Murchison Falls National Park

Are you planning to come to Uganda? One of the national parks that should not be missing from your list is Murchison Falls National Park. It is the largest national park in Uganda, covering an impressive 3,840km² (384,000 hectares). It is teeming with wildlife.

And the landscape is breathtaking. Here, the mighty River Nile (the longest river on the planet) flows through the park before exploding through a narrow gorge to form the powerful Murchison Falls, the world’s strongest waterfall.

A super diverse landscape

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest park. It covers an area of 3,840 square kilometers. It is also one of the country’s most diverse parks. The landscape changes from place to place. In the north, you find wide savanna plains. The grass is open and rolling. Along the Nile, which cuts through the park, the land turns into green swamps. In the south, the scenery changes again into tropical rainforest.

Most visitors enter the park from the north. This is also where wildlife is most abundant. As soon as you arrive, you are surrounded by open space. The views stretch far into the distance. Murchison Falls National Park feels endless. There are many tracks and trails to explore. The colors change with the seasons. In the dry months, the park glows golden yellow. During the rainy season, it turns a deep and vibrant green.

Tours Featuring Murchison Falls national park

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Lots of Wild Animals In Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is famous for its rich and healthy wildlife. Most animals live in the northern part of the park. You can see lions, leopards, and hyenas. Lions are especially common here. If you miss them, you were probably relaxing too much in your safari vehicle.

There are large herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelopes. Giraffes roam the plains, including the rare and endangered Rothschild giraffe. The Nile is home to enormous crocodiles, some growing up to seven meters long. Hippos are everywhere, both day and night.

And there is more. The park hosts over 450 bird species. One of the highlights is the rare shoebill stork. For bird lovers, this park is a true paradise. During your visit, you do more than just watch animals. Your guide explains their behavior and daily life. This deeper understanding makes the safari even more special.

You can do all kinds of activities in Murchison Falls National Park

A Classic Game Drive

We will start with a no-brainer: the classic game drive. As we mentioned earlier, you will find a lot of big cats in Murchison Falls. One of the most fun things to do in Murchison Falls National Park is drive around with the roof down and spot as many animals as possible.

Boat Safari On The Nile

You will cruise on River Nile towards the bottom of the Murchison Falls. You will see the Nile crocodiles hippos, and elephants on the banks. The boat safari is a must-do activity on a safari in Murchison Falls National Park. You can do it in two ways: a private one or a shared boat.

We would always recommend a private boat cruise. It is a bit more expensive, but you get a lot of freedom in return. You have your own guide and can stop wherever you like. If a group of elephants is in the water and you want to watch them for half an hour, you can. A fun addition to your boat safari: combine it with a visit to the top of the falls.

Overnight Stay In A Bush Camp

If you are interested in a bit of adventure, you should stay overnight in a bush camp in Murchison Falls National Park. Your pop-up tent will be ready for you on the day you arrive.

Facilities are limited, but comfortable nonetheless. There is a bush toilet and a bush shower. A team will be there to cook and keep a fire going. In the middle of the night, life happens around you. You are in the middle of nowhere. You hear the hyenas howl, the lions roar.

Rhino and Chimpanzee Tracking

We do have some extra tips for you. If you are driving to Murchison Falls National Park from the south, you will pass through Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. There is a rhino reserve there: the only place in Uganda where you can see them. It is a nice, easy stopover.

You can also stop in the southern part of the park, in Budongo Central Forest Reserve. Chimpanzees, among other animals, live there.

Visit Murchison Falls National Park with Choose Uganda Safaris

With Choose Uganda Safaris, you combine your visit to Murchison Falls National Park with other Ugandan destinations. The Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is located along the route, allowing us to see white rhinos as well. Furthermore, various national parks in Uganda complement each other perfectly during an extensive tour of Uganda.

Would you like to see the waterfall with your own eyes? Request a free travel proposal and discover the best way to visit Murchison Falls National Park. We are happy to help you book your African adventure. Contact us for tailored travel advice or view our organized tours to Uganda.

Frequently asked questions

About Murchison Falls National Park

A tour of Murchison Falls National park is a unique experience. We can imagine you have many questions about this. We have answered the most important ones below. If your question is not listed, feel free to contact us.

What makes Murchison Falls National Park unique?

Murchison Falls National Park is unique because it combines dramatic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, rich wildlife, and the mighty River Nile in one extraordinary destination.

At the heart of the park is the Nile itself. Just above the falls, the river is about 50 meters wide before it suddenly squeezes through a narrow gorge only 8 meters across. The water then crashes 45 meters down into the swirling Devil’s Cauldron, creating one of the most powerful and spectacular waterfalls in Africa. The constant mist, thunderous sound, and frequent rainbows make the experience unforgettable.

The falls were named by explorer Sir Samuel Baker in 1864 after Sir Roderick Murchison, then president of the Royal Geographical Society. Today, several viewpoints allow visitors to experience the full force of the waterfall up close. A short hike to the top of the falls offers some of the most dramatic views in Uganda.

Beyond the falls, the landscape changes completely. The Nile becomes calm and wide as it flows toward Lake Albert, passing through savannah, forests, wetlands, and palm-dotted plains along the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. This incredible diversity of habitats supports abundant wildlife and makes every game drive feel different.

The park also has a fascinating cinematic and historical legacy. Parts of the classic film The African Queen, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, were filmed here in the 1950s. Over the years, famous visitors such as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemingway have also explored this remarkable corner of Uganda.

What is the history of Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park has a fascinating and complex history. During the early 20th century, the area was known mainly as a hunting destination for wealthy explorers and adventurers. In 1909, former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the region during the famous Smithsonian–Roosevelt African Expedition. By the end of the journey across East Africa, more than 11,000 animal specimens had been collected for the Smithsonian Institution.

