MURCHISON FALLS - TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND SAFARI ACTIVITIES
Flora and fauna
The park is dominated by savanna, woodland, river/wetland and tropical forest habitats which provide homes for 76 mammal species and 450 bird species. Large mammals include lion, leopard, elephant, hippopotamus, Rothschild's giraffe, Cape buffalo, hartebeest, oribi, warthog, and Uganda kobo The Nile corridor provides year-round water for these animals as well as a plethora of waterbirds (including the rare shoebill stork) and Uganda's largest population of Nile crocodile. The Kaniyo Pabidi forest provides refuges for chimpanzee and other primates as well as an impressive 360 species of bird.
The Nile and Murchison Falls
When the park was created in 1952, the Game Department enthused, 'The main attractions of this park are undoubtedly the unique Murchison Falls and the River Nile with its teeming hippo and serried ranks of crocodile on the sandbanks, coupled with large numbers of other species... coming down to drink and bathe.. '
Today the highlight of a visit to Murchison is the launch trip upstream to view the Falls and riverside wildlife. The launch departs at 09.00 and 14.00 daily. The round trip takes three hours. An additional boat trip heads downstream from Paraa to the papyrus delta at the river's entrance into Lake Albert. This 4-5 hour return voyage offers a good chance of sighting the shoebill stork and a variety of other wildlife.
The Nile below Murchison Falls provides exciting challenges to anglers including the chance to land a massive Nile Perch (the record is 108kg). Fishing is restricted to designated sites and places are limited so prior booking is recommended. Some boats may be hired for fishing by prior booking. Do bring your own fishing equipment.
The most dramatic view of the waterfall is the 'Top of the where the sight and sound of the Nile crashing through, wide chasm make an unforgettable assault on the senses site -may be reached either by vehicle or a half hour c1imb leaving the Paraa launch.
Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests
Trails through Kaniyo Pabidi forest, 8km inside Kichumbar Gate, provide the opportunity to track chimpanzee and primates beneath Uganda's largest remaining mahogany. Birding is excellent with the chance of sighting rarities as the yellow-footed flycatcher, Ituri batis, and white thi hornbill. Nature walks are also offered at Rabongo forest.
Buligi area The park's prime savanna game viewing area, this I grassland wilderness is sandwiched between the Victoric Albert Niles with panoramic views towards the western VIi the rift valley beyond Lake Albert in the D.R. Congo. A ~ drive from Paraa passing Delta Point takes 3-4 hours. Morning and late afternoon are the optimum times for sight game drives. A UWA ranger guide is recommended to help you r the most of your game drive.