Murchison Falls National Park
Where the Nile meets the Wild

Murchison Falls
National Park
Uganda Safaris

Africa's most powerful waterfall. Uganda's largest national park. A wilderness of lions, elephants, hippos, and over 450 bird species, all converging at the edge of the Albertine Rift.

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Park at a glance
3,840
km² area
450+
Bird species
76+
Mammals
30+
Lodges
Nile River boat cruises
Big five game drives
Chimp trekking nearby
World-class birdwatching
Scroll to explore

Welcome to Murchison National Park independent guide. This information will greatly assist you in your preparations to visit Murchison Falls, finding where to stay, safari companies, map, getting there, things to do and general information about Uganda safaris. Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA) comprises of Murchison Falls National Park, Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves.

Wildlife

A Kingdom of Remarkable Creatures

Hover over each animal to discover fascinating facts. Murchison Falls hosts Uganda's largest wildlife populations in a mosaic of savanna, riverine forest, and wetland habitats.

Mammal
African Lion
Panthera leo
Hover to discover
Big Cat · Predator
African Lion
Murchison's lions roam the open savannas north of the Nile. Best spotted at dawn and dusk on game drives. The park harbours over 70 individuals across several prides.
70+
In park
Dawn
Best time
Mammal
African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Hover to discover
Largest Land Animal
African Elephant
Uganda's largest elephant population calls Murchison home. These gentle giants are commonly seen near water sources and along the Albert Nile on boat cruises.
1,500+
In park
Year
Best time
Mammal
Nile Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Hover to discover
River Giant
Nile Hippopotamus
The Nile below the falls is teeming with hippos, one of the densest concentrations in Africa. The boat cruise offers up-close encounters with these surprisingly fast animals.
5,000+
In park
Cruise
Best way
Endangered
Rothschild's Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
Hover to discover
Critically Rare
Rothschild's Giraffe
One of the most endangered giraffe subspecies, Murchison is a key conservation stronghold. Distinguished by white "stockings" below the knee and no spots.
~800
World total
N.bank
Best area
Rare Bird
Shoebill Stork
Balaeniceps rex
Hover to discover
Prehistoric · Rare
Shoebill Stork
The prehistoric-looking shoebill is Uganda's most sought-after bird. It lurks motionless in papyrus swamps waiting to ambush lungfish. The Nile delta is prime habitat.
<5,000
World total
Morning
Best time
Reptile
Nile Crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
Hover to discover
Ancient Predator
Nile Crocodile
The Nile's banks are lined with massive crocodiles basking in the sun. They can grow to 6 metres and weigh 750kg. The boat cruise brings you within metres of these ancient predators.
6m
Max length
Riverbank
Where
Experiences

Choose Your Adventure

Most Popular

Nile Boat Cruise

3–4 Hours
Victoria Nile
All skill levels

Drift along the Victoria Nile towards the thundering base of Murchison Falls. Watch thousands of hippos wallow, enormous Nile crocodiles bask on the banks, and hundreds of bird species line the river in spectacular display.

Hippo pools with 5,000+ individuals, one of Africa's densest concentrations
Up-close views of Nile crocodiles, some exceeding 5 metres in length
Shoebill stork sightings in the Nile delta marshes
Dramatic finale: the base of the falls with its permanent rainbow mist
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Signature

Game Drive

4–8 Hours
North Bank Savanna
Half or full day

Track lions, leopards, and buffalo across the sweeping open savanna north of the Nile. Murchison's north bank offers Uganda's finest big-game viewing, with vast grasslands stretching to the horizon, punctuated by ancient acacia trees.

Lion prides regularly spotted at dawn and dusk near seasonal waterholes
Rothschild's giraffe, one of the world's rarest subspecies
Large buffalo herds and Ugandan kob (the emblem of Uganda)
Optional night game drives for nocturnal species
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Adventure

Hike to the Falls

2–3 Hours
Top of the Falls
Moderate fitness

Trek to the very point where the entire Nile forces itself through a 7-metre gap and plunges 43 metres below, one of Africa's most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. The roar is felt before it is heard.

