Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda ...home of the World's strongest falls

The Murchison Falls National Park, also known as the Kabalega National Park. It is popularly known for having the most powerful waterfall in the world.

It releases vast amounts of water around 300 cubic meters per second or 11,000 ft3/s at a very high pressure that causes the atmosphere to roar.

The first park to be opened in 1927 was in Uganda and it is still the largest Park covering a surface area of 3,893 km2. It is a regular safari destination of most Uganda safari tours itineraries. This is due to its numerous safari activities and rich wildlife.

In northern Uganda, northwest of the capital Kampala, is the location of Murchison Falls National Park. It stretches to border a number of districts within and outside the Bunyoro escarpment. These include Nwoya, Masindi, Kiryandongo and Bulisa.

It is positioned on the northernmost point of the Albertine Rift Valley, with the Victoria Nile bisecting its terrain.

Murchison Falls National Park Map

Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park

When we talk about Murchison Falls National Park animals, it is home to more than 76 animals species among which are four the ‘Big Five’ including buffaloes, leopards, lions and elephants (except rhinos).

The park has three-quarters of the world’s population of Rothschild giraffes plus a healthy population of herbivores which has recently doubled including the Uganda Kobs all of which can easily be seen on the Wildlife Safari Tours here.

There are various primates living within its verdant forests like the Budongo among are over 610 chimpanzees, in addition to 451 bird species including 23 Albertine rift endemics.

Read more about Murchison falls national park.

Africa, Uganda, Woman looks at the stunning Murchison Falls, on the Nile, Murchison Falls National Park

Things to do in Murchison Falls (Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park)

Launch Trip: This 2 hour launch trip begins at Paraa and offers holidaymakers an opportunity to see various wildlife including large numbers of giant crocodiles, hippos and various birds like the rare shoe-bill stork. This offers great photographic opportunities

Game Drives: These are conducted early morning as well as in the early evening offering you a chance to enjoy up-close views of the different animals. The Delta area, Buligi Penisular and the southern sector are the main game viewing areas

Cultural experience: Enjoy thrilling energetic cultural dances by the Mubako as you sit by a campfire, village tours to see the traditional lifestyle of the locals and the crafts shop by the Boomu Women’s Group

Bird Watching: With various species including Albertine Rift endemics, water birds and savanna forest birds. Birders will surely be well rewarded. Bird watching can be done during the launch cruise and game drives.

Nature Walks & Hikes: The park offers several trails that can be explored on foot through the Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests to see birds and primates

Weather & Climate of Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls has a consistently hot climate, the minimal variation in temperature due to the park’s equatorial setting. It does, however, get noticeably hotter during the relatively brief Dry season (December to February).

Light rain is the order of the day in the Wet season (March to November), with the occasional tempest blowing through. Temperatures are also affected by the wide variation in altitude across the park.

The climate in Murchison Falls is tropical and hot. Temperatures are quite uniform throughout the year. Daytime temperatures of around 31°C/88°F are common, with it cooling down at night to around 18°C/64°F.

The Wet season runs from March to November, with a drier period from June to July. There is little rain during the Dry season (December to February).

Dry season – December to February

• It is dry and hot.
  December, January & February – These are the driest months. It is mostly sunny with clear skies. These are also the hottest months, with average temperatures of 33°C/91°F during the afternoon. It cools off at night to about 18°C/64°F. The heat is dry and doesn’t feel overly oppressive.

Wet season – March to November

• It doesn’t rain that much in the Wet season, but occasional heavy storms can be expected.
• March, April & May – By March the rains are starting, and there are more overcast skies. April and May experience more rainfall. Daytime temperatures average 31°C/88°F, while at night they average 20°C/68°F.
• June & July – This is a bit of a drier spell, but rain should still be expected. Average daytime temperatures are around 30°C/86°F.
  August, September, October & November – These are the wettest months, reaching a peak in October. It doesn’t rain every day, but when it does, it tends to be torrential storms. Temperatures start to slowly increase by November.

Best Time to Visit Muchison Falls National Park

Wildlife spotting is easiest in the Dry season (December to February), when animals congregate at waterholes and there’s little undergrowth for them to hide in. But bring a broad-brim hat and plenty of sunscreen to ward off the fierce sunshine.

Most visitors tend to go in search of lions, elephants and other animals from June to September, when it’s cooler and the rain isn’t that bothersome.

Watching wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park is generally good and at its best during the Dry season, from December to February. However, January and February can be very hot and scenery is more beautiful during the Wet season from June to November.

Murchison Falls National Park Frequent Asked Questions