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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 characterized 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 localized 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 organize a nocturnal boat trip on the Nile in
search for White-backed Night Heron and Pell’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 trip
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. |
