Karuma Falls
Karuma Falls: Murchison falls national park is home to two outstanding waterfalls Murchison falls on which the national park is named and Karuma falls, the park is endowed with 76 mammalian species, 13 primate species and over 451 species of birds.
Tourists interested in the big five of Africa must visit Murchison falls national park though the rhinos became extinct in the park in 1983, there is Ziwa rhino sanctuary where you can track rhinos from along the way going to Murchison falls or when coming from Murchison falls.
Murchison falls national park is home to giraffes which you will not see in the famous queen Elizabeth national park which is the most visited destination in Uganda. Murchison falls national park has got a lot to offer the reason why it should be your ultimate safari destination while in Africa.
Karuma falls are found within the mighty river Nile along the Kigumba- Gulu highway at the eastern boarder of the park., Karuma falls is also near where the magnificent lake Kyoga pours its waters to the Nile.
The name Karuma is derived from a local word to mean “ great spirit” the locals near this are believe that a great spirit caused the water on the rocks to move thus forming a waterfall, Karuma falls is also near the Karuma bridge which links north and southern Uganda.
Karuma waterfalls is also the first of an 80 kilometer stretch of low falls and rapids, on the Karuma falls you will also find a 750 megawatts hydropower station which is the largest hydro power project in the country.
While visiting Karuma falls tourists should not miss to explore the stunning Murchison falls also known as the devil’s cauldron, Murchison falls has been dabbed as the worlds strongest waterfalls. The site of where the vibrant river Nile forces itself on a 7 meter wide gorge from 50 meters gushing in a 45 meter rift valley wall is worth beholding.
Murchison falls national park also commands various wildlife species that can be viewed on various game tracks within the park, some of the most commonly seen animals at Murchison falls national park are elephants, buffalos, warthogs, Rothschild’s giraffes, hartebeests, Oribis and antelopes to mention a few.
Murchison falls national park is also gifted with the largest remaining mahogany forest in east Africa which is home to the unique chimpanzees, tourists can go for a chimpanzee trekking experience at Budongo forest and have an unforgettable experience.
When visiting Murchison falls national park, tourists can sleep in various accommodation units such as Pakuba safari lodge, Yebo safari lodge, Bakers lodge, Nil safari lodge, red chili camp, Nile safari lodge, Chobe safari lodge, paraa safari lodge, Yebo safari lodge and many others
Murchison falls national park is 5-6 hours drive from Kampala or alternatively, tourists can use standard chattered flights from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe international airport. Karuma falls are 110 kilometers northeast of Masindi town and about 70 kilometers from Gulu town.
