Murchison Falls National Park

Where the mighty Nile explodes through a narrow gorge with thunderous force before flowing gently into wide plains teeming with wildlife—Murchison Falls National Park is a spectacle of nature at its most dramatic. As Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, this park offers an unforgettable blend of scenic power, iconic wildlife, and pure African adventure.

Here, you’ll witness nature in motion. The roar of the falls, the splash of hippos, the silent glide of giraffes across golden grasslands. From boat safaris beneath the waterfall to sunrise game drives among lions and elephants, every moment in Murchison tells a story of awe and untamed beauty.

Lush greenery and river view in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.

The Power of the Falls

At the heart of the park lies its most breathtaking feature—Murchison Falls. This is where the Nile, the world’s longest river, is forced through a 7-metre (23-foot) gap in the rocks before plunging 43 metres in a thunderous cascade. Hike to the top of the falls for a thrilling perspective, or take a boat cruise upstream and feel the spray on your face as rainbows dance in the mist.

The falls are more than a scenic highlight—they are the soul of the park, and a place where nature’s raw energy is felt in every step.

Wildlife on the Savannah

Beyond the river, Murchison opens up into expansive savannah plains, dotted with acacia trees and echoing with the calls of wild animals. Game drives offer up-close sightings of African elephants, lions, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, hartebeest, and leopards, while the park’s healthy population of Ugandan kob and warthogs adds to the rich diversity.

Whether you’re watching a lioness stalking in the golden light or a tower of giraffes silhouetted at sunset, this is safari at its finest.

River Safari on the Nile

Few experiences compare to a boat safari along the Nile. Drift past pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and flocks of waterbirds as you travel upstream to the base of Murchison Falls or downstream toward the delta where the river meets Lake Albert. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive shoebill stork, one of Uganda’s most sought-after bird species.

It’s peaceful, wild, and utterly mesmerising.

Birdwatching Paradise

With over 450 bird species recorded, Murchison is a haven for birders. From the goliath heron to the dazzling red-throated bee-eater and the rare shoebill, the park’s rivers, forests, and savannahs are alive with colour and song.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Game drives on the northern plains
Boat safaris to the base of Murchison Falls
Nile delta cruises (birdwatching and shoebill sightings)
Hike to the top of the falls
Birdwatching
Nature walks and hiking trails
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest (southern sector)
Cultural encounters with nearby communities
Photography and landscape viewing

Elephants and Hippos on Nile Sunrise Photo Safari

How to get there

By air: Domestic flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu airstrips.

By road: Approx. 5–6 hours from Kampala via Masindi, with opportunities to stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route.

Climate

Murchison Falls National Park has a warm, dry climate. Average daytime temperatures range between 25°C and 32°C, with two rainy seasons (March–May and September–November). Wildlife is visible year-round, though the dry season offers easier viewing and travel conditions.

Best Time To Visit

The dry seasons (December–February and June–August) are ideal for wildlife viewing and boat cruises. However, the falls are most powerful during the rainy seasons, making any time a great time—depending on what you want to see and do.

Facts

From the thunder of the falls to the stillness of the savannah, Murchison Falls National Park delivers a safari like no other. With its classic Big Game encounters, breathtaking river scenes, and iconic wildlife, this park is perfect for both first-time travellers and seasoned explorers seeking nature at its most powerful.

Established in 1952 – Uganda’s first national park, named after the dramatic waterfall at its heart.
Size: Approximately 3,840 square kilometres (1,483 square miles)
Biodiversity: Home to 76 mammal species and 450+ bird species
Landscape: A stunning mix of savannah, riverine forest, woodland, and wetland
Top experiences: Game drives, Nile river safaris, hiking to the top of the falls, and birdwatching