EDGAR R. BATTE
The Murchison Falls after which Uganda’s biggest national park gets its name, is a beauty to behold as its water powerfully squeeze through a 43-metre narrow rocky ravine in a spectacular smoky showcase.
You can see the falls from the top or the bottom. From the top you are able to see the waters from upstream as they speedily race from rich green vegetation down onto the rugged rocks and all the way to the gorge.
From the bottom of the falls which you will access on a boat ride along the Albert Delta, you will be able to see the full gorge of white waters against distinctly beautiful vegetation on either side of the falls as they pour down on a peaceful waterbed.
Along the delta, tourists enjoy a cruise that is both relaxing and enriching thanks to a variety of wild animals found within the waters, for example the Nile crocodiles and hippos that also teem with flight life over 450 recorded bird species on the river banks, including the African Fish Eagle.
The park is run under Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the government agency. It provides a tour guide and ranger on the cruise for education and guidance as you go along, to provide you with information about the might River Nile which is the Africa’s longest fresh water body that pours into the Mediterranean Sea, and the animals, plants and birds that call it home and a source of livelihood.
There are sauntering Nile crocodiles, savannah elephants walking by the grassland shoreline, and cobs and lions among other animals. On a game drive, you are likely to chance on seeing the rest of the big five, namely leopards, buffaloes and rhinos as well as giraffes, antelopes, and more.
Before taking the cruise, you will be entertained by a cultural troupe who will give you a peep into the traditions of neighbouring communities the Banyoro in the South, the Alur in the north west and Acholi in the north west.
Besides being home to a variety of wildlife, the expansive Murchison National Park is popular for its rich biological diversity of plants that form the picturesque lush greenery that are an ideal backdrop for wildlife sightings.
The landscapes are breathtaking. They include the escarpment that offer panoramic views which will set you at peace and also naturally nudge you to capture some photographic moments that should turn into great memories.
A tourist with a knack for adventure is welcome to hike to the top of Murchison Falls. provide a unique perspective of the landscape. You can get to Murchison Falls National Park by road and by air.
You can make a booking through Sunset Adventures. Murchison Falls National Park stretches across 3,893 square kilometres of diverse ecosystems. It was established in 1952.
It is one of Uganda’s 10 National Parks. The others are Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Semliki National Park, Kibale National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Rwenzori National Park.