Is Karuma Falls the Same as Murchison Falls

Is Karuma Falls the Same as Murchison Falls : Karuma falls national park and Murchison Falls National Park are known to have so many differences which emphasizes the fact that they can’t be the same however, they are both notable to be big natural tourist attractions which attract many people to travel from different parts of the world hence leading to the development towards to tourism industry of Uganda. More so, both Murchison falls and Karuma falls each possess unique characteristics and have different geographical locations, ecological significance, and historical backgrounds hence making them have separate entities despite their similarity of being waterfalls.

Differences between Karuma Falls and Murchison Falls.

Location.

Karuma falls are located in the northwestern region of Uganda in Kiryandongo district in Bunyoro sub region standing at elevated area of about 1,000 meters. For tourists planning to visit the falls can use the Kampala-Gulu highway and this falls is approximately 97 kilometers (60 mil) from the northeast of Masindi and 77 kilometers from south of Gulu which is known to be the largest city in Northern Uganda by road. More so, Karuma falls is known to have been named after the Karuma Bridge, which was built across the Victoria Nile just at the downstream of the falls. In addition, these falls are approximately in a distance of about 225 from Kampala, which is known to be the capital city of Uganda.

Whereas the Murchison falls is situated within Murchison falls national park, which is famously known as the largest national park in Uganda that covers a total surface area of about 3,893 square kilometers and it was established in 1952. More so, the Murchison falls is approximately about 80 kilometers downstream from Karuma falls. In addition, Murchison falls are considered and ranked to be the biggest falls with the most powerful waters in the country and whole world. The famous Murchison falls represent the final surge of the Victoria Nile as it squeezes through a narrow George before flowing into the Albert Nile.

Geographical features.

Murchison falls is famously for being the most powerful waters and picturesque single drop and it is noticed that this is where the water of the Victoria of the Nile is funneled through a narrow gap into the rocks hence resulting into a stunning waterfall. More so, the Murchison falls are also known for being their thunderous sound and the mist that rises from churning waters.

Karuma falls is characterized having a series of rapids and cascades rather than being seen a single dramatic waterfall and these falls span a significant length along the Victoria Nile River hence making it a more of a complex set of rapids having awe-inspiring drop.

Wildlife and Ecosystem.

Due to the fact that both the Murchison falls and the Karuma falls are situated in areas which are home to abundance of wildlife species such as the big five which include; leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos and other species like; crocodiles, giraffes, hartebeest, warthogs, hyenas, waterbucks, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffalos and other primate species like; vervet monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys among others.

More so, Murchison falls national park is also seen as a birders paradise due to the fact that it harbours a variety of birds such as; black headed lapwing, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Senegal thick knee, yellow fronted tinker bird, black billed barbet, rock prantincole, giant king fisher, swamp flycatcher, standard winged nightjar, red throated bee-eater, silver bird, Eastern plantain and many others.

And apart from the above mentioned, both Karuma falls and Murchison falls have different historical significances for example; the Murchison falls was named after Roderick Murchison and they can both be accessed by road but going through different directions among others.

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about if Karuma falls and Murchison falls are the same and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Uganda.