Murchison Falls National Park

A fantastic opportunity to view wildlife and scenery from the Nile River.

I visited Murchison Falls with Red Chili (out of Kampala) during a short break while I was in Uganda shooting photos for an NGO called One School at a Time. The trip was excellent. We stayed at the comfortable Red Chili camp, where the food and accomodations were comfortable (tent cabins and a large dining cabana), and where a short stroll from camp afforded opportunities to see warthogs and monkeys or the Nile River. The rolling landscape in the park includes forest and savannah vegetation, with large herds of giraffes, groups of elephants, many antelope, hippos, buffalo, monkeys, and occasional predators (lions and leopards), among other African animals. The highlight of the trip was a long boat ride up the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls itself, where Ernest Hemingway once survived a plane crash that killed his companions. On the boat, one enjoys a fantastic vantage from which crocodiles, elephants, cape buffalo, families of hippos, and exotic birds can be observed in comfort, while sipping Nile Beer and enjoying the cool river breeze. The boat takes you to the very base of the spectacular falls before returning downriver to your starting point. In addition to the park, the drive from Kampala to Murchison is a chance to see a cross section of the Ugandan countryside, and to enjoy lunch and a walk around one of the towns en route. Overall, my trip to Murchison Falls with Red Chili was a highlight of my time in Uganda. Photos on flickr under my username: kdriese.

Great wildlife and sceneries, good accomodation and food, a strong bush vibe.

I was expecting more from this park

Everyone I've met calls this their favorite park, but I was disappointed by my experience. We arrived at the gates at the scheduled opening time, but the staff showed up over an hour late. By the time we made it to the river tour it was too late in the day for many of the animals to be active. The staff was also rude to our driver when our family asked him to accompany us for lunch at the lodge. However, the views of the falls were spectacular and the animals are big.

The falls and the river make this park different, but it's also very touristy.

The falls and the river make this park different, but it's also very touristy.

Easy introduction to safari experience, you´ll see plenty of animals, although big cats are not for granted. It is the most popular safari place in Uganda, hence more crowded, but still nothing compared to some parks in neighboring countries.

Excellent safari location!

I visited Murchison Falls National Park in July 2010 for my first safari experience ever. I'm from the U.S. and had never been to Africa, so this was a really fun new experience for me. I stayed at the Paraa Safari Lodge, which was very comfortable: clean rooms, good selection of food (compared to other places in Uganda), and a swimming pool!

The weather was warm, 80-85 degrees, and was a mix of sunny and overcast throughout the five days I was there. I was on the trip with my father, who had a personal friend who was also a guide take us out on the safari. This was nice, because it was just the three of us in the vehicle and we could go out for however long we wished, and stop for whatever my father and I wanted to look at.

The wildlife was beautiful... fifteen minutes into our first drive out we had to stop for a giraffe crossing the road right in front of us. We saw dozens of giraffes, elephants, baboons, water buffalo, hippos, and more. The only popular animal we didn't see was a lion... they are really tricky to spot, considering they are the best predator out there. However, when my brother made the same trip with my father a month later, they saw a lion, so they can be found, you just have to be patient and look!

Overall, it was a fantastic experience. I have hundreds of photos and video footage to keep forever. My tips would be to pack plenty of clean clothes you can sweat in. I completely changed outfits 2-3 times a day from being so covered in dirt, sunscreen, and sweat. Driving out in the bush will get you very dirty. Also, bring long shirts, pants, and bug spray. My father got malaria from a mosquito bite out there and was dangerously ill for weeks. Visit a doctor and get malaria pills to take before this trip!

We had been booked us directly for 3 days in the Paara Safari Lodge on the River Nile. A first class hotel safari that leaves no wish unfulfilled. A few feet away from the hippos, who laugh at night, sometimes funny and jump into the pool. The rooms are decorated in colonial style with fans and mosquito nets over each bed. you can close like curtains around the beds. Power is up by 23 clock in the evening. The food buffet is always fresh, and European. During a 6-hour safari, we have all seen animals including lions up close. The Murchison Falls are worth seeing. Overall, the National Park and the Paara Lodge is highly recommended.

Many animals can be seen here like giraffes, Patas monkeys and lots of smaller bucks. There are some nice lodges to stay at and camping is there also. Be sure to book the boat ride to the falls to see some spectacular bird life and huge crocodiles.

I havent any other experience to compare it to however, this trip met and exceeded all my expectations.