Top of the Falls Murchison
Top of the Falls Murchison : Murchison Falls National Park is a gem being one of the most beautiful Uganda’s parks with amazing views, great wildlife and the Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Though boat rides up to the base of the falls give spectacular views of the falling water, visiting the Top of the fall gives a different impression of the power of the waterfall. It lets the tourists see the Nile River as it passes through a 7 meter gorge and then rockets down into the Devil’s Cauldron like a raging lion.
Why is Murchison Falls Such a Wonder?
Murchison Falls, generally known as the most powerful waterfall in the world, is a waterfall created by the flow of the Nile River. The Nile River is the longest river in the world and its passage through Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most forceful. At the falls, the river is pushed through a narrow 7meter gorge then plunge 43 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron. The water itself is so forceful that it produces a deafening sound and the spray which results from the water’s hitting the surface below.
The Top of the fall experience provides the viewers with a front row view of this natural spectacle of feature. When you stand on the edge of the gorge you can almost feel the ground shake and the force of the water as it rushes over the rocks. An experience that can only be seen and gives people a chance to touch and feel something extraordinary.
How to get to the top of the fall?
Reaching the Top of the fall can be done in two main ways; by vehicle or by hiking. All the options are equally exciting and allow you to have beautiful views.
By Vehicle: For those who don’t want to hike, there is a car park and viewing area at the top of the fall known as the Top of the fall viewpoint. The road goes through some of the park’s scenic environment, the woodlands and savannahs which are habitants of animals. Once you get there you just have to walk a few meters to reach a series of lookouts over the falls. The road leading to Top of the fall is usually good but it will be better to use 4Wheel Drive because the road condition becomes poor during rainy season.
By Hiking: For those who love challenges there is nothing as exciting as hiking up to the Top of the Falls. The trail starts at the waters’ edge where cruise boats leave off hikers who wish to proceed on foot. This trek takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the speed and ends up a steep and rocky trail to the top. The trail opens up to several viewpoints where one can stop and admire the beautiful views of the river as well as the surrounding environment. The trail is very much defined but it is not easy to walk since there are some rough terrains and some parts are steep.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, a water bottle and a camera to photograph the amazing scenic views and falls. The use of rain jacket is also encouraged because you will get drenched even when it is sunny due to the spray from the falls. The sound of the water falling becomes louder and louder as you climb and by the time you reach the top you get one of the best views in Uganda.
What to Expect when at the Top of the Falls
Once you get to the Top of the Falls, the scenery is breath-taking. The viewpoint gives a broad view of the Nile River as it flows through the narrow gorge. The water pressure is so high that it makes a loud noise, and the force with which the river plunges into the Devil’s Cauldron is quite captivating. If you are still and stand near the edge you can almost feel the spray on your face and watch as the water boils and whips up whirlpools and waves.
Viewpoints: There are many viewpoints at top and all are different from each other in terms of the view of the falls. Certain points give a better perspective of the gorge while others give the vantage view of the river and the surrounding vegetation. The most majestic views are possible in cliffs, from which you can see how the river flows into the abyss of the canyon.
Photography: The Top of the fall is surely a paradise for photographers as it is possible to take great photos of the water falling down through the gorge, rainbows appearing in the spray and the rocks. The best time of day for photography is during the golden hours of the day, the early morning and the late afternoon.
The Geology and Hydrology of the Area Around Murchison Falls National Park and Wildlife Reserve.
From the geographical point of view, one of the most interesting issues is the formation of Murchison Falls. It has been cut out of the rock by the Nile River over a period of many centuries to present a narrow rocky channel which enhances the power of the river. The cliffs of the gorge are old and steep and it is clear that the water has had an effect on them over centuries.
It is an immense amount of water that passes through the gorge and this is even more during the wet season when the river currents are fast and the falls are more forceful. Due to the blowing of water droplets formed by the falling water, the environment around the falls is green and supports many plant and animal species.
Wildlife around the Fall Area.
This park is as much for its dramatic scenery as it is for its populations of wildlife. When walking up to the Top of the fall, one is able to see some of the world famous animals of the park. These include giraffes, Uganda Kobs, buffalos, elephants among others
