Compare Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth Parks
Evaluating Murchison Falls National Park alongside Queen Elizabeth National Park can be quite a demanding task. Both parks are well-known savannah areas in Uganda. This evaluation focuses on determining which park provides the superior experience during a safari in Uganda. Each park allows visitors to observe a variety of wildlife that resides in their savannah regions. The activities offered in both parks are mostly alike, except for some unique options available in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Originally, Murchison Falls National Park was named Kabalega National Park, and it received its current name from the Murchison Falls located within the park. In contrast, Queen Elizabeth National Park was named to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 1953.
When considering the total area, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda, spanning approximately 3893 square kilometers, while Queen Elizabeth National Park covers about 1978 square kilometers.
When looking at the activities offered, both parks provide a range of experiences for visitors. Visitors can use the activities available in these parks to decide which one suits their safari needs the best.
Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Game drive
This is a key activity that enables guests to see the various savannah wildlife while exploring the park via its numerous trails. Travelers participate in this with a 4×4 safari vehicle featuring a pop-up roof to enhance wildlife viewing. In this park, visitors might spot animals such as lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and more. During the game drive, guests get to experience riverine forests, open savannah plains, and additional landscapes.
Chimpanzee trekking
This activity focuses on primates and takes place in Budongo Forest within the park. Here, travelers have the chance to observe chimpanzees, which share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans. Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest is organized in two sessions during the day: the morning session begins around 0600 hours, while the afternoon session starts at 1400 hours. This activity usually lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are located.
Boat cruise
The boat cruise at Murchison Falls National Park allows guests to navigate the Nile River running through the park to see a variety of wildlife. During this cruise, visitors may encounter crocodiles, elephants, hippos, and more. The boat ride also provides a great opportunity to view Murchison Falls and the Albert Delta up close.
Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drive
Game drives, or wildlife viewing, in Queen Elizabeth National Park, provide an opportunity to see various animals in both the Kasenyi and Ishasha regions. A notable wildlife species present here that isn’t found in Murchison Falls is the tree-climbing lion. Other animals are similar to those in Murchison except for the giraffes. The game drive also takes you past several craters within the park.
Boat excursions
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat excursions navigate the Kazinga Channel and Mweya Peninsula. During these trips, you can spot a variety of wildlife including hippos, buffaloes, elephants, monitor lizards, and more. The cruise also offers glimpses of fishing communities close to the park.
Chimpanzee tracking
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking allows you to encounter different species of chimpanzees located in the Kyambura Gorge. The tracking experience lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours and occurs in two sessions, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Hands-on activities
Hands-on activities provide a close view of the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These activities include tracking lions, mongoose observation, and conducting hippo counts.
Scenic comparisons between Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth parks
The scenic landscapes of these parks are distinct from one another. Queen Elizabeth National Park features rolling hills, valleys, crater lakes, and rift valley escarpments. In contrast, Murchison Falls National Park is characterized by savannahs, riverine forests, and other types of terrain.
What other nearby destinations are available around Queen Elizabeth National Park?
When visiting Uganda, several other sites are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park besides Murchison Falls National Park. These include Mount Rwenzori National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Additionally, Murchison Falls National Park is near the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District.
Comparison of lodgings in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
While on a safari in Uganda, travelers must select accommodation between Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Both parks provide excellent lodging options that cater to various types of travelers. These accommodations range from budget-friendly to luxurious.
