Murchison Falls National Park

Activity Details

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, offering one of the most dramatic and diverse safari experiences in East Africa. Located in northwestern Uganda, it’s named after the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow 7-meter gorge and plunges 43 meters below. This iconic park is ideal for travelers searching for a Big Five safari in Uganda, combining spectacular wildlife encounters with powerful natural scenery.

Why Visit Murchison Falls National Park?

• Most powerful waterfall in the world, the dramatic Murchison Falls.
• One of the best places for Big Game Safaris in Uganda.
• Rich diversity of wildlife: lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, and hippos.
• Both savannah and river ecosystems – unique for varied safari activities .
• Proximity to Budongo Forest, a hotspot for chimpanzee tracking .

Top Activities in Murchison Falls Park

• Game Drives – Explore the Buligi, Albert, and Queen’s Tracks for lions, elephants, giraffes, and more.
• Boat Safari on the Nile – Cruise to the base of Murchison Falls to spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife .
• Hike to the Top of the Falls – A thrilling climb with spectacular views of the Nile exploding through the gorge .
• Chimpanzee Tracking – In nearby Budongo Forest, one of the best primate destinations in Uganda .
• Bird Watching – Over 450 species, including the rare shoebill stork, goliath heron, and African fish eagle .
• Sunset and Nature Walks – Especially rewarding along the riverbanks and savannah edges.

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls

• December to February and June to August – dry seasons are best for game drives and boat cruises .
• Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources.
• The falls are impressive all year round, but boat trips are smoother during dry months.

Accommodation Options

Whether you’re looking for a luxury safari lodge in Uganda or budget safari camps, Murchison has it all:

• Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Baker’s Lodge.
• Midrange: Murchison River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge.
• Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Fort Murchison Lodge.

How to Get There

• By Road: Approx. 5–6 hours from Kampala via Masindi (most used route).
• By Air: Daily flights from Entebbe to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu Airstrips (30–45 mins).

Ideal For

• Tourists looking for a classic Uganda wildlife safari.
• Nature lovers and adventure travelers.
• Families, couples, and first-time visitors to Uganda.
• Travelers combining gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris.
• Those searching for photographic safaris in Uganda.