As wildlife protection improved over the following decades, hunting became more regulated and animal populations slowly recovered. The former Bunyoro-Gulu Game Reserve was later gazetted as Murchison Falls National Park. By the 1960s, it had become one of Africa’s leading safari destinations, attracting up to 60,000 visitors each year.

This success came to a devastating halt during the rule of Idi Amin in the 1970s. Widespread conflict, uncontrolled hunting, and poaching caused wildlife numbers to collapse. Rhinos disappeared completely from the park, elephant populations dropped dramatically, and many other species suffered severe losses.

Real recovery only began years later through the work of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and conservation partners. Tourism slowly returned, helping fund anti-poaching efforts, conservation programs, and community development projects around the park. Today, a portion of park entrance fees is reinvested into local communities through education, employment, and infrastructure initiatives.

The revival of Murchison Falls National Park is now considered one of Uganda’s great conservation success stories, laying a strong foundation for the park’s long-term future.

What is the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls can be visited any time of the year, as there’s really no bad season. For wildlife viewing, the main dry season from December to February is slightly better, because animals are easier to spot.

Bird watching is also excellent from November to April, when migratory birds arrive from Europe and Southeast Asia. Keep in mind that January and February can be very hot, with midday temperatures rising above 33°C (91°F). The wet season, from March to November, is generally cooler and more comfortable.

From June onward, the park becomes lush and green, and June and July offer the best combination of mild temperatures and low rainfall. If you plan to track gorillas or chimps, the best months are December to February and June to August for gorillas, and December to March and June to July for chimps. By planning carefully, you can enjoy both wildlife and primate trekking at the best times.

How Do I Get To Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda. The main tourism center in the park is Paraa, which lies about 300km (186mi) north of Kampala. The drive from Kampala usually takes at least 6 hours on a fully surfaced road via Masindi. Along the way, many travelers stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch for rhino tracking, making the journey part of the safari experience itself.

The park can also be reached from western Uganda. The drive from Fort Portal to Paraa is about 320km (199mi) and takes around 6 hours via Hoima and Bulisa. This route is now fully surfaced as well and is often used by travelers combining Murchison Falls with Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, or Bwindi.

For those who prefer quicker access, domestic flights are also available from Entebbe or Kajjansi to airstrips inside the park.

How many days are recommended for a Murchison Falls trip?

Most people spend 3 days on a Murchison Falls trip, though 2-day and 4-day options are also available. A 2-day safari can feel very rushed because the drive to and from the park takes at least six hours, so it’s only suitable if you can’t stay longer. A 3-day trip is more relaxed, giving you twice as much time to enjoy the park. A 4-day safari is even better, especially if you want to track chimps or visit Ziwa on the way.

Is it possible to see the Big 5 on a trip to Murchison Falls?

Yes, it is possible to see all of the Big Five on a trip to Murchison Falls National Park, but it is not guaranteed and depends on timing, luck, and good guiding. In most itineraries, rhinos are seen at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, which is usually included as a stop en route from or to Entebbe. This is the most reliable place in Uganda to see white rhinos on foot with a ranger.

Inside Murchison Falls National Park, elephants and buffaloes are commonly seen on both game drives and boat safaris along the Nile. These sightings are generally very reliable.

Lions are regularly found on the Delta Circuit, especially during early morning drives, while leopards are present but far more elusive. Seeing both predators in a short stay is possible, but never guaranteed.

With a well-planned itinerary and experienced guide, a Big Five safari in Murchison Falls is achievable, but it should always be seen as a bonus rather than an expectation.

How many giraffes are in Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park is home to at least 1,250 Rothschild’s giraffes, which is more than half of the world’s remaining population of this rare subspecies. These giraffes are often seen in large herds, sometimes numbering 20 to 30 individuals or more. Watching them move gracefully across the northern savannah, especially in the borassus palm grasslands, is one of the park’s most iconic sights. You can also spot giraffes during game drives and even from boat safaris along the Nile River. Seeing them against the backdrop of the riverbanks and open plains adds to the unique beauty of the park’s landscape.

Can you describe a typical day on a Murchison Falls Safari?

Every day on safari is a little different, but here’s a common plan. On the first day, you’ll leave early from Entebbe or Kampala and reach your lodge by lunchtime. In the afternoon, you might take a boat trip on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. The next morning, an early game drive is common, giving you the best chance to see lions, leopards, and other big animals.

If your safari is only two days, you’ll head back to Entebbe or Kampala afterward, possibly stopping at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch to look for rhinos. On a longer safari, you’ll have extra time to explore. You could visit the top of Murchison Falls for stunning views, take a morning boat trip to the Nile delta, enjoy more game drives, or even go chimp trekking in Budongo Forest.

What is the entry fee for Murchison Falls National Park?

The entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and vary depending on residency status.

For foreign non-residents, the park entry fee is typically US$45 per person. Foreign residents usually pay US$35 per person, while East African citizens pay a lower fee in Ugandan shillings.

These fees give you access to the park for 24 hours and include activities such as game drives and general park entry. However, experiences like boat cruises on the Nile or guided walks are charged separately.

In simple terms, you should budget around US$45 per person for entry into Murchison Falls National Park, plus additional costs depending on the activities you choose.

Best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park

There are so many places to stay at Murchison Falls National Park. Options include Murchison River Lodge and Pakuba Safari Lodge. Other options include Fort Murchison Lodge, a comfortable budget friendly accommodation just outside the park and Paraa Safari Lodge. The only high-end/exclusive lodges include Nile Safari Lodge, Anyandwe House, and Papa’s Camp.

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