Why visit Murchison Falls National Park for your African safari
There are many reasons why you should visit Murchison Falls National Park, one of the undeniably most popular safari destinations in Uganda. So, you will find out why it is the crown jewel of this country’s tourism.
Murchison Falls is an 3,840 sqkm protected area that lies through the north-western border of Uganda. The park was first gazetted in 1952, so it is one of the few places you will visit and leave with special memories as well as unforgettable experiences.
If you are wondering why it is honored as one of the unmissable safari destinations in Uganda and beyond, below are the reasons why you should visit this stunning Murchison Falls National Park. Whether you are a nature lover, birder, or primate enthusiast, this destination is just perfect for you.
Unbeaten game viewing opportunities
The spectacular Murchison Falls National Park is known for offering extraordinary game viewing opportunities. So, a great majority of Africa’s wilderness species thrive in this park. These include leopards, spotted hyenas, lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, hippos, warthogs, Uganda kobs, and bushbucks among others.
Given its strategic location, it is possible for visitors to Murchison Falls to see all the five big game species. You can have a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where the southern white rhinos are found., and then proceed to the park for the giant African elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes.
Picturesque natural sceneries – why visit Murchison Falls
This safari destination was named after the mighty Murchison Falls, so, this is another reason to visit Murchison Falls National Park. Besides the waterfalls, this park’s landscape is marked by sweeping savannah plains, the Victoria Nile, rapids, densely wooded areas, wetlands, and a Budongo forest on its southern edge.
Amazing accommodation options
From the moment you set foot into Murchison Falls National Park, you will be amazed by the wide array of accommodation facilities offered and these suit the tastes, budgets, and preferences of each traveler. There are safari lodges, tented camps and smaller campsites, where visitors can stay. There is literally something for everyone.
The most popular places to stay in or around Murchison Falls are Paraa Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Camp, Pakuba Safari Lodge, and Fort Murchison. You can also choose Heritage Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, and Sambiya Safari Lodge among others.
Excellent Birding opportunities
Murchison Falls National Park has over 500 bird species and because of this, bird lovers always look forward to experiencing its diversity. The forest, wetlands, woodlands, and others habitats are excellent birding spots for your bird watching tour in Murchison Falls.
Lots of birds can be sighted during game drives and nature walks through the stunning savannah grasslands, and during the boat cruise along the Nile and Lake Albert delta boat cruise.
Open all year round – why visit Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park can be explored during any season or month of the year, with each season offering something remarkable and special. Travelers can enjoy incredible beautiful sunshine during majority of the dry months, which are ideal for wildlife viewing. During these months (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December), there are fewer watering points where animals gather, thus providing perfect wildlife viewing opportunities. Again, given the fact that grass is shorter, animals are easier to spot.
Besides Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda is home to other unmissable safari destinations. These include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking safaris, Queen Elizabeth National Park for game viewing, chimpanzee trekking, lion tracking experience, and boat cruise along Kazinga channel.
There is Kidepo Valley National Park, Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and the Bigodi wetland walk, Rwenzori Mountains National Park for the unbeaten mountaineering experiences. Mount Elgon National Park for guests that love mountain hiking in Uganda, Semuliki National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
