Masindi climbs a Sightseeing Hierarchy.
With an estimated 48% of total land area, Masindi District is wildlife-protected area, which together represents Uganda’s largest National Park; Murchison Park national park. Wildlife Reserves in Masindi covers around three counties; Bujenje, Bulisa and Buruli with an area of 81,893ha representing 79% of the total area under forest reserve in the District and 8.8% of the total district area. Murchison falls Protected Area (MFPA) comprises of Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP), Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves that all makes Masindi what it is today. Murchison Falls National Park derives its name from the Murchison Falls where the mighty River Nile explodes through a narrow gorge and flows down to become placid river whose banks are thronged with Hippos, Crocodiles, Waterbucks and Buffaloes. The vegetation is characterized by savannah, riverine forest and woodland. Wildlife includes lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees and many bird species including the rear shoebill.
Gazetted in 1952, the wild park covers 3,860sq km with the terrain of the park cutting across the dense rain forest to undulating savannah through the River Nile. Among the attraction in Masindi includes: Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi, and the Royal Mile where there is birding. The western Rift Valley, the escarpment, Lake Albert, Kibiro Hot Spring and Butiaba Port also makes Masindi a great visiting the attractions. There is also the Busingiro Eco-tourist site, which is part of Budongo forest with its tropical high forest, and grassland that attracts a variety of birds’ species. Murchison falls national park together with Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the major tourism destinations to visit in the pearl of Africa if your dream is to have a glimpse of the big five.