falls, you notice a lot of huge crocodiles amongst the largest ever seen amassed together. The place is called “Croc Bar.” Big game such buffaloes, elephants and antelopes can also be sighted drinking and cooling off the heat by the river banks and with a little luck, you might even spot a leopard resting in a tree close by the water. It is easy to see the animals at a close and clear encounter for many animals come to drink, bathe, and as well to eat some grass. Herds of hippos can be witnessed playing in the waters, all of which offers a wonderful opportunity to take photographs of the various animals. Since the Nile is a bird magnet, it offers an opportunity for one to tune in and listen to the melodious twitters of various birds that find the river environment an haven of rest. This birdlife is vey impressive, and keeps you constantly entertained, with a profusion of colours and species. You will also be totally blown away by a spectacle of sheer power and beauty with which the water squeezes through the devil’s cauldron. Reaching the bottom of the Murchison Falls, you will leave the boat and set out for a 45-minute hike rocks adjacent the Murchison falls and thereby accessing great views of the falls at different spots along the trail. If your reserved lodge is in the northern section, you will get a ferry to cross to the southern for a hike or to go to the top of the falls. Once reached the top you will find the tour guide waiting to drive you back to the lodge for dinner and overnight. You will have the opportunity to watch the sunset over the River Nile at dusk.
Another popular boat ride is the Delta Boat Cruise. This trip begins at the jetty next to Paraa Safari Lodge and follows the White Nile as it connects to the wealthy wildlife hub at the tip of Lake Albert.
Murchison Waterfall Hike
The most beautiful stories about Murchison are told by those who take a hike to the top of the falls. The waterfall is 141 feet high and rests between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile. For those who feel like stretching their legs, the murchison waterfall hike to the top of the Falls is well worth the effort. The Hike to the Top of the Falls is not as draining as the hikes you are used to. It simply involves an hour or less of climbing a stretch of steps to the top of the Falls, and a simple walk back to Baker’s Point. Baker’s point is where famous explorer Sir Samuel Baker stood on a huge rock and christened the spectacular falls as Murchison falls in 1864. Even the most unfit climbers usually make it to the top (because it is not so steep) but with more time of course. We strongly recommend it for all nature lovers, as the trail reveals fantastic view of the falls, including the devil’s cauldron which cannot be exactly seen from the boat; you will see a heavy volume of water squeezing through a tiny chasm (gorge) that is 7 metres, forcing its way through the rocks with a roaring sound, while plunging 42 metres down to the bottom. Close to the top of the falls, you will also get an opportunity to see the less famed Uhuru Falls, a smaller and less powerful water fall that broke away from Murchison Falls during a flood in the 1960’s. The word Uhuru means independence and the falls were named so because the breaking away happened during a time that Uganda got its independence. There will be a tour guide to lead you the way and answer all your questions during the hike. The guides normally reveal the story of Winston Churchill, after whom the trail was named. Churchill was a European explorer who used the trail in 1907 as he moved from the top of the falls to the Nile river. (It is Winston Churchill that named Uganda the Pearl of Africa in his book- My African journey after seeing the Murchison falls.) Then standing at the top of the falls, you will have a perfect view of all the beautiful waters and nature below. You will also witness a variety of birdlife during this hike as well as scenic views of the albert delta. We bet that nobody else will be able to tell the Murchison story better than you, so do not miss out this activity. Just don’t forget to carry your camera to take photographs.
Traditionally, the top of the falls used to be reached by car drive before the hike option came into consideration. But currently, many adventurers choose to combine the 2-hour long Murchison waterfalls boat cruise with the hike to make it to the top of the falls..
Bush Breakfast at MFNP
A bush breakfast is one of the very exclusive and special activities which can be done at Murchison Falls National Park. Some lodges provide the option of bush breakfast for their guests to make their stay truly exceptional. Bush breakfast can be eaten mid-morning after a late morning sleep, early morning before a game drive through the park, right at the Nile Delta, or immediately after an interesting hot air balloon Safari. Regardless of the preceding activity, bush breakfast should be an activity on your itinerary. Some lodges offer champagne to their guests for bush breakfast! Others prepare a delicious meal of cereals, fruits, and veggies accompanied with Ugandan tea, freshly prepared juice and coffee. Eggs should never miss on your list of foods for bush breakfast, and so should bacon.
Bush breakfast can happen anywhere in the park. Lodges start by identifying a beautiful area among the thickets and savannah woodland. They then erect a temporary kitchen structure where their banqueting team sets up the tables with the necessary cutlery, chairs, crockery, umbrella canopy, and the “bush kitchenette” before they prepare a quick but sumptuous and yummy breakfast meal to be eaten in the wild by their guests. Bush breakfast is known to add zest and passion to the tourist’s day. Start with a meal in the wild and proceed with your activities for the day full of energy. Whatever happens, don’t miss out on this, give yourself a treat and book a bush breakfast to Your itinerary.