The Largest Game Reserve in Uganda : Murchison falls national park is ranked to be the largest game reserve in Uganda which covers a total surface area of about 3,840 square kilometers (1,480 miles) and it is located in the Northwestern region of Uganda. this national park is known to be among the oldest game parks in the country which crosses over several districts like; Nwoya, Buliisa, Kiryandongo and Masindi and it takes tourists about 4-6 hours from Kampala to be able to the park covering a distance of about 305 kilometers from the city to be able to reach the park and most easy commonly route that tourists can use is from Kampala is they can go through the Southern gate.
Historical Significance.
Murchison national park was officially established in 1952 with the main purpose of protecting and conserving all the wildlife species and the Uganda Wildlife Authority is managing it who have the responsibility of protecting all the national parks in the country. More so, this national park was first known as Kabalega falls and then later it was named as Murchison falls by the English explorers named Sir Samuel Baker and Florence Baker after Roderick Murchison who is a prominent Scottish geologist and he was also known to be the president of the Royal Geographical society. Murchison falls National Park is a good destination to which boasts a rich diversity of wildlife species, stunning landscapes and because of its historical significance.
Rich Biodiversity.
The top tourist attractions of Murchison falls national park is because of its unparalleled biodiversity due to the fact that the park encompasses as it has a variety of ecosystems which range from the savannah grasslands to lush riverine forests and because of its rich history hence which makes it a prominent destination for visitors in both natural beauty and due to its historical context.
Wildlife.
Murchison falls national park is a perfect destination to visit while your adventurous Uganda safari because it is a home to the big five animals which include; lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, rhinos. This park is being surrounded with savannah grasslands and woodlands making it an ideal habitat for these iconic creatures. And there are more mammal species such as; hippos and crocodiles which are commonly spotted in the river Nile which is waterbody that flows through the park and these reptile can be usually observed lounging in the sun or partially submerged in the river, antelopes, Rothschild’s giraffe, hartebeests, Uganda kob, Oribi among others and primate species like; olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, patas monkeys among others.
Bird life.
Murchison falls national park is also seen as a birders paradise due to the fact that it harbours around 450 bird species that are always roaming around the park. and some of these birds include; Abyssinian ground hornbill, black-headed lapwing, Senegal thick-knee, malachite kingfisher, yellow fronted tinker bird, Denham’s bustard, long tailed night jar, black-billed barbet, rock prantincole, giant king fisher, swamp flycatcher, grey headed king fisher, the rare shoebill stork, standard winged nightjar, white borrowed sparrow weaver, red throated bee-eater, silver bird, Eastern plantain-eater and many others.
Things to do in Murchison Falls National Park.
Exploring in Murchison falls national park gives individuals chances to engage into very many intresting activities, which helps tourists to gain new experiences as they create remarkable memories. and some of these activities include; hiking to the top of the Murchison falls however, this is best for individuals who are physically fit because it is always tiring but while at the top it blesses you with a stunning panoramic view of the falls and all the rugged landscape in its surrounding hence it is an ideal spot for photography as individuals appreciate the natural of the park. more so, tourists can choose to embark onto game drives which is one of the popular activity and it these safari drives always typically take places in the early mornings, afternoon and evening, boat cruises which is best done in the Nile River and tourists are always able to witness mammal species such as; buffalos, elephants, hippos which are commonly spotted along the river banks, chimpanzee trekking which is best done in Budongo forest, guided nature walks where they are always accompanied with the park guides who lead them through different trails, cultural encounters and community visits and many others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about which is the largest national park in the country and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.
