Murchison Falls National Park

Its one of the top national parks of Uganda and its always a pleasure to go there!

Murchison National Park is my favourite national park in Uganda. I have been there at least five time in the last 10 years. There are many hotels in the area. We like to stay at the one inside the park across the river. The boat ride to the falls is a unique feature of this park. As you go up the river Nile gently chugging along in a private boat or a public one you can see a lot of wild life on your right. From Elephants coming up for a drink to Nile crocodiles and hippos spread out in the swamp and the waters. You can see a wide range of animals indigenous to this park. Occasionally you will come across a crocodile sunning itself quite close to you with a gaping mouth. Multitudes of Hippos frolicking around you, ducking into the water as your boat draws close. Little ones staying close to their mothers. Bush bucks, antelopes warthogs can be seen foraging in the bushes. Uganda is one of the richest bird watching destinations of Africa with over a thousand species recorded and also home to the rare Shoe bill stork.
Along the river you will see various water birds as well land. The ranger accompanying you will help identify many species as you make your way towards the falls. As you reach closer you are rewarded by the sight of a gushing fall and you can stop to take photos.
When you return to your hotel you can enjoy a peaceful sunset and sometimes you can hear the elephants and Hippos close by. The early morning game drives are breathtaking, beautiful sunrise Lions with their kill, Giraffes, many species of antelopes and many other animals can be seen. The knowledgeable ranger will guide you to the right places.
The weather is perfect, and the Ugandan staff are very polite and friendly. Murchison falls National park is not to be missed.

Birdwatching In Murchison Falls

We visited Murchison falls as part of a 12 day bird trek with a firm "Avian Safaris" Overall this was an excellent safari and we both enjoyed ourselves immensely. Crammy was an excellent bird guide and taught us a lot.
We stayed 2 nights in the Paraa Safari lodge.
On the way into the park we visited the top of the Murchison waterfall. The power of the water as it plunges down the narrow gorge is breath taking. As I was gazing down the abyss a black and white colobus monkey was gazing at me from the other side.
We caught the ferry over the river at around sunset to arrive at the lodge in the evening. The accommodation was comfortable and the buffet style meals, including a range of traditional East African dishes, were filling.
The following morning we did a game drive through the park. Crammy was stopping continually for birds. The other drivers drove straight past, showing no interest, looking for the big five. I can't believe that there are only 5 animals to see in Africa! In the end we saw a heap of birds, plus a lion, Rothshild's giraffe, Elephants, Buffalo, various buck and antelope, wart hogs, a monkey. The sighting board at the lodge did not indicate any other sightings for that day. We had seen it all and the birds as well. Perhaps the birding highlights were a Griffon vulture that alighted in a tree right above our heads, the African Grey and ground hornbills, 3 species of bee-eater, and various Goshawks and Kestrels.
In the afternoon we took the boat ride to the falls. We were treated to a feast of hippos, including babys that would fit in our bathtub at home. In the earthen embankments of the river were nesting holes for bee-eaters and the pied kingfishers. Elephants were grazing on the floodplains as were a lot of the larger animals from the park. Crocodiles rested on sandbanks with their wide yellow mouths open. Purple and Goliath Herons waded in the shallows. The passage up the river to the falls is blocked by a small island which the boat berths against. The boat operator motioned me forward to photograph a pair of rack pratincoles on the rock before the other passengers climbed off to take photos with the falls in the background.
We were sorry to leave the following day. On the trip out of the park we spotted a couple of saddle billed stork in a small road side swamp.
I would thoroughly recommend a stay at Murchison Falls. (Not to mention that it is the historic meeting place of Stanley and Livingston).

Great Safari with plenty wildlife

Not crowded, none commercial very private Safari experience. Plenty animals to see. Although this park lacks number of predators. Not many lions, no hyenas, no cheetahs. There were leopards, but did not see them.
However, many giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and other grazing game. Variety of birds were amazing. The scenery and change of vegetation was remarkable.

The park has variety of wild animals and it can easily be seen and it has the falls which make the scenic beauty when you are on the top of the falls

So much to do in this off the beaten path gem!

After six months of road tripping through Eastern and Southern Africa, Murchison Falls holds up as a favorite memory. The park is stunning and there is so much to do! The boat trip is an obvious yes, but also don't miss the hike to see the falls from the other side. The sound of the thundering falls is seriously impressive! We were self driving, but hired a guide from the park and definitely recommend doing so, we were really impressed by Charles' knowledge and he definitely contributed to our enjoyment. Murchison Falls National Park is well worth a visit and Uganda was one of our very favorite countries! You will find exceptionally friendly people, excellent attractions and affordable options.

The Falls are the most stunning waterfalls we've ever seen! Lots of game (especially giraffes), nice park.

2 days i Murchison Falls.

We went on a morning safari, first ferry across the Nile. Stunning to se the sunrise over the savanna. We were lucky to spot a spotted hyena, very rare to se they said. At the time being there there were a bushfire, so not so much wildlife. Although we saw animals, birds and mammals.

The boar ride to the base of the falls and seeing all the birdlife completed an excellent day to this park.

The Nile and the scenery were gorgeous. Our safari camp was also beautiful, and local youth sang and performed traditional dances around our fire at night. Hippos roamed around our cabin. Wow!

You'll be able to see an amazing variety of wildlife from the river, and the views from the top of the falls are beautiful. I camped near by and left during sunrise, one of the most beautiful sunrises i ever saw.