Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National Park that protects a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty river Nile.
It is named for the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. Wildlife populations have largely recovered from the poaching of the 1980s; in the lush borassus grassland to the north of the Nile, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a variety of antelope are regularly encountered on game drives, while lion are seen with increasing frequency.
In the southeast, Rabongo Forest is home to chimps and other rainforest creatures. The Nile itself hosts one of Africa’s densest hippo and crocodile populations, and a dazzling variety of water birds including the world’s most accessible wild population of the rare shoebill stork.
SPORT FISHING
Nile Perch and tiger-fish provide an exciting challenge to anglers. Fishing is available in the river above and below the Falls. Do bring your own fishing equipment.
NATURE TRAILS
Murchison Falls Conservation Area offers the opportunity to explore the wild on foot. A trail at Paraa winds through riverine forest, gullies and low hills. Animals, birds and plants can be closely and quietly observed. Nature walks are offered at Rabongo Forest, Top of the Falls and Kaniyo Pabidi.
TOP OF THE FALLS
Trails around the top of the Falls go right up to the water’s edge. You have the opportunity to hike the top of the falls from the boat landing and get close to the narrow gorge through which the river plunges.
KANIO PABIDI
Kanio Pabidi is an undisturbed area of natural forest within Budongo Forest Reserve, where you can walk beneath mature Mahogany and ironwood trees. Chimpanzee tracking is the most famous activity. You certainly see many forest birds, including the Chocolate backed Kingfisher, the White-thighed Hornbill, and Puvell’s Illadopsis found nowhere else in East Africa! Kaniyo Pabidi is on the Masindi – Paraa road, 8 kms from Kichumbanyobo gate. There is a campsite where water and firewood are available. Do bring everything else you may need. Kaniyo Pabidi is privately managed by the Forestry Department.