Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 40 meters over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centerpiece of the park and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The park is well known for its most powerful waterfall in the world. Every second, the equivalent of 200 bathtubs full of water is forced through a gorge less than seven paces wide. The pressure is so great that the ground trembles around it. There are around 75 species of mammals that include lion, leopard, giraffe, elephant, waterbuck, hartebeest, buffalo, hippopotamus, and chimpanzee. There are about 800 chimpanzees living across the national park boundaries. The Park is also a haven for bird watchers with over 450 species of birds that nest or migrate through the park.  The Goliath Heron is a nice treat to see since it is the largest heron in the world.  Many of the species are waterfowl. A boat ride along the Nile River to the foot of Murchison Falls is a rewarding experience for nature lovers, as the northern bank teems with a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Guided nature walks along both the north and south banks are another refreshing activity.