Murchison Falls home to the most powerful waterfalls
Murchison Falls National Park, was known as Kabalega Falls (named after the famous King of Bunyoro Kingdom). It dotted with lush landscape, borassus palms, wetland habitat and savannah wood-land.
A hike to the top of the falls, provides great views of the water plunging through a narrow gorge 7 metres wide. It will later tumble 43 metres below forming a rainbow, before flowing afterwards into Lake Albert.
Uhuru Waterfalls
Located a few metres away is Uhuru Falls that came into existence in 1962, the same year Uganda got independence.
In 1962, Uganda received heavy rainfall which forcing part of Nile river to create a tributary that formed the second falls, named Uhuru thus creating a spectacular view often referred to as twin falls.
Wildlife
The National Park is also a habitat to a variety of wildlife and birds,76 mammal species and 451 bird species making it a perfect destination for your memorable holiday.
The wildlife was decimated by poaching but has since recovered through conservation programs. Large herds of elephants can be seen roaming the park. Other mammals that can sighted include the buffaloes, giraffe, lions, Hartebeests, Leopards (elusive), Uganda Kobs and many more. Along the river banks hippos can be seen and crocodiles gliding through the water or ‘sunbathing’ at the shores.
Sir Samuel Baker
Sir Samuel and Florence Baker were the first Europeans to find them. Baker named them after Sir Roderick Murchison, President of the Royal Geographical Society. The falls lend their name to the surrounding Murchison Falls National Park.
Birds and Boat rides
Birds that can be seen include Green-winged Ptyilia, White-rumped Seed-eater,Spotted and Verreauxa Owls, Long-tailed and Pennat-winged Nightjar, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Grey-crowned Crane, Long-toed Plover, African Fish Eagle, Cattle egrets, Love birds, African Jacana and Shoe bill at the delta.
Boat rides or launch trips to the bottom of the falls is one of the top activities available. Similarly, another boat ride will take you to the famous Albert delta where the River Nile flows into Lake Albert. You will be rewarded with the Shoe bill bird and other birds.
Budongo Forest can be added to your itinerary. It is home to chimpanzees and several bird life. Guided nature walks, chimp tracking and birding and Chimpanzee habituation are among the activities in the forest.
Additionally, you can also visit the communities around the Park like the Boomu Women Group.