About MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Murchison Falls National Park formerly known as Kabalega National
Park a name it inherited from one of the former kings of Bunyoro Kingdom is
Uganda’s largest protected area covering an area of 3,893 square kilometres.
Wildlife in Murchison Falls is under threat due to the discovery of Oil in the
Albertine lift valley since government has place priority on oil exploration
and extraction instead of conserving and protecting wildlife.
Located
in Northern Uganda, Murchison Falls was first gazetted in 1926 as a game
reserve and later graduating to Uganda’s first National Park in 1952. It
protects so many wildlife and is home to approximately 76 species of mammals
and about 451 species of birds including the rare shoebill stock that can be
spotted in the delta region.
Located
in Northern Uganda, Murchison Falls was first gazetted in 1926 as a game
reserve and later graduating to Uganda’s first National Park in 1952. It
protects so many wildlife and is home to approximately 76 species of mammals
and about 451 species of birds including the rare shoebill stock that can be
spotted in the delta region.
rip takes you along the Nile River for spectacular views of the sun rising to start a new day. Watch hippos play in the water and the wildlife awaken on the shores. Enjoy an optional full breakfast on board as you watch the sun rise over the Nile.
Sunset Cruise – Nile River, Murchison Falls National Park
A one and a half hour sunset cruise takes you along the Nile River while you watch the sun slowly disappear behind the escarpments. Enjoy the river’s many animals and birds while they retreat to their overnight hideaways and listen to the many sounds of the African bush as the animals of the night come to life.
Sundowner Cruise – Nile River, Murchison Falls National Park
This sunset cruise takes you along the Nile River while you watch the sun slowly disappear behind the escarpments. Enjoy the river’s many animals and birds while they retreat to their overnight hideaways and listen to the many sounds of the African bush as the animals of the night come to life. Drift along the Nile while the sun sets with a cold beverage and light snacks.
Wine and Cheese Cruise – Nile River, Murchison Falls National Park
This sunset cruise takes you along the Nile River while you watch the sun slowly disappear behind the escarpments. Enjoy the river’s many animals and birds while they retreat to their overnight hideaways and listen to the many sounds of the African bush as the animals of the night come to life. Drift along the Nile while the sun sets with a glass of delicious South African wine and a selection of gourmet cheeses.
Chimpanzee Habituation – Budongo Forest Reserve
Following breakfast at the lodge, set out into Budongo Forest Reserve to join your team and begin your chimpanzee habituation experience. This semi deciduous rain forest, which lies within Murchison Falls National Park, boasts the largest mahogany forest in East Africa. You will assist Budongo’s trackers in their daily habituation research and activities including “de-nesting” the chimps, following them through the forest, and recording their behaviors and movements throughout the day. Finish the day off at sundown when the chimpanzees retire to their new nests for the night. This lifetime experience will allow you within metres of these amusing and very social apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities. Chimpanzees, our closest cousins, are extremely endangered with only an estimated 5000 remaining in Uganda. You will also have the opportunity to observe the many other animal species living in Budongo’s diverse habitat including black and white colobus monkeys, baboons and hundreds of native bird species. Please note: tracking chimpanzees may be fairly strenuous as the chimpanzees are highly mobile during the day. Also, chimpanzees are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Top of the Falls Hike – Murchison Falls National Park
Embark on a short hike to the top of Murchison Falls where the force of the mighty Nile River narrows to flow through a seven meter gap, cascading down a forty meter cliff to the vast gorge below. The power of the falls and the scenic views from the top are breath taking. Walk along the top of the falls and feel the spray of the water and bask in the cool mist around you.
Bird Watching – Budongo Forest Reserve
Set out for Budongo Forest Reserve’s Royal Mile, one of Uganda’s most popular birding sites. Skilled guides will accompany you as you search for hundreds of bird species inhabiting the area. This three to four hour walk can be tailored to your individual schedule and interests.
Half Day Forest Walk – Budongo Forest Reserve
You can enjoy a half day walk through tropical rainforest with experienced wildlife guides. Enjoy scenic views, the sights and sounds of the rain forest, ample opportunities for bird watching and glimpses of the many monkey species living in the reserve as they move through the forest canopy.
Rhino Tracking – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
You can visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a close up encounter with
the only rhinos in Uganda. Following their extinction in 1983, local wildlife
authorities and international conservationists worked hard to bring the rhino
back to Uganda. In 2001 the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre received funding
to bring two white rhinos from Kenya to the rescue facility as a start to this
challenging process. In 2005, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary welcomed its first four
rhinos from Kenya. Through an extremely successful breeding program, Ziwa’s
rhino population has since grown to over ten southern white rhinos with two
babies born within just the past two years. The success of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
will ultimately lead to a comprehensive reintroduction program allowing rhinos
to once again roam wild in Uganda.