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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.
LAUNCH TRIPS ON THE NILE
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.
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