Murchison falls National Park is the biggest game park in Uganda. It is located in Northwestern Uganda, and it is a 5 hours’ drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
The park is renowned for having the World’s most powerful waterfalls. The might Murchison falls are such a sight. Water flowing at a rapid speed and in such a huge volume is forced to pass through a small and narrow gorge thus creating a thunderous spurge and splash that creates a cute rainbow just above the falls. As the water squeezes through this narrow gorge, it bursts with such force giving the most spectacular water falls you will ever see on planet earth.
Murchison falls is part of the great River Nile as it flows from the source of the Nile in Esatern Uganda (Jinja) and all the way towards the North western part of the country and onwards all the way to Egypt.
Why go to Murchison falls National Park?
Beautiful Waterfalls
Top of the falls
The Murchison waterfalls can be viewed both at the top and bottom. At the top of the falls requires a hike to get there, but it is a very short hike which is worth your time. Once you get to the top, you will be awed by the beauty. It is breath taking. Standing at the top and watching the powerful falls is a trip highlight for many of our visitors.
I remember the first time I visited the spot; it was so magical I wanted to cry, I could not belief I had been unaware of such a serene, beautiful place in my own country. It is so thrilling, exciting and soothing and therapeutical, it just brings about a mixture of all kinds of emotions.
The falls are so powerful and as they squeeze through the narrow path, the resulting Splunge is breathtaking and powerful that it creates a cute rainbow just slightly above the falls. You get to see this when standing at the top of the falls.
My favorite part about hiking to the top of the falls is that particular spot where you stand while viewing the falls and the water keeps splashing up onto you due to the enormous force of the falls squeezing through the narrow path.
After the hike up to the falls, water splurging onto you feels like taking a magical shore under the sun. It is such a beautiful feeling, so refreshing and amazing. Honestly whenever i am at the top of the falls, I stand at this particular spot and just want to get all soaked until kingdom come ha ha. You have to visit the top of the falls to experience this beauty.
Bottom of the falls
The other way to view the falls is from the bottom, and with this you will be in a boat. The upside to this is you will get to see so many other animals on your way to see the falls. No worries you do not have to choose either or, both activities are included in all our itineraries. so, you get to experience both locations.
Visitors take a boat cruise which by the way is very relaxing and serene. As the boat sails along the river, you will see a lot of hippos along the riverbanks, crocodiles, different bird species, elephants drinking water. The journey is a beautiful safari in its kind, and this right here explains the uniqueness of Uganda. Uganda unlike its Neighbours in East Africa boasts of the ability to facilitate a safari by road in a 4×4, a safari by water along the different rivers and lakes, a walking safari and a safari by air through the balloon safaris.
The boat ride will take you through the different sections until you reach the bottom of the falls. As you get near the falls you will notice a change in the water volumes and the strength of flow of the water. It is a thrilling moment as your approach the falls. Watching the falls from the bottom is equally as thrilling as is watching from the top. It is spectacular. A visit to Murchison falls is top bucket list activity everyone ought to embark on.
Game Drive
Not only is Murchison falls endowed with the magnificent falls, it also is the biggest National Park in Uganda. With its vast size comes vast numbers of wildlife. Game drives in Murchison falls National Park are so exciting. You get to see so many animals. One of our visitors once said they were blown away by the sheer number of animals they got to see. You will see so many elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, different bird species, leopards and so many more.
Beautiful landscape and scenery
Murchison falls is characterized by beautiful grasslands and savannah. It has the most beautiful sunrise and sunset as you go for your morning or evening game drive. You will be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of this land I call home. It is the perfect spot for photographers to get those magnificent picture shots.
Intimate accommodation
This park has some of the best lodges there are in the country. They cater to all types of travelers, from budget, mid-range to luxury. All visitors are well catered for while in Murchison falls. The amenities are of world class and the structures are uniquely and authentically African. Very beautiful lodges with top notch services.
Journey to Murchison Falls
From Kamapala to Murchison falls is a 5 hours’ drive. After an early breakfast, visitor set off for the journey. A stop over at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is a welcoming adventure. This is the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be tracked and seen. Most of the time this stop over will take up just a few hours. The journey to Murchison falls will be commenced later in the day. On arrival to Murchison depending on the itinerary visitors might opt to go straight to the top of the falls. Or go straight to their hotels and check in and have a relaxing evening at their hotels. Either way a visit to top of the falls is a must and will always be included in the itinerary. Visitor will check in at their designated hotels. Rest for the evening and prepare for the early morning game drive the following day.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
This is the only place in Uganda where Rhinos can be found. It is a protected place where rhinos are habituated. Rhino numbers had almost become extinct in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary was established to help preserve the remaining numbers and also multiply or increase the numbers.
The game drive In Murchison falls, the big day
Nothing can prepare you for the sheer beauty and thrill of a game drive in this beautiful park. An early morning game drive is the best. Visitors get to see very many animals as they wake up and prepare for the day. An early morning game drive will start as early as 6:00am. Game drives are best before the sun comes out because may animals seek shelter once the sun is out. Thus, seeing many animals is optimal during morning hours. The game drive will go on until mid-morning. After which visitors will either opt for a packed lunch or head back to the hotels for lunch. Then head out for a boat safari/cruise in the afternoon.
This boat cruise will take visitors to the bottom of the falls which is such a spectacular view. A long the way visitors will get to see plenty of animals basking at the water banks.
Ajourney to Murchison falls is not complete without trekking the chimpanzees in Budongo forest. This is within Murchison falls National Park. These primates are simply amazing. Seeing them in their natural habitat is an adventurous activity that will leave you awed.