Murchison Falls National Park

About Murchison Falls Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, covering approximately 3,893 square kilometres across northwestern Uganda. The park is best known for the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile forces its way through a narrow seven metre gorge before plunging over 40 metres into the Devil’s Cauldron, creating one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls.

Beyond the iconic falls, the park offers diverse landscapes that include open savannah, riverine forests, wetlands, and woodlands, providing an ideal habitat for an incredible variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy unforgettable game drives, boat cruises along the Nile, and exciting wildlife encounters, making Murchison Falls National Park one of Uganda’s premier safari destinations.

Experiences at Murchison Falls National Park

From thrilling game drives across the savannah to unforgettable cruises along the Victoria Nile, Murchison Falls National Park offers a wide range of experiences for every traveller. Whether you're seeking wildlife encounters, outdoor adventure, or breathtaking scenery, there's something to make every visit truly memorable.

Game Drives

Explore the park’s vast savannah plains on guided game drives while searching for elephants, lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, antelopes, and many other wildlife species.

Boat Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls while observing hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a remarkable variety of birds

Hike to the Top of the Falls

Follow a guided trail to the top of the falls and witness the mighty Nile force its way through a narrow rocky gorge. The spectacular viewpoints provide unforgettable scenery .

Bird Watching

Search for over 450 bird species, including the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, kingfishers, and colourful bee eaters. The park’s diverse habitats make it one of Uganda’s finest bird watching destinations.

Sport Fishing

Try your hand at sport fishing along the Victoria Nile in search of the famous Nile perch and freshwater catfish. The experience combines exciting angling with spectacular river scenery and abundant wildlife.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Experience Murchison Falls National Park from above on an early morning hot air balloon safari, offering breathtaking aerial views of the savannah, the winding Nile, and wildlife beginning their day across the plains.

Murchison Falls Travel Information

Best Time to Visit

Murchison Falls National Park is open throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy its wildlife and attractions in every season. The dry months from December to February and June to September offer the best conditions for game drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing, as animals gather around rivers and water sources.

The rainy seasons from March to May and October to November transform the park into a lush green landscape, creating spectacular scenery for photography and excellent bird watching opportunities. Boat cruises and many other safari activities continue throughout the year.

How to Get There

Murchison Falls National Park is approximately 305 kilometres from Kampala and can be reached by road in about five to six hours. Visitors can access the park through several entrance gates, including Kichumbanyobo, Tangi, Mubako, Chobe, and Bugungu, depending on their safari itinerary.

Travellers can also choose scheduled or charter domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu Airstrips. These flights offer a convenient and time saving option, especially for visitors with limited travel time.

Where to Stay

Murchison Falls National Park offers accommodation to suit every budget, ranging from comfortable camps and mid range lodges to luxurious riverside safari lodges. Many properties are strategically located near the Nile or within easy reach of the park’s main attractions, providing convenient access to game drives, boat safaris, and guided excursions.

Popular accommodation options include Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge, Hornbill Bush Lodge, and Bamboo Village Safari Lodge. Whether you prefer a luxury retreat or a budget friendly stay, you’ll find comfortable accommodation surrounded by spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife.