(The World’s most Powerful Waterfalls)
Uganda’s largest protected area is a 5,000km2 expanse formed by Murchison falls national park and the contiguous Karuma and Bugungu wildlife reserves. The Nile traverses this wilderness, dividing grasslands roamed by the African big five on the northern bank from bush and forest inhabited by birds and primates on the southern side. The Centre piece is the river’s eruption through narrow gorge at Murchison falls; a spectacle that has captivated visitors since the explorer Samuel Baker added the feature to the map in 1864. The boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, past hippos and crocodiles, is an essential activity, as is a game drive across the grassy Buligi Peninsula to the banks of the river. The park also has much to interest to birders. The iconic shoebill inhabits swampy islands along the river while rare and restricted range’ Cong overspills can be checked off in the southerly Kaniyo Pabidi forest, visitors can also visit habituated chimpanzees at this site.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park located in northwestern Uganda covering approximately 3,840km2 established in 1952. The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge. Murchison Falls National Park boasts a rich spectrum of wildlife, including over 144 mammal species such as elephants, lions, leopards, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with more than 556 bird species recorded, including the rare shoebill stork. The park’s diverse habitats range from savannahs and woodlands to wetlands and tropical forests, supporting a wide array of flora and fauna. Murchison Falls is one of Uganda’s top tourist destinations. Popular activities include game drives, boat cruises to the base of the falls, bird watching, hiking to the top of the falls and cultural visits to nearby communities among others. It as well stands as a vital part of Uganda’s natural heritage. It attracts thousands of visitors annually and plays a crucial role in both tourism and wildlife conservation in the region.
