Choosing Between Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls for Wildlife in Uganda

Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks both offer amazing wildlife experiences in Uganda. These parks are home to the “Big Four” animals: elephants, lions, buffaloes and leopards among other savannah and water living animals. However, visitors to Murchison Falls can also see rhinos by stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located 176 km (109 miles) from Kampala, along the Gulu Highway on the way to Murchison Falls.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest park, covering an area of about 3,840 square kilometers. It lies in the northern part of the country and features the stunning Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the river below. The park’s diverse habitats, including savannah, forests, and wetlands, support a wide range of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives to see giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species. A boat cruise on the Nile offers close views of animals near the water, especially during the dry season.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second-largest park, spanning about 1,978 square kilometers. It is located in the western region of Uganda, near the Rwenzori Mountains. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, often seen in the Ishasha sector. It also has a variety of habitats, such as savannah grasslands, forests, and lakes. Visitors can take boat rides on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. The park also features crater lakes and offers chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge for those interested in primates.

Murchison Falls National Park vs Queen Elizabeth National Park

When comparing Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, both parks offer incredible wildlife experiences, but each has its own unique features that make them special.

Wildlife

Both parks are home to the “Big Four” animals such as lions, elephants, leopards and buffaloes. You will also find hippos in both parks. However, if you want to see rhinos, you will need to visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is located on your way to Murchison Falls National Park.

Murchison Falls is famous for its diversity of wildlife, including giraffes, crocodiles, various antelope species, and many more. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also rich in wildlife, offering sightings of a wide range of animals, including Uganda kob, warthogs and chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge.

An exciting feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park is the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. These lions are known for climbing trees, and it’s a rare and unique experience you can only have in this part of the park. Murchison Falls National Park does not have tree-climbing lions, but lions are present in the park.

Game Drives

Game drives in both parks are a great way to see wildlife up close. In Murchison Falls, you can enjoy game drives in the open savannah, where you may see large herds of buffaloes and elephants. The drives offer views of the Nile River, which attracts animals that come to drink and bathe. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can explore the vast plains and the famous Ishasha sector, where you may spot the tree-climbing lions. Both parks provide good opportunities to spot leopards, giraffes, and other wildlife.

The game drives in both parks are guided by professional rangers who know the best routes for spotting animals. They will also share interesting information about the wildlife, helping you learn more during your safari.

Boat Cruise

Another highlight in both parks is the boat cruise. In Murchison Falls National Park, a boat ride along the Nile River offers an amazing chance to see wildlife from a different perspective. The boat takes you close to the famous Murchison Falls, where the river plunges through a narrow gap in the rocks. Along the way, you can spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and many bird species. The boat cruise is relaxing and gives you a chance to enjoy the beauty of the river and the surrounding landscape.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise is famous for its large population of hippos, which you can see up close. You may also spot buffaloes, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species along the banks of the channel. The boat cruise in both parks is a must-do activity for anyone visiting, offering a unique and peaceful way to experience the wildlife.

Bird Watching

Both Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks are paradise for bird watchers. Murchison Falls is home to over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, which is a must-see for many bird enthusiasts. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also famous for its birdlife, with over 600 species recorded. The park is home to various birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and a variety of raptors.

The diverse habitats in both parks—such as wetlands, forests, and savannahs—provide perfect conditions for a wide variety of bird species. Whether you are an experienced birdwatcher or a beginner, both parks offer great opportunities to see birds in their natural environment.

How to Reach These Parks

To reach Murchison Falls National Park, you can drive from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, which takes about 4 to 5 hours. You can also fly into the nearby Pakuba Airstrip, which offers scheduled flights from Entebbe or Kampala. From the airstrip, it’s a short drive to the park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is also accessible by road from Kampala, with a journey time of about 6 to 7 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into the park’s airstrips, such as Mweya Airstrip, which is a short distance from the park’s main entrance. The park is well-connected, and flights are available from both Entebbe and Kampala.

Conclusion

Both Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks offer incredible safari experiences with a variety of wildlife, game drives, boat cruises, and birdwatching opportunities. Murchison Falls is known for its powerful waterfall, diverse wildlife, and the chance to see rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Queen Elizabeth National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its tree-climbing lions and its rich birdlife. No matter which park you choose, you will have an unforgettable safari adventure in Uganda.