Murchison Falls National Park

Plenty of animals to see in MF National Park. Although, it is a very tourist accommodated area. Probably best to do a game drive, enjoy a boat ride on the Victoria Nile and visit the falls before leaving.

Easy introduction to safari experience, you´ll see plenty of animals, although big cats are not for granted. It is the most popular safari place in Uganda, hence more crowded, but still nothing compared to some parks in neighboring countries.

The falls and the river make this park different, but it's also very touristy.

The falls and the river make this park different, but it's also very touristy.

A fantastic opportunity to view wildlife and scenery from the Nile River.

I visited Murchison Falls with Red Chili (out of Kampala) during a short break while I was in Uganda shooting photos for an NGO called One School at a Time. The trip was excellent. We stayed at the comfortable Red Chili camp, where the food and accomodations were comfortable (tent cabins and a large dining cabana), and where a short stroll from camp afforded opportunities to see warthogs and monkeys or the Nile River. The rolling landscape in the park includes forest and savannah vegetation, with large herds of giraffes, groups of elephants, many antelope, hippos, buffalo, monkeys, and occasional predators (lions and leopards), among other African animals. The highlight of the trip was a long boat ride up the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls itself, where Ernest Hemingway once survived a plane crash that killed his companions. On the boat, one enjoys a fantastic vantage from which crocodiles, elephants, cape buffalo, families of hippos, and exotic birds can be observed in comfort, while sipping Nile Beer and enjoying the cool river breeze. The boat takes you to the very base of the spectacular falls before returning downriver to your starting point. In addition to the park, the drive from Kampala to Murchison is a chance to see a cross section of the Ugandan countryside, and to enjoy lunch and a walk around one of the towns en route. Overall, my trip to Murchison Falls with Red Chili was a highlight of my time in Uganda. Photos on flickr under my username: kdriese.

It's hard to beat African wildlife, zero fences, the source of the Nile, and a torrential rainstorm.

While it was depressing to hear how four decades of war had decimated the local fauna, it was exhilarating to see wildlife rebounding at this preserve. We went without a guide and had a great time. We never spotted a lion, but we caught sight of just about everything else, from water buffalo to giraffes. A beautiful place.

The immense power of the Nile going over Murchinson falls is breathtaking. There is plenty of wild game with Lake Albert and Congolese mountains in the distance.

Beautiful area where you can make a boat-trip to see the impressive Murchison Falls.

wonderful birding on an boat trip from the lodge to the lake (little boat).

Paradise on the Nile

Saw much game as we flew in low and slow to Pakuba airfield, where we were collected by pre-arranged transport from a lodge on the Nile. The trip to the lodge was rugged & slow, allowing more game viewing at close quarters. The terrain included open plains with sparse scrub, and densely wooded gulleys. Excellent weather enabled a boat trip from the lodge to Murchison Falls (approximately 20km). The guide was experienced and informative. There were uncountable hippos, Nile Crocs, buffalo and other game on the banks of the swift flowing river. Many species of birds make their homes in almost vertical sandy cliffs along the river. We were able to step on to a tiny island just downstream of the falls to get a breathtaking view of the the Nile forcing it's way through a narrow crevice (Murchison Falls).
The accommodation at the lodge was spotless and the service very friendly. We dined on Nile Perch and Tilapia,another local fish, & good wines were available. The spacious patios & lounges were impeccably appointed, depicting much of the local & interesting history, with many famous people having visited, including Queen Elizabeth & Earnest Hemmingway.