The waterfall at Murchison Falls National Park allows travelers to experience nature’s aesthetic music, created by the bubbling, white frothy cascades of water flowing into the plunge pool.
Known as the most powerful waterfall in the world, it shelters fierce species like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the more tranquil zebras, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, and rhinos.
The park is also home to various snakes, such as pythons, king cobras, and garter snakes, which lack limbs, vocal cords, external ears, have only one functioning lung, and a long slender body.
Additionally, the park hosts crocodiles that feed on meat, and turtles, which are notably slow and carry hard shells like snails.
Various primates inhabit the park, including monkeys, baboons, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
The powerful waterfall is surrounded by grassland vegetation at ground level and features some trees, providing habitat for primates that move from tree to tree while foraging.
Kabalega Waterfall
The waterfall, named Kabalega after the late King of Bunyoro, was renamed by Uganda’s former president, Idi Amin, in the 1970s.
It is located on the lower Victoria Nile River, which hosts aquatic species like tilapia, silverfish, and Nile perch in the plunge pool where the water collects.
The waterfall’s flow slows in the absence of rapids. Previously, it was visited for its Big Five animals, as it is Uganda’s oldest protected area.
Discovered by Samuel and Florence Baker, it was originally named after the Royal Geographical Society’s president, Frederick Murchison.
Location and Access
The national park spans districts such as Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo, and Masindi. The driving distance to the park is approximately 305 km (4-6 hours).
The headquarters at Paraa can be reached by driving 85 km from Masindi. The southern gates, Kichumbanyobo and Masindi South Gate, offer the most direct routes.
Another option is using the northern gates, Purongo or Tangi Gate-Pakwach, though these routes are longer.
For those preferring air transport, daily scheduled flights from Kajjansi Airfield take only one hour to reach the park.
Flights are also available to Chobe, Pakuba, or Bugungu airstrips.
Park Entry & Guidelines
Tourists are permitted entry to the national park after paying a fee, which varies depending on residency status. Foreigners pay different rates than locals.
Upon entry, tourists receive guidelines, which are reviewed during a briefing. Key guidelines include:
- Littering in the park is prohibited.
- Always move with a tour guide; solo exploration is not allowed.
- Maintain a safe distance from animals, especially during walking safaris, and avoid making noise, as animals prefer a calm environment.
- Feeding wild animals is prohibited to avoid disrupting their natural hunting behaviors.
The individual park entry fees are as follows:
- Foreign Non-Residents: 40 USD
- Foreign Residents: 30 USD
- East African Community Residents: UGX 20,000
- Children: 20 USD for non-residents, 10 USD for residents, UGX 5,000 for East African community members.
Attractions at Murchison Falls National Park
- Paraa: Located near the banks of the Nile River, Paraa is known for its large hippo population. Popular activities include birdwatching, sport fishing, and game drives.
- Budongo Forest: A favorite among nature lovers, this area offers opportunities for nature walks and gorilla trekking. The forest is famous for its mahogany trees and diverse bird species.
- Karuma Falls: Located in the northeastern part of the park, Karuma Falls forms a plunge pool where water collects, with some areas featuring rapids.
Activities
Activities in the park include game drives, boat trips, sport fishing, tracking, hiking, camping, birdwatching, and more.
Accommodation
Accommodation options in and around Murchison Falls National Park include Fort Murchison Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Murchison Backpackers, Sipi Falls National Park, Paraa Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Nile Safari, Pakuba Safari Lodge, and many others.
Don’t miss out on the adventure calling to people around the world. Ride on the silver lining up to the Pearl of Uganda and witness paradise at Murchison Falls National Park.
