Lying in the northwestern part of Uganda, this park is Uganda’s largest faunal reserve. This bears the attraction of the famous waterfall from which it derives its name – Murchison Falls.
The basic activities at the park are: gamedrives, nature walks primate tracking, birdwatching, sightseeing and picnicking, spot fishing & launch trips.
The launch trip on the Victoria Nile to the bottom of the Falls is a highlight of the visit. At this point the Nile [longest river in Africa] forces its volume through a rock cleft six (6) metres wide, falling in a spectacular cascade. A return trip from Paraa to the Falls takes three hours.
The riverbanks are lined with big game and some of the largest crocodiles in Africa bask on the Nile shores. Fishing is allowed in the Nile both at the top and bottom of the Falls, nile perch up to 85kg large, tilapia, tiger fish are some of the expected species. Carry your angling equipment.
Most of the park is an open rolling grassland, with areas of Savannah woodland, isolated chimp habitats and riverine forest strips along the Nile.
Once at the Park expect mammals such as: variety of primates, lion, hartebeests, leopard, squirrel, antelope species, hyena, mongoose, elephants and some others. There is a bewildering degree of bird life – ranging from Saddle-Billed Stork, Kingfisher sp., Bee-eaters, Plovers, Heron and many more.
Primate tracking is best at the Rabongo Forest. Guides will help you spot primates like red-tailed monkeys, Olive baboons, black & white Colobus monkey, Patas monkey and occasionally the chimpanzees. Kaniyo Pabidi is the best spot for chimpanzee tracking.
Nature walks will allow you a tremendous and very close approach opportunity with the African flora. Tiny animals will be very closely watched. A trail through to the Top of the Falls will give unlimited photographic opportunities of the Falls in various angles.
Picnicking is ideal at the top of the Falls & the Rabongo Forest.
Bird watching is ideal on the cruise; forest walks and during the game drives. A keen bird watch will point out a variety of species. There is a recorded 450species of birdlife.
Accommodation: there are campsites at the Top of the Falls, Rabongo Forest and Paraa. Cottages are available at Rabongo. Traditional and self contained bandas at the Paraa Rest camp. More luxurious accommodation is also available at Nile safari camp, Sambiya River lodge and Paraa safari Lodge.
By road from Kampala, Paraa is a 4-? hour drive – 2hrs tarmac and 2-? hr on murrum. Roads in the park can be rough and wet thus a recommended use of a 4WD vehicle. The Paraa ferry operates on schedule every 3 hours between the southern and northern bank of the Nile. By air, charter services are available to all weather aerodromes.