Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, offering an unforgettable blend of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Located in northwestern Uganda, this park is a must-visit destination for safari lovers, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Murchison Falls National Park, from thrilling game drives to the iconic waterfall and the diverse activities that make this park a top safari destination in East Africa.
The Iconic Murchison Falls
At the heart of the park lies Murchison Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. The Nile, the world’s longest river, is forced through a narrow 7-meter (23-foot) gorge before plunging 43 meters (141 feet) into the Devil’s Cauldron below, creating a thunderous roar and a breathtaking misty spectacle.
Best Ways to Experience Murchison Falls
- Boat Cruise to the Falls: A scenic boat ride along the Nile offers stunning views of the riverbanks teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The cruise takes you close to the base of the falls, where you can marvel at its sheer power.
- Hike to the Top of the Falls: For adventure lovers, a guided hike to the top of the falls offers incredible panoramic views and the chance to witness the sheer force of the rushing waters from above.
Wildlife and Safari Experience
Murchison Falls National Park is home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife, making it one of the best places in Uganda for a safari. The park boasts over 76 mammal species and over 450 bird species, offering excellent game-viewing opportunities.
Wildlife Highlights
- Big Game Sightings: The park is home to four of the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes (rhinos can be seen at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary nearby).
- Giraffes: Murchison Falls is one of the best places in Uganda to see the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe in large numbers.
- Hippos & Crocodiles: The Nile is teeming with huge pods of hippos and massive Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.
- Antelope Species: Expect to see Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, waterbucks, and oribis scattered across the savannah.
Best Ways to Experience Wildlife
- Game Drives: Explore the vast savannah plains on a morning or evening game drive with an expert ranger guide. The Buligi, Albert, and Victoria Tracks are among the best routes for spotting wildlife.
- Boat Safari: The Nile boat cruise is not just about the falls; it also provides up-close sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants drinking along the riverbanks.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest
For primate lovers, Murchison Falls National Park also offers chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve, located in the southern part of the park. The forest is home to one of Uganda’s largest populations of chimpanzees, as well as other primates such as black-and-white colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys.
- Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: Visitors can also opt for the chimpanzee habituation experience, which allows them to spend extended time observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.
Birdwatching Paradise
Murchison Falls is a birdwatcher’s dream, with over 450 bird species, including some of the rarest and most sought-after species in Africa.
Notable Bird Species:
- The prehistoric-looking shoebill stork
- African fish eagle
- Goliath heron (largest heron in the world)
- Saddle-billed stork
- Malachite kingfisher
- Abyssinian ground hornbill
The Nile delta and riverbanks are some of the best birding spots in the park.
Top Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
- Game Drives – Best way to see lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat.
- Boat Safaris on the Nile – A must-do for incredible wildlife sightings and scenic views.
- Hike to the Top of the Falls – Feel the thunderous power of the Nile from above.
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest – Encounter our closest relatives in their natural home.
- Birdwatching – Spot the rare shoebill stork and hundreds of other species.
- Cultural Encounters – Visit the nearby Boomu Women’s Group to learn about traditional Ugandan culture and crafts.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons when wildlife viewing is at its best:
- December to February (short dry season)
- June to September (long dry season)
During these months, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The roads and trails are also more accessible.
Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park offers a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites.
Luxury Lodges:
- Paraa Safari Lodge – Offers stunning views of the Nile and top-notch facilities.
- Baker’s Lodge – A luxury tented camp along the Nile with an exclusive feel.
- Chobe Safari Lodge – Located upstream on the Nile, ideal for a high-end stay.
Mid-Range Lodges:
- Murchison River Lodge – Great balance of comfort and affordability.
- Pakuba Safari Lodge – Overlooking the Albert Nile, a fantastic mid-range option.
Budget Options:
- Red Chilli Rest Camp – A backpacker-friendly option with affordable bandas and camping.
- Boomu Women’s Group Bandas – A community-run accommodation that offers an authentic cultural experience.
How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park
By Road:
- The park is about 5–6 hours’ drive from Kampala (305 km).
- 4WD vehicles are recommended, especially in the rainy season.
By Air:
- There are domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu Airstrips near the park.
Why Visit Murchison Falls National Park?
✔ Spectacular Scenery – Home to the world’s most powerful waterfall.
✔ Incredible Wildlife – Big game safaris, hippo-filled rivers, and primate encounters.
✔ Thrilling Activities – Game drives, boat cruises, hiking, and chimp trekking.
✔ Perfect for Photographers – Stunning landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
✔ Easily Accessible – One of Uganda’s most convenient safari parks to visit.
Murchison Falls National Park is an unrivaled destination for those seeking an authentic African safari experience. From witnessing the raw power of the falls to spotting lions on the savannah and trekking with chimpanzees, every moment in this park is an adventure.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Uganda or a seasoned traveler, Murchison Falls promises an unforgettable journey into the wild.
