Murchison Falls is located in Uganda between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile. The national park, managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, consists of various wildlife species, including lions, elephants and the Rothschild’s giraffes. It also comprises many bird species, like the dwarf kingfisher and the great blue turaco. The park forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area along with the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve. There are several activities that tourists can indulge in the national park. Visiting the Murchison Falls National Park will be a memorable experience for visitors. Below are four reasons why you can’t miss Murchison Falls.
Hike to the Top of the Waterfall
If the conditions are safe, you can hike up to the top of the waterfall’s viewpoint. First, you need to take a boat tour to the start of the trail. You, then, have to hike up, which can be steep, for about an hour. Once you reach the site on the river’s south bank, the views are phenomenal. It is an unforgettable experience. But if you don’t like hiking, there are rides available to the viewpoint and back from Paraa.
Go on a Boat Safari
Experience a boat safari on the Victoria Nile. There are group and private boat cruises available. You can also choose a fishing boat tour. The safari starts from Paraa, 15km downstream from Murchison Falls. In Luo, ‘Paraa’ translates to ‘the place of hippos,’ which you will definitely spot. Another routing option is through Fajao Gorge, which takes you through the thick forest and offers you stunning views of the Murchison Waterfalls. A third route is 15km downriver, where the Nile enters Lake Albert. In this region, various birds and animals are found amidst the lush greenery.
Spot the National Animal
The Ugandan Kob is the country’s national animal. It is also featured on Uganda’s coat of arms. Kob is a type of antelope, and the Ugandan sub-species are only found in South Sudan and Uganda. The Murchison Falls National Park comprises a vast population of these beautiful animals living in the open, wooded savannah and grassland. When you spot them on your safari, you can differentiate between males and females, as only the former have horns.
Behold the Rare Rothschild’s Giraffes
The Rothschild’s giraffe is found only in Uganda and southern Kenya. It is estimated that about 1,500 of the northern giraffe subspecies are present in the wild. The Murchison Falls National Park is a haven for over half of this giraffe species population. One way to distinguish the Rothschild’s giraffe from other giraffe species is by observing its lower legs. The brown patches that cover the giraffe’s body fade around its knee.
Are you dreaming of a holiday to Murchison Falls? Then book your trip today on Bushman Safaris. We offer tours to Africa and Uganda. We also provide guided and customizable tours. Call us today.