What to do in Murchison Falls National Park

Bird Watching

Murchison Falls National Park has a list of birds that have been recorded present here and these are approximately 451 different species in total. These can best be seen during our rewarding Bird watching Tours. Some of the commonly seen birds within the park include: the White-rumped Seed eater, Rey-crowned Crane, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Spotted owls, African Skimmer, Verreaux’s Owls, Long-toed Plover, Bluff-bellied Warbler, Green-winged Ptyilia, Spotted Mourning Thrush, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Goliath Heron, Black-headed Gonolek Pel’s Fishing Owl, Silver Bird, African Fish Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, Black-headed Batis, as well as the  Nightjars.

Wildlife Safaris and Game Drives

We conduct very exciting game drives very early in the morning as well as within the late afternoons along the Buligi, Albert, and Queen’s tracks found north of the Nile River. During these you will get a chance to encounter various types of wild animals such as the buffaloes, waterbucks, elephants, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, oribis, hartebeests and giraffes, in addition to various birds. Each of our game drives are conducted in very comfortable four wheel Drive vehicles and led by our very experienced and highly knowledgeable safari guides.

Launch Boat Trips on River Nile

This is the highlight or climax activity within Murchison Falls Park. This actually is a two 3 hours boat ride along the course of the magnificent River Nile all the way to the bottom of the waterfalls. During this you will ride close to the river banks and get a chance to have an up close view of the different wildlife especially the giant Nile Crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, giant elephants and the great profusion of water bird species such as the uncommon Shoebill stork, wild ducks, Kingfishers, Fish Eagles, Herons, Cormorants as well as the Bee-eaters. This boat ride also offers you a chance to take very beautiful photographs.

Sport Fishing

Anglers will have a chance to catch Tiger fish and Nile Perch which will offer them fairly exciting challenge. In the pool immediately below the falls, you can also do some good fishing.

Nature Walks

Murchison Falls Park has various different trails along which visitors can get a chance to explore this natural wildlife habitat on foot. During the nature walks guests will have a come closer encounter of birds, butterflies and see a variety of different plant species and the beautiful terrain.

A Walk to the Top of the Waterfalls

Those interested in visiting the top of the falls can take on the trail that starts right at the bottom of the waterfalls where the boat will land and this will take you all the way to the top of these falls. You will be able to enjoy uninterrupted clearer view of these powerful waterfalls as well as closely see the narrow gorge / gap through which this water plunges.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kanio Pabidi

Kanio Pabidi is unspoiled forested area within the Budongo Forest Reserve. It is here that you will get a chance to trek chimpanzees in their natural habitat. During the trekking activity you will encounter a number of other primates as well as different bird species including the Chocolate backed Kingfisher and Puvell’s Illadopsis.

Primate Watching

We organize very rewarding primate watching trips led by very knowledgeable forest guides who will guide you as you explore the forest in search for the different primates such as baboons, the red tailed monkeys as well as the black & white colobus, may be to add to this, in case you are really fortunate you may be able to see some chimpanzees. You will see some birds and even learn about a couple of medicinal plants within the forest.

Best time to Visit the Murchison Falls National Park

Luckily, Murchison Falls National Park can be visited throughout the year, but to get the most rewarding views, we recommend that you visit during the months in the dry season when most of the wild animals get out of their hideouts and converge at the different waterholes. Because the vegetation is thin during that time, game viewing is also very easy and less interrupted.