Murchison Falls National Park

The Nile at Murchison Falls. Uganda's largest national park.

Distance

North of Kampala; road and air transfers available

Best Months

December to February, June to August

Best For

Waterfall, Nile boat safari, classic game drives

Region

Northern Uganda

About this Destination

At Murchison Falls, the Victoria Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the river below. From the viewpoint, the rush of water and spray make the falls the centrepiece of a visit.

Uganda's largest national park covers about 3,840 square kilometres of savannah, woodland and river habitats. Game drives and boat trips offer opportunities to look for elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and birds. Lions are also present, though what you see depends on the day and conditions.

The Nile links the park's open grasslands to the falls and the delta near Lake Albert. A visit can combine a game drive, a boat trip and time at a falls viewpoint, depending on your route and the activities operating on your dates.

Aerial view of the Nile rushing over Murchison Falls

Key Wildlife

LionElephantGiraffeHippoBuffaloNile CrocodileShoebill StorkOribi

In photographs

A closer look at Murchison.

Golden light on the Nile, open grasslands and wildlife: different views of a journey through Murchison Falls.

Wildlife scattered across green savannah under an orange evening sky — Savannah at sunset

Two lionesses walking together across grassland — On the game drive

Elephant standing in tall grass — Among the grasslands

Hippos surfacing in blue river water — Life along the Nile

A group of lions standing in sunlit grass — A pride in the grass

Straight road crossing an expanse of green woodland — Across the landscape

Visitor looking out over a river valley from a grassy viewpoint — At the viewpoint

What to Do

Experiences in Murchison Falls

Nile Boat Safari to the Falls

Boat trips from the Paraa area travel upstream toward the base of the falls. Look for hippos, crocodiles, birds and, with luck, other wildlife along the banks. Confirm the operator, route, duration and whether a separate guided walk to the top is available for your dates.

North Bank Game Drive

Explore the northern savannah with a guide, looking for giraffes, elephants, buffalo and other wildlife. Lions may be seen, but sightings and the time spent finding animals vary with season, weather and their movements.

Murchison Falls Hike

A guided visit to the top of the falls offers views of the Nile passing through the gorge. Ask about current trail access, walking conditions, timing and whether it can be combined with your chosen boat trip.

Chimpanzee Tracking at Kaniyo Pabidi

Ask about guided chimpanzee tracking at Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo Forest, on the approach to the park. Tracking arrangements and access should be confirmed in advance; chimpanzee sightings are not guaranteed.

Nile Delta Boat Safari

A separate boat outing toward the Nile delta near Lake Albert can offer opportunities to look for waterbirds, including the elusive shoebill. Routes, conditions and sightings vary; confirm departures with the operator.

Before You Go

Practical information

Confirm current park entry and boat prices for your residency category and travel dates before booking; the operator, vessel and itinerary affect the total. UWA describes the drive from Kampala to the southern entrance as around 4 to 5 hours, with additional travel to most lodges; allow more time from Entebbe and for stops or road conditions. Scheduled or charter flights may serve park airstrips, subject to availability and onward transfers. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary can be arranged as a separate stop on a northern Uganda route.

Plan This Journey

Let us arrange every detail of your Murchison Falls National visit.

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