MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 birds.
The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centerpiece of the park and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes and buffaloes; while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents.
Notable visitors to the park include Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway and several British royals.
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK – 3 DAYS
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda measuring about 3,840 square kilometers (1,480 sq. mi). The park is a portion of the 5,308 square kilometers (2,049 sq. mi) that make up the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA). Murchison Falls National Park is situated in Masindi District in western Uganda and in Amuru in northern Uganda.
The park is a territory to the large African wild animals including Water buffalo, elephant, Crocodile, Lion, Leopard, Hippopotamus, Antelope, Giraffes, Uganda Kob, Oribi and other animals plus a number of bird species. River Nile crossing the park is a home to selection of water birds, including the amazing Shoe bill stork.
DAY 1: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
From Kampala, head to Murchison Falls National Park going through Luwero, Nakasongola and Masindi district. The trip will provide you with vast mesmerizing view before you arrive at the park in the afternoon.
Drive to the top of the falls where the Nile wonderfully demonstrates its splendor. At this spot, you will see the peaceful River Nile waters dropping through a slim
gap to go down about 150 feet mixing up to create white water with a loud roar, a hard to believe scene! Cross over the Nile by ferry for dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.
DAY 2: Game Drive Tour, Launch Cruise
At sunrise, have breakfast and start the morning game drive to have a glimpse of the early risers. This thrilling game drive will bring animals like the jackals, hyenas, giraffes, lions, antelopes, elephants and the Uganda kob among others to your sight. You will take a break from the game drive for something to eat and soon after have your lunch.
In the afternoon, you will go for an open launch cruise. This boat cruise will take you to the bottom of the falls where animals like the buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and an abundance of water birds like fish eagles, the exceptional shoebills and many more will be seen. Retreat for overnight and dinner at Paraa Safari Lodge.
DAY 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo (Optional) and drive to Kampala
Take an early expedition to Budongo Forest. You will go for an early morning walk in this vast forest where you will get to see a wider range of primates and chimpanzees. This forest has one of the highest primate concentrations in the whole world.
You will see families of chimpanzees, baboons, colobus monkeys and other primates jumping without restraint in the forest tree branches. Move back to the lodge for a rest. Have Lunch and head back to Kampala where you will arrive in the evening.