What to do in Murchison falls national park
What to do in Murchison falls national park : Murchison falls national park is situated on the shores of lake Albert. It was gazetted in 1952 and is located in the Northwestern part of Uganda. The two sections of Murchison falls national park are separated by the Nile River that is to say the Northern section and the Southern section. The park is approximately 3893 square kilometers making it the largest national park in Uganda. This park has a total of 6 gates that are used by visitors to access it. Murchison falls national park stretches to 4 districts of Uganda which are Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo and Masindi.
Activities in Murchison falls national park
- Game drives
In Murchison falls national park, game drives are done through out the year though the best time to carry out this activity is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February. In this season the trails are less slippery which enables tourists to use these trails with comfort. Game drives take about 5 hours and are carried out in the early morning hours or in the evening. A number of wildlife can be spotted while on game drive. Popular place in the park where the game drives are done include the southern and northern sectors of the patks along the buligi track, Victoria track and Albert track.
- Murchison falls national park boat cruise
Murchison falls national park boat cruise is a whole year activity in the park but the best time to carry out this activity is during the dry season since one can easily spot a variety of animal species and bird species that gather around water bodies to take water. Visitors who participate in this activity start their journey at Paraa.The boat ride takes about 3 hours. Large animals like the elephants, hippos, buffaloes and alot more can be spotted around. Bird species that are also seen around this area during the ride include the grey crowned crane, pied kingfisher and many more.
- Bird watching
Bird watching is one of the main activities done in Murchison falls national park. The park is a home to over 451 bird species like the savannah birds, water birds and albertine rift endemic birds. This is a perfect spot for birders. Some of the birds in Murchison falls national park include the nightjars, Senegal thick knee, African jacana, giant heron, red winged grey warbler, swamp flycatcher, secretary bird, weaver birds, malachite kingfisher, silver birds, martial eagle, denham’s bustard, African darter, osprey, long toed plover, veracious dove, black headed lawping, grey headed king fisher, rock pratincole, black billed barbet and many more.
- Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in murchison falls national park is done in budongo forest. This forest is located in the Albertine rift in the southern section of the park. Chimpanzee tracking takes approximately 4 hours. It starts with briefing from the guide in the park and later the visitors start this activity following particular trails that are directed to them. This activity is mostly done in the dry season in the months of June July, August, September, December, January and February. Chimpanzee tracking is done in the morning and the afternoon. Chimpanzees can easily be spotted in the dry season since the forest is less thick than in the rain season.
- Albert Delta launch cruise
The Albert delta launch cruise in murchison falls national park is done in two phases. It is done in the morning at 9:00am to 11:00am and in the afternoon at 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The activity takes place for about 3 hours. Guides accompany visitors during the cruise for guidance and to also explain more about the various animals, birds and other natural land forming that are seen while on the cruise. Stop overs are made to clearly look at features that are spotted along the way. Visitors who opt to go for a boat ride at the Albert delta are blessed with the opportunity of spotting a variety of large animals like the elephants, hippos, buffaloes and many more that come around the water sources in search for water. Birds can also be seen during the boat cruise and some of the examples are giant kingfisher, African jacana, African darter, shoe bill, veracious dove to mention but a few
- Cultural tours
Mubako village is one of the villages just a short distance away from mubako gate of the park where visitors go for cultural visits.These tours are exciting and avail visitors with unforgettable memories. Visitors get an opportunity to interact with the local people in this community and also share important information to them about their culture and traditions. Community members in mubaku village make hand woven items and sculptures made of wood which they later sell. Cultural groups of people perform their cultural dances and sing their folk song to the visitors which is a form of entertainment to them
- Bottom of the falls boat cruise
In Murchison falls national park, the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls is done by visitors with the Paraa dock being the starting point. The boat ride in done in the morning at 9:00am to 11:00am or in the afternoon at 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The bottom of the falls boat cruise cruise takes about 2 to 3 hours. While on the boat cruise, visitors are able to spot a variety of animals species like buffalos, elephants, hippos and many more that come around water sources in search of water. Birds can also be seen during the boat cruise and some of the birds include shoe bill, osprey, veracious dove, African darter, giant kingfisher and many other birds.
- Nature walks
Nature walks in Murchison falls national park are done in areas of the Albert delta, Kaniyo Pabidi forest, Rabongo forest and the top of the falls. Nature walks in Murchison falls national park take about 2 to 3 hours. This activity is best done in the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February though it doesn’t erase the fact that it can be done anytime throughout the year. During the nature walks, tourists are guided on the specific trails to be followed. Visitors are able to spot animals and birds at a close distance while walking through the trails.
