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Murchison Falls National Park, with 3,840 square kilometers
is Uganda's largest National Park. The park is cut in half by
the Nile and its landscape varies from dense rainforest on the
hilly ranges in the South-West, to undulating savannah in the
North-West. The forest shelters many primate species, including
Chimpanzees, while the river attracts various Antelopes, Buffalos,
Rothschild-Giraffes and Elephants. These gentle giants are slowly
recovering from the brutal
slaughter they suffered during the civil wars, when they were
used as moving targets for the army's artillery.
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The
prime area for game-viewing is the peninsula between the Victoria
and the Albert Niles, known as the Buligi Circuit. The concentration
of animals is highest in this area, and the lush patches of
forest along the waterways and the conspicuous Borassus Palms,
dotting the ridges and valleys in-between, add to the attraction
of the park's landscape.
The world-famous Murchison Falls are a must for any visitor.
The most impressive view is at the top, where the Nile forces
its way through a 7 meter gap in the rocks and tumbles 40 meters
down. A path leads from the parking above the falls all the
way to the bottom and offers spectacular views of the foaming
waters rushing into the gorge, with a deafening roar. In the
background the pacified river winds its way towards Lake Albert.
If you are up for it, you can take a refreshing Nile-bath in
a small basin above the falls.
In the Fifties and Sixties, when Uganda's tourism was at its
peak, the highlight of a safari was the boat-trip on the Nile.
In those days the Paraa Lodge, dominating the northern shore
of the Nile at Paraa, was a busy hotel with 150 beds. Some of
the boats used during that time are now slowly falling to pieces
along the banks of the river. Today's passengers are much fewer
and so are the boats. After departing your captain will steer
the launch from shore to shore, where Hippos can be counted
in hundreds. Every little bay seems to be occupied with their
bubbling and snorting sounds. On sandbanks huge crocodiles bask
in the sun, and along the shores one can often spot elephants,
giraffes, buffalos, etc..ANIMALS AND BIRDS
During Idi Amin's 15-year despotic rule of Uganda in the 1970's,
the country's wildlife was almost wiped out by wayward soldiers
using animals as target practice. Now 30 years on and in times
of peace, Uganda is once again teeming with wildlife in national
parks well worth visiting.
The Nile River calms itself after the falls into a rather more
gentile flow and the best way to experience the abundance of
animal and bird life along its banks is on a riverboat from
Paara Lodge. The river is full of unbelievably large Nile crocodiles
who sunbathe on rocks and display their entire 15-foot (4½
metre) reptilian bodies. Occupying the same waterway are thousands
of pink-eared hippos who take defending their territories seriously
and can startle you with a sudden mock charge.
Buffaloes wade nonchalantly through the prolific floating water
hyacinth fringing the banks, and huge herds of over 100 elephants
cool themselves in shallow creeks and graze silently on the
lush grasses. The park is also home to giraffe, oribi, hartebeest,
waterbuck and Uganda kob.
During the boat excursion your senses are bombarded with such
diversity, it is hard to know where to look. It is a bird spotters
paradise and is especially good for seeing the bizarre looking
and very rare shoebill (or whale-headed) stork. It stands alone
four-feet high (over 1 meter), with a head like a wobbly wooden
mallet and a timid pouting expression. It is almost matched
in height by the goliath heron, who appears elegant in comparison.
SEASONS
Dry Season: June to September is the driest time when most animals
remain near water, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms
at any time. The hot dry time is January to February and is
a good time to visit. Dry season temperatures average 80°F
(25°C).
Rainy Season: It rains anytime from October to December and
March to May when many roads become impassible.
Accommodation
There is a camp site at the top of the Falls which can be used
by those with their own camping gear. Contact UNP for reservations
and current rates.
The riverside Nile Safari Camp must be one of the most romantic
Lodges and Camps in the world. Accommodation is in beautifully
designed waterside log cabins each with its own internal tent,
terrace, bathroom and outside shower. There is an al fresco
restaurant and small gift shop. Watching a stunning sunset from
the friendly bar is a must.
In an elevated position on the north side of the river, guests
at the Sarova Paraa Lodge benefit from simply massive views.
This historic lodge which, before its restoration, was host
to many dignitaries is now central to Paraa reclaiming its former
glory. The site, service and ambience, which so impressed Britain's
Queen Mother, is being recreated to great effect for the enjoyment
of modern tourists. Each room has full facilities and a remarkable
view. There is an impressive restaurant, swimming pool and bar.
The Sambiya River Lodge presents a unique African experience.
A traditionally designed thatched hotel is surrounded by thatched
bungalows, all in a very special setting. |
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