Murchison falls National Park is one of the best national parks in the country established in 1952 covering an area of 3893 kilometres squared making it the country’s largest national park. The park is one of the top tourists destinations in Uganda harbouring some wildlife not found in the famous Queen Elizabeth national park.
Fort Murchison River lodge
Fort Murchison River lodge is situated on the southern shores of the banks of river Nile flowing in a placid stream to Lake Albert at the former Aswa lolim game reserve just outside the northern part of Murchison falls. The lodge is an ancient facility which acted as an Arab outpost and where the early European explorers while searching for the source of the mighty river Nile.
The lodge is inspired by historical background built in ancient Swahili style and one of the oldest lodges in the country. The price range for rooms at Murchison River lodge is $90 to $200 depending on your meal plan and occupancy in a room.
Fort Murchison offers accommodation in 12 en suite spacious cottages with comfortable beds with hot running water; all rooms have private balconies with superb views of Albert Nile. They also offer accommodation in non self contained tents; the tents are beautifully set on raised decked with a grass thatched top, a single bed, mosquito net, beddings and towels, bedside table and a power outlet for charging. Those sleeping in tents share bathrooms and flush toilets with hot water.
Game viewing
Murchison falls National Park is home to various species of wildlife ranging from mammals to primates, you can explore the park through a game drive or using air balloon. Some of the common animals in Murchison include; Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, Bush bucks, Warthogs, Water bucks, zebras, Ugandan Kob, Oribis and many others
Boat cruises
Taking a three hour round boat trip in the Nile to the splendid Murchison falls should not be missed while at the park. The world’s longest river flows through a narrow gorge on the rift valley escarpment thunderously forming the stunning Murchison falls. During the boat cruise, you will spot most land animals at the river banks then hippos and crocodiles in the water. When you reach the waterfalls you can take a 45 minute hike to the top of the falls.
Birding
Murchison falls national park is a birders paradise boasting with 450 species of birds recorded, some of the common bird species include; Giant kingfisher, Giant heron, Rare shoebill stork, Black billed bastard, Gray crowned crane, African darter, Black headed lapwing, Viracious dove and Rock pranticole among the rest
How to get there
Murchison falls national park is 305 Kilometres from Kampala meaning it will take roughly 5hours hours to reach the park by car. You can also access the park by taking a drive from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe international airport.
