Murchison Falls National Park

Wonderful park. The waterfall hike was amazing and loved the river camp.

Large herds of Giraffes, several elephants, water falls good to see, and several other animals

Large area but not so many animals to be seen. The boat cruise was the best part of it.

The park has some diversity of settings but the main area's we explored were the savanna habitat and the area along the river leading to Murchison Falls. There is a good diversity of antelope species and therefore predators. We saw lions but unfortunately no leopards. The river cruise was good for seeing many bird species as well as hippos, buffalo, and elephants enjoying and escape from the heat of the day.

If the sun and weather helps, this could be great.

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.

Paradise on the Nile

Saw much game as we flew in low and slow to Pakuba airfield, where we were collected by pre-arranged transport from a lodge on the Nile. The trip to the lodge was rugged & slow, allowing more game viewing at close quarters. The terrain included open plains with sparse scrub, and densely wooded gulleys. Excellent weather enabled a boat trip from the lodge to Murchison Falls (approximately 20km). The guide was experienced and informative. There were uncountable hippos, Nile Crocs, buffalo and other game on the banks of the swift flowing river. Many species of birds make their homes in almost vertical sandy cliffs along the river. We were able to step on to a tiny island just downstream of the falls to get a breathtaking view of the the Nile forcing it's way through a narrow crevice (Murchison Falls).
The accommodation at the lodge was spotless and the service very friendly. We dined on Nile Perch and Tilapia,another local fish, & good wines were available. The spacious patios & lounges were impeccably appointed, depicting much of the local & interesting history, with many famous people having visited, including Queen Elizabeth & Earnest Hemmingway.

One full day packed with wild life and scenery that only Africa can offer

There is genuine feeling of visiting Africa of the past when experiencing Murchison Falls National Park. The wildlife is plentiful and the tourist are few. It is such a large geographical area that there is a sense of being in a remote part of the world. There is both simple & inexpensive as well as upscale accommodations available in the park. There was freedom to drive you own vehicle around or have a guide take you. The boat trip up the river to the falls is well worth the 3 or 4 hours. The encounters with the Hippos and river creatures was exciting. As a professional photographer / videographer there was plenty of opportunity to captures images that will forever stimulate the imagination.

Its one of the top national parks of Uganda and its always a pleasure to go there!

Murchison National Park is my favourite national park in Uganda. I have been there at least five time in the last 10 years. There are many hotels in the area. We like to stay at the one inside the park across the river. The boat ride to the falls is a unique feature of this park. As you go up the river Nile gently chugging along in a private boat or a public one you can see a lot of wild life on your right. From Elephants coming up for a drink to Nile crocodiles and hippos spread out in the swamp and the waters. You can see a wide range of animals indigenous to this park. Occasionally you will come across a crocodile sunning itself quite close to you with a gaping mouth. Multitudes of Hippos frolicking around you, ducking into the water as your boat draws close. Little ones staying close to their mothers. Bush bucks, antelopes warthogs can be seen foraging in the bushes. Uganda is one of the richest bird watching destinations of Africa with over a thousand species recorded and also home to the rare Shoe bill stork.
Along the river you will see various water birds as well land. The ranger accompanying you will help identify many species as you make your way towards the falls. As you reach closer you are rewarded by the sight of a gushing fall and you can stop to take photos.
When you return to your hotel you can enjoy a peaceful sunset and sometimes you can hear the elephants and Hippos close by. The early morning game drives are breathtaking, beautiful sunrise Lions with their kill, Giraffes, many species of antelopes and many other animals can be seen. The knowledgeable ranger will guide you to the right places.
The weather is perfect, and the Ugandan staff are very polite and friendly. Murchison falls National park is not to be missed.