MURCHISONFALLS NATIONAL PARK IN MASINDI IN UGANDA THE PEARL OF AFRICA
Murchison falls national park is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda followed by Queen Elizabeth national park in Kasese which is uniquely known for tree climbing Lions. This iconic safari destination was originally gazzeted as a game reserve in 1926 about 99 years and the park was officially designated as one of the Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. It is located in the northwestern part of the country, covers an area of about 3,840km2 at an altitude of 127m, managed by the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA). The park is named after the spectacular Murchison falls which were originally known as Kabalega falls, where the Victoria Nile forces through a narrow 8 meter wide gorge before plunging 45m into the devil’s cauldron which marks the final act of about 80km stretch of rapids and the river calms into a broad, tranquil flow as it meanders towards Lake Albert. (Home of shoebill stork and other aquatic species) since the Nile flows from the East to West. The park is rich in wildlife and biodiversity, hosting 144 mammal species including lions African elephants (Aerial survey shown over 900 individuals) giraffes (mostly in the northern section with a thriving population) Buffaloes ( over 10000 making them most commonly seen in the park), hippos (living in groups of 5 to 35) and Nile crocodiles often seen in the river banks of the Albertine delta and also aquatic birds, 556 bird species including shoebill stork, white crested turaco, red winged grey warbler, African fish eagle, Goliath heron, saddle billed stork 51 reptiles including snakes, crocodiles, lizards and 51 amphibians such as African bullfrog, common reed flog, guttural toad among others . It offers a wider range of tourism activities such as game drives, boat cruises, hiking, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest, Birding safaris, butterfly safaris ,cultural encounters and experiences from the nearby local communities such as Banyoro story telling traditions, Acholi offering “nang nang”( cultural boney fish), eco-tourism such as nature walks, sport fishing, sport hunting, camping, hot air balloon, visit Karuma falls , zip lining, scene tic views ,Photo shooting, smooth car drive within the park via Budongo forest, swimming on various lodges. The park plays a crucial role in tourism product and resource conservation, environmental protection maintaining climate resilience hence remaining one of Uganda’s most visited and iconic natural attraction
THE LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
Murchison falls national park is found in Uganda known as the pearl of Africa in the north western region on the northern end of the Albertine rift valley where the Bunyoro escarpment descends into rolling palm dotted plains, offering one of the most dramatic landscape in East Africa. It covers districts such as Nwoya, Bulisa, Kiryadongo and Masindi. The park is crossed by coordinates by the latitude line at 2.145768’N and 31.806906’E Longitude, the Degrees Minute Seconds (DMS) Latitude are 20 8’ 44. 7648” N and DMS Longitude are 31048’ 24. 8616” E, the universal transverse Mercator (UTM) is UTM Easting 367,321.35 and UTM Northing 237,224.68, the elevation ranges from 619m at the delta on Lake Albert to 1.292m at Rabongo hill covered by wilderness. The park is about 305km(190miles) north of Kampala which is uganda’s capital city, about 5 to 6 hours to the southern gate of the park known as Kichumbanyabo gate ( commonly used). From Kampala, the tourist may be a little delayed by the city jam but the Luwero road is jam free till the park. On the way to the park tourists enjoy historical stories such as Luwero triangle history ( talks about how the current president of Uganda conquered power) ,the stop overs where tourists experience the taste of African roasted plantain, roasted maize, roasted chicken, roasted meat locally known as muchomo, fruits such as African pineapples, African yellow bananas, African watermelon and other local foods and also interact with local people, If time is there tourists can stop over at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district along kampala-Gulu highway which is about 176km to Murchison falls national park. It’s the only place in Uganda where one can only find Rhinos ,after the extinction of Rhinos in 1970s and 1980s during the regime of Idd Amin Dada the former president of Uganda where Rhinos where hunted to extinction since Rhino horns were regarded as traditional medicine and also a symbol of wealth and status , thou later rhinos where reintroduced on a 7000 hectare fenced area through partnership between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and a private conservation group called the Rhino Fund Uganda, the first rhino arrived from Kenya and the other from USA donated by Disney’s Animal Kingdom making above forty (40) Rhinos present to date, so this is not worth a miss. The main access towns near the park for tourists who would like to experience the Ugandan night life are Pakwach, Paraa and Masindi. Other gates of the park include Bugungu gate (southwestern gate) near Butiaba on Lake Albert escarpment with a slightly rough terrain mostly for visitors from Bulisa, Hoima, Tangi gate (north gate) near pakwach best for tourists from west Nile region, Arua, Gulu, Nebbi, Wankwar gate (north western) near Karuma Falls area but less frequented by travelers with high access to remote wildlife and Mubako gate which is adjacent to paraa area. The major landscapes include;
The savannah grassland, borassus palms and acacia woodland: Open plains dominate much of the northern part of the park
The woodlands and the forest patches: Especially in the southern sector and near Budongo forest Reserve offering diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife.
