Map of Murchison Falls National Park
Map of Murchison Falls National Park : The largest of Uganda’s national parks is Murchison Falls National Park which is famous for its wonderful wildlife, breathtaking views and the most powerful waterfall in Africa. The park lies in northwestern Uganda and occupies an area of about 3,840 square kilometers and includes the shores of Lake Albert and the Victoria Nile River which divides the park into two. With a good map you can discover all the beauty of the park, from the Murchison Falls that thunders down to the vast savannah grasslands.
Structure of Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park’s layout is unique due to its division by the Victoria Nile, which creates two distinct regions; the river between the Northern and Southern banks. The north side of the bank is famous for the animals and the south side is famous for the view points and the water falls. A map of the park generally has the major roads, tourist attractions and the areas reserved for picnickers, which is quite useful for a visitor driving through the park.
Main Entrance Gates: Four main entrances to the park are as follows:
South entrance from Masindi is the Kichumbanyobo Gate.
Wankwar Gate near the northeast entrance at Pakwach
Tangi Gate, North entrance, also near Pakwach
The Chobe gate is the northern entrance from Karuma.
All gates lead to different sections of the park and all major gaming destinations are located near Tangi and Wankwar gates.
Some of the important parts of the Murchison Falls National Park includes;
Murchison Falls
Location: The central area of the park that is located on the Victoria Nile.
Map of Murchison Falls National Park Highlights: Being the park’s key feature, Murchison Falls are located in both the northern and the southern banks.
Description: The Murchison falls also known as Kabalega Falls is the Centre of the park. Here, the Victoria Nile flows through a narrow 7 meters gorge and then drops 43 meters into the devil’s cauldron giving rise to a strong wake and mist. At the top of the falls, you get the strength of the river while the boat tours will give you a distinct view of the waterfall from the water below.
Northern Bank Game Drive Area
Location: Accessible from Tangi and Wankwar gates it covers the savannah plains of the northern region.
Map of Murchison Falls National Park Highlights: This area is characterized by game drive circuits and important viewpoints.
Description: The major part of wildlife safaris is conducted at the northern bank of the river because of the presence of savannah and grasslands that are home to large animals. Tourists can also easily come across elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and lions as well as antelopes such as the Kob and the Hartebeest. Due to having an open grassy area on the northern bank, this is the most appropriate place for searching for animals, during early morning and late evening safaris.
Southern Bank Game drive area
Location: Situated to the south of the river and entry is via the Kichumbanyobo Gate.
Map of Murchison Falls National Park Highlights: These are areas perennially forested for their special ecosystems and primate species.
Description: The southern side has a dense forest cover which is totally different from the Savannah in the northern side. Rabongo and Budongo Forests contain chimpanzees and hence make the best place to go for a primate trekking experience. Budongo especially has the chimpanzee tracking programs and has over 360 bird species thus attracting bird lovers.
Victoria Nile River and Delta
Location: The River runs through the middle of the park, the delta is in the northwest area.
Map of Murchison Falls National Park Highlights: Some of the important boat landing sites, the place to view the falls and fishing areas on the Nile are shown.
Description: Murchison Falls National Park is shaped by the Victoria Nile River that supports water life and bird life. The delta of the river near Lake Albert is famous for birding and especially for the shoebill stork. The river water attracts tourists who would like to take boat rides to see animals such as hippos, crocodiles and elephants coming to the riverbank.
Must See Points on the Map
Top of the Falls: This viewpoint can be approached from the southern bank where there is a small parking space, by a short trail. Standing at this location, tourists get to see the strength of the Nile River as it flows through the gorge.
Para Ferry Crossing: This ferry is in the middle of the park and is very useful for crossing the river between the north and the south. Map shows this because the road links game drive routes on the two sides of the park.
Karuma Falls: The above mentioned waterfalls are found on the eastern edge of the park but not within the park, another waterfall on the Nile is Karuma Falls. Many tourists use the camp as they access the park through the Chobe Gate.
Chobe Lodge: Located on the northeastern part of the park, this lodge provides comfortable and fancy rooms and is near the Chobe entrance giving convenient access to the northern circuits.
The Park’s Wildlife
Maps of Murchison Falls National Park are particularly useful for tourists interested in wildlife because they show the places where it is possible to meet the animals. The northern bank, especially, is characterized by game drive tracks through which tourists are most likely to come across wild animals.
Elephant and Giraffe Zones: The northern bank has game drives tracks which offer incredible views of large elephant herds and graceful giraffes.
Lion Tracking Areas: Some maps also show possible places for predator tracking, including lions and leopards but seeing these animals often involves waiting and some luck.
Bird Watching Sites: The areas listed as bird watching destinations include the river delta and forest reserves where Victoria Nile is said to host both resident and migrant birds. These are the shoebill stork, the African fish eagle and kingfishers.
Recommended itineraries and the Best Ways to Travel
Two Day Classic Safari Route: The game drive will start early in the morning through the Tangi Gate on the northern bank of the river and in the afternoon cross the river by ferry to visit the falls. Stay in a lodge, and the next day go for another boat ride on the river delta.
Chimpanzee and Falls Itinerary: Begin at the southern Kichumbanyobo gate to track the chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest, then go on to the top of the Murchison Falls.
