Animals in Murchison Falls National Park

Animals in Murchison Falls National Park :  Largest and most diverse amongst other Ugandan National parks is Murchison Falls National Park. Covering a total area of about 3,893 sq. km this phenomenal park lies in the northwest of Uganda and is split in two by the Nile River. There are a number of ecosystem types including   the rolling savanna and shrub land, the woodland all the way to the wet, tropical and the marsh lands hence it is among the most bio diverse and diverse in wildlife in Africa. At Murchison Falls National Park you are also privileged to have a wildlife experience where you can come across animals, primates and birds of fascination.

 The animals include; Elephants, Buffaloes and Giraffes. Large numbers of animals are found in the savannah and woodland of Murchison Falls National Park. These are among the most amazing sights which every visitor to the park would wish to see.

African Elephants

Murchison Falls National park is home to the largest living creatures on land, the African elephants. These elephants form rather big groups and the best and most frequent opportunity to observe them is in the vicinity of the Nile where they come to water and cool down. A privilege for any safari, populating savannas or plains, these gentle giants are amazing to watch as they go about their business. These animals play a critical role of ecological-keepers in the park given that they will guard to remove small trees and shrubs that may affect the provision of the open savanna space for other herbivores.

Cape Buffaloes

Of all the large herbivores in the park, the cape buffaloes famed for their size and strength are a dominant feature of the park. These animals are in most cases located foraging in large groups in the region of grassland, in sections close by water. The buffaloes are also regarded as dangerous when provoked as such they figured greatly in predator prey relationships of the park.

Rothschild’s Giraffes

Among all the striking species that can be spotted in Murchison Falls National Park, the Rothschild’s giraffe is particularly worthy of notice as this sub-species of giraffe is endangered and easily recognizable due to pattern on its coat and its rather long neck. The park boasts one of the biggest concentrations of the rare Rothschild’s giraffe which can be seen feeding on the branches of acacia trees on the northern side. These giraffes can be identified by their light colored legs, which do not have any spots that other subspecies of giraffe possess.

Predators of the Savannah in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park also boasts of some of the most important predators and brings much drama in the safari ventures.

Lions

Lions are the favorites when it comes to the predatory animals and are often seen within the northern sector of the Nile. Murchison is supplied by open plains thus making it a perfect hunting ground for these strong felids that feed primarily on the great number of Uganda Kobs and hartebeests. There is no better way of seeing lions than when they are at the hunt or taking a nap in the shade after a hunt which arises from game drives. It is also home to lions that occasionally ascend into trees a unique feature which makes the lions in the park a subject of interest in as far as wildlife is concerned.

Leopards

Leopards are less common and less easy to sight than lions but there are good prospects for anyone who is lucky enough to sight these at Murchison Falls National Park. Leopards are camouflage creatures, most active at night, they reach trees or heavy shrub land during the day. Night drives and early morning game drives are the best bets one has of coming face to face with these beautiful but elusive felines.

 Spotted Hyenas

These are large, socialized predators and scavengers which are dependent on savanna biome and hunts for food. Associated with powerful jaws and comic social systems, Hyenas are mostly heard and often observed in groups feeding on the doves at the scene of other predators when their hunters have hunted their quarry.

Antelope Species in Murchison Falls National Park

Various species of antelopes are found in Murchison Falls National Park contributing to the overabundance of that species in that park.

Uganda Kobs

The Uganda kob, which is one of Uganda’s symbols, is perhaps one of the most numerous antelopes depicted in the park. These graceful creatures are frequent on large pastures on an open land and are predominantly sighted on the Buligi Game Area. Male Uganda Kobs are known to have these large, spiral horns and they’re territorial during the rut. These antelopes are the main prey species to lions in the park despite the fact that the park is home to other animals as well.

Waterbucks

There are other types of antelopes called waterbucks and are common at water bodies including the Nile. Technically speaking, waterbucks have woolly appearance with their shaggy body fur and a huge white circle around their tail. They have adapted to live in water and they mostly depend on the river for feeding, the juveniles are often prey to crocodiles and other predators.

Oribis and Hartebeests in Murchison Falls National Park

Other smaller Antelopes such as Oribis and the Jackson’s hartebeests are also found in park savanna. Oribis are small beautiful slender antelopes known to be mostly found browsing singly or in twos or threes. Jackson’s hartebeests on the other hand, alive to their elongated faces and muscular physique, it sits comfortably among Murchison Falls’ most outstanding antelopes.

 The Aquatic Giants in Murchison Falls National Park

Many of Africa’s famous water animals are found here and along the Nile River and its extensions provide breathtaking adventure that follows the boat safaris.

Hippos

Hippos are easily spotted in the Nile, majorly because they tend to spend majority of their time in the water body. These amazing animals are best seen in large groups or pods particularly within the sections of the river in the vicinity of the Paraa.