Hiking and nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park

Hiking and nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park are some of the activities travelers can engage in when visiting. The park is Uganda’s largest protected area covering a total of 5,000 square kilometers. During hiking and natural walks, you will be able to see some animals like chimpanzees, giraffes, kobs, and many bird species.

Some areas within in park are safe to conduct such activities and with the help of the park’s guides or rangers travelers can remain safe as well as the animals. Usually hiking and nature walks last for about 2 to 3 hours and are best done in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not so hot.

Areas to do hiking and nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park

 Budongo Forest

Budongo forest is not directly in Murchison Falls National Park, but is nearby and offers excellent opportunities for nature walks and chimpanzee tracking. It’s one of the largest mahogany forests in East Africa and is home to a variety of primates and birds. Travelers interested in tracking chimps usually trek on foot and can enjoy the sounds of birds in the trees.

Top of the Murchison Falls

Hiking to the top of the falls is the most iconic hike in the park. Travelers get to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Nile River squeezing through a narrow gorge before plunging into the falls below. The hike usually starts from the base of the falls and involves a moderate ascent. It takes about 45 minutes to hike from the base to the top of the falls. This trail is not steep therefore every person can use it to hike to the top.

Rabongo forest

Rabongo forest is located in the southern sector of the park. It offers several walking trails where travelers can explore the lush tropical forest. Different wild species can be seen during the walks and these include birds, primates, and butterflies.

The Delta trail

This trail takes you through the delta area where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert. It’s a great spot for birdwatching as well as seeing other wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles.

The best time for this activity

The best time to go for hiking and nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry season. This occurs from June to August and from December to February, during these months the trails are passable and dry making it easy to navigate. Additionally, travelers can participate in this activity throughout the year though during the rainy season, most trails are muddy and slippery making it difficult to navigate.

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