First seen by Europeans in 1864, the Falls bear the name of the
then President of the RGS. 300 cubic metres of Nile water pass through
the 7m gap every second, tumbling 43 metres down a series of spectacular
canyons to the placid gorge below.
It's an amazing spot, enlivened by Rock Pratincoles, White-crested
Turacos and caves filled with tens of thousands of bats. When they
emerge at dusk, the local predators (including African Hobby, Tawny
Eagle and the inimitable Bat Hawk) have a feast.
The areas both north and south of the Nile at Murchison Falls
NP are excellent for wildlife, including considerable large game.
Birdwise, specialities here included Red-winged Pytilia, White-crested
Helmet-shrike, White-tailed Lark and many more.
The Park is in the north-west of Uganda, close to the border with
the "Democratic" Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). The
security situation up here is a little sensitive - Uganda's 30-year
long civil war in the northern semi-arid regions is only just suspended.
While hopes for peace are high, it's a slightly tricky area...
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