The Biggest National Park in Uganda : What is the biggest national park in Uganda? Uganda is a landlocked country known as the Pearl of Africa, located in central Africa, bordering countries such as Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda is one of the destinations in Africa offering the best safari experiences to travellers.
Uganda is blessed with a total of 10 national parks, each offering unique experiences and showcasing the country’s incredible biodiversity, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibaale National Park, Mountain Rwenzori National Park, Lake Mburu National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semliki National Park, and Mount Elgon National Park. All these parks protect a wide range of habitats, from tropical rainforests to savannahs, and the mountains are home to diverse wildlife.
Murchison Falls National Park is the biggest national park in Uganda. The park is situated in northwestern Uganda, covering the districts of Nwoya, Bulisa, Kiryandongo, and Masindi. It was gazetted as a protected area in 1952, making it one of the oldest national parks. The parks are named after the breathtaking Murchison Falls, where the Nile cascades through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful waterfall. Murchison Falls National Park holds historical significance as one of the first protected areas in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to different kinds of savannah plants, such as grasslands, savannah forests, and plains, among others, which act as feeding grounds for many different species of biodiversity, which makes the park their home. Murchison Falls National Park is a perfect destination to go on a Uganda wildlife adventure safari. The park is famously known for having a multitude of wildlife and is more amazing because it is home to four of the Big Five African animals, such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. The park does not hold rhinoceroses, which make up the fifth member of the Big Five. It is important to note that the park is famous for its diverse wildlife beyond the Big Five, including zebras, giraffes, warthogs, bush pigs, crocodiles, hippos, Uganda Kobs, and hartebeest, among others. The park is also home to other primate species like olive baboo and chimpanzees, among others.
Murchison Falls Savannah is also home to a variety of several species of bird species, over 450 bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spotting birds here include the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, African jacana, goliath heron, saddle-billed stork, and many more.
Unforgettable experiences in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park offers a variety of unforgettable experiences, such as:
Boat cruise on the Nile
A boat cruise on the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park is a mesmerizing experience that allows you to get up close with the wildlife and natural wonders of the park. While on your boat cruise safari, you’ll get the opportunity to glide along the Nile River, surrounded by stunning scenery of lush vegetation, towering cliffs, and picturesque landscapes. You’ll also be amazed by the wonderful sights of wildlife that dwell along the shores of the Nile River, such as hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles basking in the sun, and a variety of bird species soaring overhead, such as kingfishers, herons, African fish eagles, and many more. On reaching the water falls, you’ll also witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging over a 40-meter cliff while feeling the power of the water as it cascades down, creating a dramatic spectacle.
Game drives
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park offer an exciting opportunity to witness the park’s diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. Game drives in the park are one way you can explore the hidden treasures of the Savannah grasslands. Murchison Falls National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including a large population of elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and various antelopes such as Uganda Kobs and Jackson’s hartebeest. During your game drive, you’ll have the opportunity to spot these magnificent African animals in their natural habitat. Games drives in Murchison Falls National Park are typically conducted with experienced guides who have knowledge about the park’s wildlife, habitats, and conservation efforts. Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are usually scheduled during the early morning or late afternoon, when the wildlife is most active. These times of day offer the best chances of encountering a wide range of these unique species and observing natural behaviors such as hunting, grazing, and social interaction with nature in the wild.
Chimpanzee tracking
The chimpanzee tracking experience in Murchison Falls National Park is a captivating journey into the heart of Budongo Forest Reserve, adjacent to the park. Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest is a process that involves on-foot adventure. While on your Uganda chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest, you will be guided by an experienced ranger and a guide to trek through the lush greenery of the Budongo Forest, which is home to a thriving population of chimpanzees. During the track, you will have the opportunity to encounter various flora and fauna along the way. Upon encountering these magnificent creatures, you’ll be allowed to be in their habituated presence for only one hour while observing their daily activities as chimpanzees forage food, socialize with each other, and care for their young ones, as well as swinging through trees and displaying their unique personalities.
Hot air balloon safari experience
The hot aur ballon safari in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the thrilling Uganda safari experiences that offers a breathtaking way to experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife. A hot air balloon safari in the park is typically conducted early in the morning as you soar above the savannah at sunrise. While on your hot-air balloon safari, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the stunning views of the Nile River, lush forest, and diverse wildlife below. You’ll also get the opportunity to sight some mammal species, including buffaloes, African elephants, and giraffes, as well as bird species such as kingfisher, African fish eagle, shoebill stork, and African jacana, among others.
Hike and visit the top of the falls.
Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is an exciting activity that offers visitors a unique perspective on this magnificent natural wonder. The hike to the top of Murchison Falls begins at the base of the falls and follows a scenic trail that winds its way through lush vegetation and rocky terrain. Visit the amazing falls, which is also among the top safari experiences on your to-do list in Murchison Falls National Park. You will take a boat cruise to the start of the trail for the hike to the top of the falls, which can take you about an hour. You will be able to see the amazing falls from a great view point and have clear pictures of the Murchison Falls as well as the Uhuru Falls.
