Established in 1952, Murchison Falls National Park sprawls across 3893 km2, forming part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA). This encompassing area also includes Bugunga and Karuma Falls wildlife reserves, rendering it a haven for diverse wildlife. As Uganda’s oldest and largest national park, Murchison Falls beckons to those embarking on Uganda Safaris.
Nestled within the Albertine Rift Valley’s northern expanse, in the Masindi district of western Uganda, the park rests about 300 km northwest of Kampala. Its centerpiece, the Murchison Falls – also known as Kabarega Falls – marks the point where the Nile forcefully surges through a narrow gorge before serenely flowing into Lake Albert. The riverbanks teem with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbucks.
Witness the captivating spectacle of Murchison Falls National Park, where the colossal waterfalls cascade through a mere 7-meter-wide cleft between the Bunyoro escarpment and Acholi plains. Notably, the stunning Karuma Falls grace the park along the Masindi-Gulu highway.
The park’s inhabitants span elephants, buffalos, lions, giraffes, and chimpanzees, among others. Vegetation encompasses savannah, woodland, and riverine forest. While four of the big five are present – buffalos, lions, elephants, and leopards – the northern part predominantly hosts them.
Embark on a mesmerizing boat ride from Paraa to the base of Murchison Falls. This enchanting journey spans three hours and offers an up-close encounter with hippos, crocodiles, and the diverse wildlife that thrives near the falls.