Wetlands and Riverine areas: Along the Nile River and its tributaries
The climate of the park;
It is highly influenced by air currents that run over Lake Albert, the Nile River and forests processes of Budongo and Rabongo with other vegetation covers which exhibits tropical savannah climate with temperatures around 310C/1880F during day and 180C / 640F at night where one may experience a comfortable night without a blanket, with annual rainfall of 1,085mm. However the park has two seasons that’s the dry season that is December to February and June to August and the wet season from September to November giving a green view of the various vegetation cover, however the weather in the park in unpredictable due to the various geological process.
HISTORICAL FRAME
Leaving the Luwero triangle aside, the history of the park goes back to the 1907 when the inhabitants of the area were evacuated dues to sleeping sickness spread by tsetse flies. (However high tsetse fly control is highly exhibited in the park currently). The original name of the Murchison Falls National Park is “Pajok” a Luo word meaning “ the place of spirits” since it was the place where sacrifices were offered to the gods of rain, wars and also protect people from sickness. The explorers John Speke and James Grant were the first Europeans to visit Murchison Falls conservation Area in 1862. It was more thoroughly explored by Samuel and Florence Baker in 1863-4. Baker named the Murchison falls after the geologist Roderick Murchison who the president of the Royal Geographical Society by then. The iconic destination attracted famous notable explorers, drifters, adventure enthusiasts and leaders such as Winston Churchill who is an early visitor of the park, Theodora Roosevelt who was an American president and conservationist, Ernest Hemingway who famously survived two plane crushes while visiting the park and the British Royalty who were members of the British monarch. The film know as African Queen staring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn was filmed on Albert and the Nile in the park due to the scenetic beauty making us think the park forced George Wilberforce Kakoma to compose the Uganda National Anthem which starts with a line ’’ Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty,
THE PHYSICAL FEATURES AND THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE PARK
The landforms, water bodies, vegetation types and the overall beautiful
Scenery that define the environment include;
The Nile River
This is the main feature of the park’s landscape since it divides the park into the northern and southern sectors. It supports wildlife since it acts as a habitat for aquatic plants such as Water lilies, teeming with life of hippos, crocodiles, aquatic birds, frogs, and fish, supports boat cruises, sport hunting only placing high chances of bleeding of various fish species a sport fishing enthusiast would not miss thus enhancing the beauty of the ecosystem.
The Murchison Falls
The park’s namesake, the iconic waterfall where the Victoria Nile forces through 8 meter wide narrow gorge before it plunges 45 meters down the devil’s cauldron giving a thunderous roar and a permanent rainbow mist, surrounded by rugged rocks and a misty spray and permanent rains on the top of the falls hence regarded as one of the most dramatic and powerful waterfall in Africa and the world.
The Savannah Grasslands
It is commonly seen in the northern sector of the park, seen as open plains dotted with acacia and Borassus palm trees which harbor elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes.
Woodlands and Bush land
Thicker vegetation in the parts of the south and around riverbanks acting as homes of various bird species such as white crested turaco, saddle billed stork among others, monkeys, olive baboons and browsing animals such giraffes, elephants among others.
Tropical Rainforests
This safari destination contains dense tropical forests such as Budongo forest, Rabongo Forest (with the park’s highest point), Kaniyo Pabidi forest with rich biodiversity primates like the chimpanzee, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and also home for ornithologists, characterized of towering Mahogany trees ,sausage trees, and various species such as ferns, Moses, and shrubs
Riverine Forests
Found along the banks of the Nile and streams and Cools, shades areas with thick vegetation.
Provide water, shelter, and food for wildlife.
Wetlands and Swamps
It’s found near the Nile Delta (where the river flows into Lake Albert) and important for birds like the shoebill stork and fish, hippos, crocodiles, frogs breeding grounds. Papyrus reeds dominate these wetlands, providing nesting materials and sites for birds
Lake Albert and Rift Valley Escarpment
Lake Albert lies on the park’s western edge with the park’s location within the Albertine Rift valley adds complexity and uniqueness of the destination, the Albertine Rift escarpment offers dramatic views and highlands. Adds geological and scenic value to the park’s terrain.
