Places to Visit in Kabalega Falls (Murchison Falls), Uganda, Africa
Murchison Falls National Park, also called Kabalega National Park, is a prominent national park in Uganda, covering an area of 3,480 square kilometers. It is situated in the northwestern part of the country, on the northeastern shore of Lake Albert. The park is dominated by a wonderful natural beauty Murchison Falls. The park is bordered by the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve to the west and Karuma Game Reserve to the east and these three nature reserves together form the Murchison Falls Conservation Area.
Masindi is the nearest city to Murchison Falls National Park. The major animal species in the park include Giraffes, Cape buffalos, Elephants, Uganda Kobs, Leopards and Antelopes.
Connectivity to Murchison Falls National Park:
Kabalega Falls Airport is the airport serving Murchison Falls National Park with seasonal flights from Entebbe and many other major African destinations. Murchison Falls National Park is located around 370 km north of Uganda’s prime airport, Entebbe International Airport.
Buses generally ply between Murchison Falls National Park and all the major Ugandan cities and its number substantially increases during high season from all the prime destinations of the country.
Food and shopping in Murchison Falls National Park:
Boomu Womens Group is a community in the area of Murchison Falls National Park, offering local crafts, drinks, snacks and food for visitors visiting Murchison Falls National Park at reasonable prices.
What to do in Murchison Falls National Park?
- Hiking
- Game drives
- Chimp walks
- Birding
- Mountain climbing
- Camping
What to see in and around Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls:
The Murchison Falls is the highlight of Murchison Falls National Park and got its name from the President of the Royal Geographical Society, Sir Roderick Murchison. This spectacular natural beauty can be explored best through a guided tour.
Bugungu Wildlife Reserve:
The Bugungu Wildlife Reserve adjoins Murchison Falls National Park in the west, located on the shore of Lake Albert. It is a part of Murchison Falls Conservation Area and spans over an area of 748 square kilometers. The reserve is mainly famous for Uganda kobs and chimpanzees.
Karuma Wildlife Reserve:
Covering an area of 720 square kilometers, the Karuma Wildlife Reserve is situated to the east of Murchison Falls National Park. The reserve is highlighted by Karuma Falls, a source for Karuma Power Station, which is expected to be the largest hydropower station in Uganda by 2014.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is situated around 70 km south of Murchison Falls National Park and covers an area of 7,000 hectares, home to around 40 mammal and reptilian species, including Rhinos, monkeys, antelopes, and hippopotamuses.
List of other places of interest in and around Murchison Falls National Park includes:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kibale National Park
- Rwenzori Moutains National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Igongo Cultural Centre
- Kanyanchu Visitor Centre
- Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu
- Gulu Central Market
- TAKS Community Art Centre
- Ajai Game Reserve
- Fort Patiko
- Arua Central Market
- Arua Mall
- West Nile Golf Club
- Barifa Forest
Best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park:
Except rainy seasons from April to May and October to November, all the months of the year are ideal to visit Murchison Falls National Park.
Where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls National Park is well served by many upgraded lodging facilities, mainly lodges that offer all the basic facilities and authentic Ugandan and international food. The major hotels in and around Murchison Falls National Park include:
- Sambiya River Lodge
- Murchison River Lodge
- Bwana Tembo Safari Camp
- Paraa Safari Lodge
- Chobe Safari Lodge
- Fort Murchison
- Nile Safari Lodge
- Budongo Eco Lodge
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
- Red Chilli Rest Camp