MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Murchison
Falls Conservation Area ( MFCA ) comprises of Murchison
Falls National Park, Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife
Reserves. This is where the Nile explodes through a
narrow gorge and cascades down to become a placid river
whose banks are thronged with hippos and crocodiles,
waterbucks and buffaloes. The vegetation is
characterised by savannah, riverine forest and woodland.
Wildlife includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes,
hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees, and many
bird species.
BIRD
WATCHING
Species
commonly seen between Paraa Rest Camp and Ferry crossing
are; Blue-napped Mousebird, Spotted Mourning Thrush,
Silver Bird, Bluff-bellied Warbler, Black-headed Batis,
Black-headed Gonolek, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver,
Vitelline Masked Weaver, And Green-winged Ptyilia, this
is probably the best site for the localised White-rumped
Seed-eater.
Nocturnal
species common in this area are: Spotted and Verreaux’s
Owls, and a plethora of spectacular Nightjars, such as
Long-tailed and Pennat-winged Nightjar (Especially
between March-September), The mind-blowing
Standard-winged Nightjar(November-February) if you have
a portable spotlight, you may be able to organise a
nocturnal boat trip on the Nile in search for
White-backed Night Heron and Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Other
species include: Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork,
Grey-crowned Crane, Long-toed Plover, whilst African
Fish Eagle, and African Skimmer. An exciting record was
that of a Fox’s Weaver Uganda’s only endemic bird. and
many more.
GAME
DRIVES
In
the cool early morning on the Buligi, Albert and Queen’s
tracks north of the river Nile before the sun climbs too
high, you will see plenty of game. At Nyamsika Cliffs
you can picnic, enjoy the view, and watch elephants and
other game on the grassy hillsides and the sand river
below. Go well prepared for a four hour drive. Ensure
you are accompanied by a guide.
One
of the highlights of a visit to the Conservation Area is
the launch trip from Paraa to the foot of Murchison
Falls. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant, and you will
see elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks and birds like:
Herons, Cormorants, Ducks, Bee-eaters, Fish Eagles,
Kingfishers, and the rare Shoebill. The trip from Paraa
to the Falls and back takes about three hours. A boat
trip to the Delta where the Victoria Nile engorges into
the Lake Albert leads through papyrus swamps. The trips
takes about four to five hours and you will see a
similar variety of animals and birds.
SPORT
FISHING
Nile
Perch and tiger-fish provide an exciting challenge to
anglers. Fishing is available in the river above and
below the Falls. Do bring your own fishing equipment.
NATURE
TRAILS
Murchison
Falls Conservation Area offers the opportunity to
explore the wild on foot.
A
trail at Paraa winds through riverine forest, gullies
and low hills. Animals, birds and plants can be closely
and quietly observed. Nature walks are offered at
Rabongo Forest, Top of the Falls and Kaniyo Pabidi.
TOP
OF THE FALLS
Trails
around the top of the Falls go right up to the water’s
edge. You have the opportunity to hike the top of the
falls from the boat landing and get close to the narrow
gorge through which the river plunges.
KANIO
PABIDI
Kanio
Pabidi is an undisturbed area of natural forest within
Budongo Forest Reserve, where you can walk beneath
mature Mahogany and ironwood trees. Chimpanzee tracking
is the most famous activity. You certainly see many
forest birds, including the Chocolate backed Kingfisher,
the White-thighed Hornbill, and Puvell’s Illadopsis
found nowhere else in East Africa! Kaniyo Pabidi is on
the Masindi – Paraa road, 8 kms from Kichumbanyobo gate.
There is a campsite where water and firewood are
available. Do bring everything else you may need. Kaniyo
Pabidi is privately managed by the Forestry Department.
RABONGO
FOREST
Rabongo
Forest Ecotourism Centre nestles in an island of
tropical riverine forest in the south-east of the
conservation area. The forest is surrounded by savanna
grassland and is one and a half hour drive from Paraa.
Guide will help you explore the forest on foot, spotting
primates; Black & White Colobus monkeys, Red-tailed
monkeys, Baboons, and occasionally Chimpanzees
identifying animals, birds, medicinal plants and trees.
You can picnic and camp by the Wairingo River or stay in
the well-equipped forest cottages.
ACCOMMODATION
Campsites are available at Top of the Falls, Rabongo Forest and Paraa, toilets or pit latrines/showers or bathing shelters are provided at these sites. Traditional and self-contained bandas are available at Paraa Rest Camp. Meals and beverages are offered. In addition, cottages are provided at Rabongo Eco-Tourism Centre. More luxurious accommodation is available at Nile Safari Camp, Sambiya River Lodge and Paraa Lodge Safari Lodge.