The Nile Delta
The wetland where Nile enters Lake Albert supporting aquatic plants and migratory birds. The region is home of birders due to the variety of habitats that attract numerous bird species.
Karuma falls.
Another notable waterfall within the park with series of rapids near the northeastern side, adding to the park’s beauty
BIODIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE
Biodiversity refer to the variety of life in the park including animals, plants, birds reptiles, amphibians, insects and their ecosystems.
Mammals
The park is home of 144 species of mammals and the common animals include:
African Elephant
The aerial survey showed over 900 individuals in the park and they are the largest land mammal on earth.
Highly intelligent, social and live in matriarchal groups led by an older female.
Use their trunks for feeding, drinking, and communication.
Known to dig water holes during dry seasons and shape landscapes by uprooting trees.
Interesting behavior: They mourn their dead and have strong memories hence the saying “an elephant never forgets.”
African Lion
Live in prides (family groups) usually led by one or two dominant males.
Females do most of the hunting, especially at night or early morning.
Lions in Murchison sometimes climb trees, especially during hot weather.
Roar can be heard up to 8 km away.
Interesting behavior: Males mark territory by roaring and scent marking.
Rothschild’s Giraffe
Murchison has Uganda’s largest population of this endangered giraffe.
Graceful, calm and feed on acacia leaves using their long tongues.
Males engage in “necking” a dominance fight using their long necks.
Unique trait: They only sleep about 30 minutes to 2 hours per day!
Leopard
Solitary, stealthy, and mostly nocturnal.
Often hides in trees during the day and drags its prey up trees to avoid scavengers.
Very territorial and marks with urine or scratch marks.
Tip for tourists: Hard to spot look carefully in tree branches near thickets.
African Buffalo
Live in large herds, very protective of each other especially calves.
Known for unpredictable and aggressive behavior when threatened.
Strong bonds within herds injured individuals are often defended.
Dangerous fact: They are responsible for many injuries to humans in the wild due to surprise encounters.
Warthog
Often seen trotting around the park with tails pointed up like antennae.
Kneel on front legs to graze due to short necks and long legs
Use old burrows (often from aardvarks) for shelter and protection.
Fun tip: Their “ugly-cute” look makes them popular with tourists!
Uganda Kob
Uganda’s national antelope, it is a symbol of abundant wildlife and national pride. It’s featured on the Coat of arms, alongside the grey crowned crane.
Graceful, reddish-brown, and often seen in open plains.
Males set up leeks (territorial display areas) to attract females.
Courtship behavior: Males fight over territories; females choose mates based on strength.
White Rhino (not currently in the park, but linked to it)
Extinct in the park due to poaching in the 1980s.
Being reintroduced through Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary nearby about 176km from the park
Heavy, peaceful grazers and use horns for defense and digging.
Reintroduction goal: One day to return them to Murchison Falls
Olive Baboon
Found along roadsides inside the park and riverbanks.
Live in large, complex troops with strict social hierarchies.
Communicate through facial expressions, grunts, and barks.
Fun fact: They are highly opportunistic and sometimes steal food from vehicles!
Patas Monkey & Vervet Monkey
Patas monkeys: Ground dwellers and very fast up to 55 km/h.
Vervets: Small, grey monkeys with black faces, often near water or forests.
Watch for: Their playful behavior and alarm calls when predators are near.
Nocturnal Mammals (rarely seen on game drives)
Aardvarks, porcupines, genets, and civets.
Active at night and usually spotted during night drives or in camera traps
BIRDS
Murchison Falls National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 556 bird species recorded making it one of the richest birding destinations in Uganda. Its diverse habitats, including savannah grasslands, wetlands, forests, riverbanks, and the Albert Nile, support both common and rare birds, including several endemic and migratory species.
Key Bird Species in Murchison Falls National Park
Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex)
The most sought-after bird in the park.
Large, prehistoric looking bird found in marshy/swampy areas, especially around the delta of the Nile near Lake Albert.
Prefers areas with lungfish and amphibians.
Interesting: “It’s known as the ‘whale-headed stork’ and is a birdwatcher’s dream
Goliath Heron
Largest heron in the world.
Often seen fishing in the shallows of the Nile or standing silently near papyrus reeds.
African Fish Eagle
National bird of several African countries.
Easily spotted along the Nile River and Lake Albert, perched in tall trees.
Recognized by its piercing call and bold white head.
