Murchison Falls
The Nile narrows to about seven metres at the top of the falls and drops with enough force to be the loudest place in the park. Below it the river widens back into hippo and crocodile country, with savannah, riverine forest and woodland spread across the park's northern bank.
How to Get to the Park
The Kichumbanyobo Gate is 20km from Masindi Hotel, through Kanyiyo Pabidi Forest — the shortest route in. Leave after an early breakfast and you can be at the gate by 7am.
Game Drives
The Buligi, Albert and Queen's tracks run north of the Nile, best at 0700 and 1600. Expect giraffe, buffalo, elephant and warthog, and with luck lion or leopard. A Uganda Wildlife Authority guide is required, and we can pack drinks and lunch on request.
Boat Trip
The launch from Paraa to the foot of the falls passes hippos, crocodiles and river birds including herons, cormorants and fish eagles. Boats leave at 0900 and 1400; the round trip runs about three hours to the falls, or four to five to the Delta.
Sport Fishing
The Nile here holds Nile perch and tiger fish. Permits, tackle and boat hire are arranged through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The Top of the Falls
The whole of the Nile forces itself through a gap about seven metres wide here. A steep path leads down for a closer look at the water below.
Birdwatching
Uganda holds nearly half of Africa's bird species and over ten percent of the world's total. The Royal Mile at Busingiro, about an hour from the hotel, is usually rated the best single site.
Chimp Trekking
Budongo Forest holds one of Uganda's largest chimpanzee populations. Rangers track them by call and sign; sightings are frequent but not guaranteed.