7 Things To Do At Murchison Falls in Uganda
The spectacular Murchison falls are located on the last leg of Victoria Nile which joins Lake Albert in Uganda. The surrounding park offers wonderful wildlife experiences for visitors and income generation to the nearby communities. According to researchers, the park is Uganda’s biggest and oldest wildlife park covering 5,072 km². Here is a summary of some of best things to do while visiting the Murchison falls.
HIKING TO THE TOP OF THE MURCHISON FALLS
Hiking to the top of Murchison falls is rated one of the best experiences ever on a Uganda Safari. From the top, you are able to get the excellent view of the falls. You can also watch & learn how the Nile plunges and squeezes through an 8 meter wide gorge. Most of our adventure safaris to this destination wouldn’t be complete with getting this view. Children above 12 are also able to hike since this takes a few minutes and doesn’t need any level of fitness.
LAUNCH TRIPS ON THE VICTORIA NILE
Another way to marvel at the spectacular Murchison falls is taking a boat trip on the Nile down to the bottom. You are able to see a number of wildlife while on the launch trip. Most common ones are the elephants, hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, monkeys, baboons and water birds. The boat trip is a rewarding experience and provides lifetime memories to visitors. Sun-downer cruises are also available with chances to see the beautiful sunset reflected on the river.
GAME DRIVES INSIDE THE PARK
The northern side of Murchison falls park which include Buligi game tracks offer wonderful game viewing experiences. It is here that you will be able to see a bigger concentration of Uganda’s Wildlife. Some of the common ones are Lions, Giraffes, Elephants, oribi, hartebeest, hyena, antelopes, gazelles and many more. The Savannah plains offer perfect settings for visitors to see animals from a far. Most of the animals are better seen during the early morning game drives.
PRIMATE TOURS
Kaniyo Pabidi forest has an eco-system which contains a number of primates. These include black and white collobus monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons and chimpanzees. During nature walks you will be able to see most of the primate species. The chimpanzee guided tours are available daily with the park rangers.
BIRD WATCHING
Uganda is gifted to have over 1000 species of birds and 650 of those are available in Murchison. These include Savannah forest birds, water birds and the Albertine endemic species. Visitors in Murchison falls national park are able to identify most of these birds in rabongo forest. Other rare bird species, like the Shoebill are found along the banks of Victoria Nile.
SPOT FISHING ON THE NILE
Spot fishing is famous here because of the Nile perch which weighs up to 200 kgs. The banks below the Murchison falls provide excellent conditions for the Nile perch to survive. The water currents are very strong and water is highly oxygenated. Tour operators do organize fishing competitions once in a while.
CULTURAL TOURS
Uganda’s culture is diverse with many ethnic groups. While in Murchison, you will get to see the energetic dancers from Mubako. They perform their amazing dances around lodge campfires, making for a magical African experience at dusk. Visitors can also tour the Boomu Women’s Group which offers accommodation facilities and a craft shop. Visitors can learn more about the realities of life in this rural community.