Tip: “Its call is the soundtrack of Africa’s wilderness.”
Secretary Bird
Large bird of prey with long legs.
Found in open grasslands and feeds mostly on snakes.
Walks rather than flies when hunting.
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
Large, ground-dwelling bird with long eyelashes and a loud booming cal
Often seen walking along game drive tracks.
Has a blue (female) or red (male) throat pouch.
Saddle-billed Stork
Tall, colorful stork with a striking red, yellow, and black bill.
Found along rivers and lakeshores.
African Jacana
Also known as the “Jesus bird” because it walks on floating vegetation.
Found in shallow lakes and swampy areas
Kingfishers (multiple species)
Common species include:
Pied Kingfisher
Malachite Kingfisher
Giant Kingfisher
Note: Look out for them hovering above water before diving to catch fish!
Northern Carmine Bee-eater
Bright red and blue bird, often nesting in riverbanks.
Usually seen in flocks, especially near the Nile.
Woodland and Forest Species (in Budongo Forest Area)
Ituri Batis
Chocolate-backed Kingfisher
Puvell’s Illadopsis
White-thighed Hornbill
Budongo Forest is part of the park and is a key area for forest birding.
Best Birding Spots in Murchison Falls NP:
Location Birding Highlights Delta Area (Lake Albert)Shoebill, Papyrus Gonolek, pelicans Nile River Banks Fish eagle, herons, bee-eaters, kingfishers Savannah Grasslands Secretary bird, ground hornbill, bustards Budongo Forest, Forest specialists and endemics Falls Viewpoint Swifts, falcons, and scenic photography
Tips for Birding in the Park:
Best time: Early morning and late afternoon.
Bring binoculars and a bird guidebook.
Combine a boat safari and game drive for the best sightings.
Be with a guides for areas where rare species are most likely to appear
REPTILES
Murchison Falls National Park is not only rich in mammals and birds, it also hosts a fascinating variety of reptiles that thrive in its diverse ecosystems. About 51 reptiles which include crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and tortoises, all playing important roles in the park’s ecological balance, reptiles in Murchison Falls National Park include;
Nile crocodile
One of the largest reptile species in Africa.
Commonly seen basking on riverbanks or lurking in the Nile waters, especially near the base of Murchison Falls and during boat cruises.
Can grow up to 5–6 meters long.
They are ambush predators, feeding on fish, antelope, and even birds that come to drink water.
Interesting fact. These crocodiles use their powerful jaws and patience to surprise their prey!
African Rock Python
Africa’s largest snake and non-venomous.
Can grow up to 6 meters.
Often found in grasslands, rocky areas, or near water bodies, where it ambushes animals and kills by constriction.
Eats birds, small antelopes, or rodents.
Note: Sightings are rare, but guides may point out tracks or shed skin.
Puff Adder
A venomous viper, known for its thick body and hiss.
Found in savannah and grassland, usually camouflaged on paths or under shrubs
Has a fast strike and potent venom, but rarely attacks unless stepped on.
⚠ Safety note for tourists: Always watch where you step during nature walks!
Booms Lang
A tree-dwelling snake, mildly venomous but very shy.
Often found in forest edges or bushy areas.
Its name means “tree snake” in Africans.
African Helmeted Turtle
Common in ponds, slow-moving rivers, and swamps.
Sometimes seen swimming alongside hippos or basking on floating logs.
Has a distinctive flattened shell and long neck.
Monitor Lizards
Especially the Nile Monitor, a large, semi-aquatic lizard found near water bodies.
Can grow up to 2 meters.
Feeds on eggs, small animals, insects, and even carrion.
Strong swimmers and excellent climbers.
Agama Lizards
Brightly colored, especially the males (with blue bodies and red/orange heads).
Commonly seen on rocks, lodge walls, and sunny open areas.
Known for their “push-up” display to scare rivals or attract mates.
Tortoises
Some land tortoise species can be found in dry and open areas.
Herbivorous and very slow-moving.
Where to Spot Reptiles in the Park:
Habitat Common Reptiles Nile River & Delta Nile crocodile, Nile monitor, turtles Savannah/Grasslands Pythons, puff adders, tortoises Rocky Outcrops Agamas, lizards Budongo Forest & Riverine Forests Booms Lang, forest snakes
Tips for Tourists and Guides
Use binoculars and keep a safe distance from reptiles.
Early morning or late afternoon is best for spotting basking reptiles.
