Top Activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park.
Are you planning an African safari to Murchison Falls and looking for the top activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park? Look no further, this blog will guide you on the top activities to enjoy on your African Safari. This is one of the popular national parks in Uganda, famous for its strongest waterfalls in the whole world, where the River Nile squeezes through a 7 m narrow gorge before plunging into a 43m Devil’s Cauldron to form the beautiful “ Murchison Falls” and its stunning views that attract thousands of visitors. The park is not only home to the mighty waterfalls but also hosts a rich biodiversity of wildlife species.
Over 453 bird species, including forest birds, migratory birds, water birds, 12 primate species, and over 144 mammal species, such as the African Big Four: leopard, elephant, buffalo, and lions, plus other species which can be seen on game drives or nature walks. Visitors have a wide range of activities that cater to all individuals’ interests, bird lovers will find the park a paradise for bird watching, nature lovers will get an opportunity to explore the park on foot, those looking for the big mammals will definitely search for them and not for getting those who would love to see the powerful waterfalls in the world, they will either hike to the top of the falls or have a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls which is one of a lifetime experience.
Top Activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park.
A Boat Cruise
A boat cruise either on the bottom of the falls or at Albert Delta is one of the top activities to do on your safari in Murchison Falls National Park. All boat safaris start from Paraa and head either upstream or downstream. A boat cruise on the bottom of the falls heads upstream towards the base of the falls, where visitors have a chance to see the breathtaking views of the vegetation and the River Nile as it squeezes itself in a 7m gorge before pouring its waters in a 43m pool, is an incredible moment. The thunderous roars of the falls signify the battle between the rocks and the water, spicing the entire experience and appreciating the beauty of nature.
Visitors will also see crocodiles relaxing in the sun, schools of hippos swimming, elephants, buffaloes and various antelopes drawing water from the river banks. A boat cruise towards the Albert Delta offers visitors a wonderful experience, as it is best for sundowners and seeing various waterbird species, as the region has a rich birdlife. It also offers stunning views of the park and its vegetation. A boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park should be on your bucket list, as it offers unique safari experiences in the park.
Bird Watching.
Bird lovers will call the park a paradise for bird watching as the park is home to over 453 bird species, including Guinea-congo biome endemics, forest birds, waterbirds and migratory bird species. The park has well-maintained trails, which are specifically for birding, like the Royal Mile, Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo forest, which are rich in birdlife. Some of the bird species to spot include the secretary bird, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, shoebill, Red-throated Bee-eater, Denham’s Bustard, Secretary Bird, African Fish Eagle, Black-bellied Bustard, Northern Carmine Bee-eater , Grey Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard, Piapiac, Black-headed Lapwing, Senegal Thick-Knee, Heuglin’s Francolin, White-browed Sparrow- Weaver, Speckle-fronted Weaver, Shelley’s Sparrow, Black-headed Gonolek, Red-winged Grey Warbler, White-fronted Black Chat, Red-billed Quelea, Red-necked Falcon, Abyssinian Roller, Martial Eagle, Marabou Stork, Lappet-faced Vulture, Palm-Vulture, Rock Pratincole, Spotted Thick-knee, Long-toed Lapwing, African Quail-Finch.
Game Drives.
Game drives are among the top activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park that visitors shouldn’t miss on their African Safari. They allow visitors to explore the open savannah grasslands in search of the big game. The park has over 144 mammal species, which can be seen on the game drives. Visitors can do morning game drives, evening game drives, or night game drives, which are all rewarding.
Travellers will see various mammals like lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, bush babies, Uganda kobs, hyenas, serval cats, oribis, waterbucks, and primates like black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys patas monkeys. Bird lovers will also spot various bird species like Abyssinian ground hornbill, African hoopoe, Black-bellied bustard, Denham’s bustard, black-headed gonolek, and Piapiac, among others.
Nature walk.
A nature walk excursion in Murchison Falls National Park is a thrilling adventure that allows visitors to explore the park on foot. This is a guided activity led by an armed game ranger who ensures the protection of the participants and an experienced park guide who provides more insightful information about the park’s inhabitants that you may encounter. Visitors will encounter various plants and tree species, and colourful butterflies that beautify the park. Additional bird lovers will see countless bird species, and mammals like giraffes, warthogs, and antelopes.
Sports Fishing.
Sports fishing is among the top activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park, which allows anglers to enjoy this amazing activity. It is conducted along the base of the falls due to its rich fish species. Fishing is done either by a boat or from the riverbanks under the guidelines of a professional fishing guide who ensures the protection of the participants. The park has a catch and release policy, which ensures the sustainability of various fish species.
