Seeing Lions in Murchison Falls National Park are the largest and most formidable carnivores in Africa, embodying royalty, strength, and bravery in Ugandan culture. These iconic predators are unique as the only truly social cats, living in complex groups and exhibiting a ‘fission-fusion’ society, a rare social system similar to that of chimpanzees. In Uganda, lions are predominantly found in the three largest savannah parks, with Murchison Falls National Park being a key stronghold for these majestic animals.

The understanding of lion populations in Murchison Falls National Park was significantly advanced by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) lion monitoring project, which began in 2009. This project built upon earlier efforts by Uganda Wildlife Authority’s veterinary doctor Margaret Driciru, who initiated crucial groundwork in 2001. The WCS project focuses on the northern bank of the park, studying the ranging and foraging habits of lion prides. Since 2010, researchers have utilized GPS and GSM-enabled collars to track and gather data on these big cats.

As of today, the project has identified 128 individual lions on the northern bank of Murchison Falls National Park. A 2013 census provided new insights into the lion and hyena populations on the southern bank, suggesting that this area may harbor more lions than previously thought. The data indicates that the lion population in the park has potentially increased since the initial 2009 census. This ongoing research is crucial for understanding and protecting one of Uganda’s most important lion populations, ensuring their survival in the wild.

Combatting Threats to Lion Survival: A Focus on Illegal Traps

Recent findings from the WCS lion study highlight the significant impact of human activities on lion mortality, with 71% of adult deaths linked to illegal traps, particularly snares. Over a two-year period, five lions died due to these traps, while six others suffered severe injuries requiring veterinary care. To address this threat, efforts are concentrated on identifying snare-prone areas on the northern bank of Murchison Falls National Park using GIS and UWA ranger patrol data.

A comprehensive snare removal campaign has been launched, targeting areas with a high prevalence of wire snares. To date, over 2,000 wire snares, 60 spears, and 15 elephant traps have been removed, and 38 animals have been rescued. In collaboration with UWA’s community conservation department, WCS is training ex-poachers to help retrieve these lethal traps, significantly reducing the threat to lions and other wildlife.

However, more support is needed, as over 80% of the snare-prone zones remain unexplored. Additional resources are crucial to equip the removal teams for regular operations. Ongoing monitoring of the lion population is essential to assess the severity of these threats and their impact on the species.

Building Ranger Capacities and Addressing Emerging Challenges

To enhance lion conservation, Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers are receiving specialized training to assess lion health and demographics during patrols. WCS supports UWA by providing real-time data on the positions of collared lions, enabling quick responses to incidents involving lions near community areas, thereby mitigating human-lion conflicts.

What are the chances of seeing lions in Murchison Falls National Park?

In the past, spotting lions in Murchison Falls National Park was a matter of chance, with roughly a 50/50 likelihood of encountering these majestic predators during a safari. However, recent observations indicate a significant and promising shift in the park’s lion population. Studies and conservation efforts have revealed that the lion population in Murchison Falls National Park is on the rise, leading to more frequent sightings for visitors.

This increase in lion numbers can be attributed to several factors, including intensified conservation efforts, improved habitat management, and anti-poaching initiatives. The work of organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has played a crucial role in this positive trend. By addressing threats such as illegal traps and human-wildlife conflict, these efforts have created a safer environment for lions to thrive.

As a result, Murchison Falls National Park is becoming one of the best places in Uganda to observe lions in their natural habitat. Visitors now have a greater opportunity to witness these powerful animals, making the park an increasingly popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and safari-goers seeking an authentic African experience.

What other animals can be seen in Murchison Falls National Park

Giraffes in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park, is renowned for its diverse wildlife. In addition to lions, the park is home to a variety of other animals, offering visitors a rich safari experience. Here are some of the key species you can encounter:

1. Elephants

• Murchison Falls is known for its large elephant population. These majestic animals can often be seen grazing in the savannah or along the riverbanks.

2. Buffaloes

• African buffaloes are abundant in the park, often seen in large herds. They are one of the Big Five and a common sight on game drives.

3. Giraffes

• The park is home to the Rothschild giraffe, a subspecies that is considered endangered. These tall creatures are often spotted browsing on treetops.

4. Leopards

• Though more elusive than lions, leopards inhabit the park and can sometimes be seen resting in trees or stalking prey.

5. Hippos

• The Nile River, which runs through the park, is home to numerous hippos. They are commonly seen in the water during the day and grazing on land at night.

6. Crocodiles

• Large Nile crocodiles are another common sight along the riverbanks, especially near the base of Murchison Falls.

7. Uganda Kobs

• This elegant antelope species is the national symbol of Uganda and is abundant in the park. They are often seen in large groups in the savannah.

8. Warthogs

• Warthogs are frequently encountered, often seen trotting through the grasslands or near the park’s lodges.

9. Hartebeests

• The Jackson’s hartebeest, a distinctive antelope with a long face and lyre-shaped horns, is another resident of the park’s savannahs.

10. Oribis

• These small antelopes are commonly found in the open grasslands of the park.

11. Waterbucks

• Both the Defassa and the common waterbuck can be seen near water sources, grazing or resting.

12. Chimpanzees

• Although more commonly associated with Budongo Forest on the park’s southern edge, chimpanzees are part of the broader ecosystem and can be seen on guided treks.

13. Birdlife

• Murchison Falls National Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 450 bird species, including the rare Shoebill stork, African fish eagle, Goliath heron, and Abyssinian ground hornbill.

14. Hyenas

• Spotted hyenas are present in the park, though they are mostly nocturnal and harder to spot.

15. Aardvarks and Porcupines

• These nocturnal animals are less frequently seen but inhabit the park and can sometimes be observed during night game drives.

Combining Murchison Falls National Park with Kibale Forest National Park, How much does it cost, and duration.

Combining Murchison Falls National Park with Kibale Forest National Park offers a diverse safari experience, showcasing Uganda’s rich wildlife and lush landscapes. The cost and duration of such a trip can vary based on several factors, including the level of accommodation, transportation preferences, and additional activities.

A combined safari package for Kibale Forest National Park and Murchison Falls National Park need about 5 to 7 days. The itinerary often includes 2 to 3 days in Murchison Falls National Park for game drives, boat cruises, and visits to the falls, followed by 2 to 3 days in Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and other primate viewing.

The cost of this combined safari generally ranges between $1,500 to $3,000 per person. This price usually includes accommodation, park entry fees, guided tours, and transportation between the parks. It may vary based on the type of lodges or camps chosen, the level of luxury, and additional services such as meals, drinks, and optional activities.

For a precise quote,  feel free to share your safari needs on our emails: info@kenlinktours.com or inquiries@kenlinktours.com or kenlinktours@gmail.com or telephone: +256 789 210 067 / +256  200 955 001