Emphasize safety when walking through long grass or near water
AMPHIBIANS
Murchison Falls National Park is home to a diverse range of about 51 amphibians, though they are often overlooked during safaris compared to the park’s big mammals and birds. Amphibians are an important part of the ecosystem acting as indicators of environmental health and contributing to the food chain. Amphibians are primarily found in wetlands, along riverbanks, near forest edges, and in temporary pools formed during the rainy season. The most common groups include frogs and toads, with a few caecilians in forested areas like Budongo.
African Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus edulis)
One of the largest frog species in Africa.
Found in temporary ponds and waterholes.
Known for its loud, deep call and aggressive defense of its territory.
Eats insects, small frogs, and even mice.
Fun fact: “Male bullfrogs will even protect tadpoles by digging channels to fresh water.”
Banded Rubber Frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus)
Recognizable by its bright red or orange bands on black skin.
Secretes toxins to deter predators.
Lies in termite mounds, under rocks, and in moist soil.
Reed Frogs (Hyperolius spp.)
Small, colorful tree frogs often found in reeds and near swamps.
Males have loud, high-pitched calls at night.
Some species change color depending on mood or temperature.
African Tree Frogs (Leptopelis spp.)
Often heard during rainy evenings.
Found in trees, bushes, and forested areas, including Budongo Forest.
Males call loudly to attract mates and mark territory.
Toads (Sclerophrys spp.)
Found almost everywhere — from forest floors to savannahs.
Stocky bodies with bumpy, dry skin.
Active mostly at night and breed in temporary ponds.
Kassina Frogs (Kassina senegalensis)
Known for their walking gait rather than hopping.
Common in grasslands and farmland around the park’s edges.
Where to Find Amphibians in the Park
Habitat Common Amphibians Nile River and swampy banks Reed frogs, bullfrogs Budongo Forest Tree frogs, caecilians Wetlands and papyrus swamps Kassina frogs, reed frogs Seasonal rain pools Toads, bullfrogs Lodges and camp areas often heard at night after rainstorms.
ACCOMODATION FOR TRAVELLERS AND TOURISTS INSIDE AND AROUND THE PARK.
List of Lodges and Hotels in Murchison Falls National Park
THREATS TO THE PARK
However, the park still faces challenges. For one, over 40% of Uganda’s oil reserves lie under MFNP, and some oil companies are now engaged in drilling destroying habitats for wildlife.
Local communities use snares to hunt animals like antelope and primates due to the fast growing population with no land for farming and the Uganda Wildlife Authority estimates that they have seized seven tons of snares over the past three years.
Uganda Wildlife Authority deployed 70 new rangers, just 50 rangers patrolled the entire park. To make matters worse, rangers are a times tempted into corrupt activities due to their low salaries, which are under $9 per day.
Communications have been poor: cell service covers less than 10% of the park, and remote ranger stations have been unable to call for emergency medical support or reinforcements when they encounter well-armed poaching groups.
Commercial poaching by international syndicates is a major problem in MFNP, Poachers buy illegal firearms from nearby conflict zones, using them to hunt large animals to sell for their meat and ivory.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION IN THE PARK
The park is blessed with various minerals such as oil, mica, and possible energy generation from the falls which is not extracted due the fear of destructing habitats for the wildlife and aquatic life
Community conservation
- Collaborative management through appointing community management officers to deal with local people complaints and sensitization.
- Revenue sharing through giving 20% of the park entrance fee to community which is used to setup schools, hospitals and promoting SACCOS
- Putting open park days for free entrance where local people freely enter in the park to witness the importance of conservation, and also experience what tourists do which creates a sense of ownership of the park hence responsibility.
- Compensation schemes, electric fences, bee rearing on the buffer zones, strict rules against poaching , and other guidelines are put in place to reduce human – wildlife conflicts
- Wildlife education has been put in place to sensitize local people about the longtime benefit of nature.
Regulatory Framework
- The wildlife Act
- The Wildlife Policy
- Wildlife Research
- Ramsar site (conservation wetlands with international importance)
- Convention on biological diversity
PROJECTS IN PARK
Sweden international Development Association
Investing in Forest and Protected Areas for Climate Smart Development Project.
WHY VISIT MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
- Cruise along the Nile and Witness Wildlife up close
- Walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers and world leaders
- Enjoy the world class bird watching experience, including the rare shoebill
- Witness one of the world’s strongest waterfall.
- Explore Uganda’s largest, oldest and most diverse national park
- Experience the eye catching wildlife, from elephants and giraffes to crocodiles and hippos