Stand at the gorge edge, where the entire Nile is squeezed into 7 metres
Permanent rainbow in the mist rising from the plunge pool below
Superb birdwatching along the forest trail to the top
Combine with the boat cruise for the full Falls experience
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Specialist

Birding Excursion

Dawn to Dusk
Multiple Habitats
All levels

Home to 450+ bird species including the rare shoebill stork, African skimmer, Goliath heron, and Abyssinian roller. The Budongo Forest nearby adds a further 360 species to any serious birding itinerary.

Shoebill stork, the most sought-after bird in Uganda
African skimmer and rare papyrus endemics along the Nile
Budongo Forest adds forest specials including chimpanzees
Expert local birding guides with lifetime park knowledge
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Relaxed

Nile Fishing

Half Day
Below the Falls
Permit required

Cast for Nile perch and tiger fish in the powerful waters below the falls, offering some of Uganda's finest sport fishing. The river teems with enormous Nile perch, some exceeding 100kg.

Nile perch up to 100kg and hard-fighting tiger fish
Fish within sight of hippos, crocodiles, and shoebill storks
Catch-and-release or keep for lodge kitchen preparation
All equipment and licensed guides provided
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Extension

Chimp Trekking

Full Day
Budongo Forest
Moderate trail

Combine Murchison with chimp trekking in the ancient Budongo Forest, home to over 800 habituated chimpanzees and one of East Africa's largest remaining mahogany forests.

800+ chimpanzees habituated to human presence, with very high sighting rates
Ancient mahogany forest: one of East Africa's largest intact stands
Also home to red-tailed and black-and-white colobus monkeys
Located just 30 minutes from Murchison's main gate
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The Falls

Africa's Most Powerful Waterfall

The entire volume of the Victoria Nile, one of the world's great rivers, forces itself through a narrow 7-metre gorge before plunging 43 metres below. The roar can be heard kilometres away. The mist creates a permanent rainbow.

7m
Gorge width
43m
Drop height
300+
m³/s flow
1864
Discovered
Insider Tip

Combine the boat cruise from Paraa to the base of the falls with the short hike to the top, and you'll experience the falls from both perspectives in a single unforgettable morning.

VICTORIA NILE 7 metres GORGE WIDTH
Victoria Nile · Uganda
Location

Explore the Park

Click any location to learn more about each zone of the park.

Murchison Falls
The centrepiece of the park, where the entire Nile squeezes through a 7-metre gorge and drops 43m. Accessible by boat cruise from Paraa or by trail from the top gate. The roar is audible 1km away.
Paraa, Park HQ
The main hub of Murchison Falls. Lodge accommodation, the Nile ferry crossing, UWA headquarters, and the departure point for boat cruises. A 300km drive from Kampala.
North Bank Savanna
Uganda's finest game-viewing terrain. Open grasslands and acacia woodlands where lions, leopards, Rothschild's giraffe, buffalo, and large elephant herds roam freely. Best at dawn and dusk.
Budongo Forest
The ancient Budongo Forest Reserve borders the park's south. Over 800 habituated chimpanzees and one of East Africa's largest mahogany forests. An essential add-on for primate enthusiasts.
Lake Albert
The Albert Nile drains into Lake Albert, a vast Rift Valley lake bordering DR Congo. Excellent fishing, spectacular sunsets, and a birding hotspot for species unique to the Albertine Rift.
Gallery
Nile Boat Cruise
North Bank Savanna
Lion Pride
Hippo Pool
Shoebill Stork
Budongo Forest
Murchison Falls
Rothschild's Giraffe
Nile Boat Cruise
North Bank Savanna
Lion Pride
Hippo Pool
Shoebill Stork
Budongo Forest
Murchison Falls
Rothschild's Giraffe
Plan Your Visit

When to Visit

Click a season to explore what each time of year offers in Murchison Falls.

☀️
Dry Season 1
Dec – Feb
🌧️
Long Rains
Mar – May
🌅
Peak Season
Jun – Sep
🌿
Short Rains
Oct – Nov
MonthSeasonWildlife ViewingBoat CruiseBirdingNotes
Plan Your Trip

What Kind of Safari Are You?

Whether you're after raw wildlife drama, peaceful birding, a family adventure, or luxury in the wilderness, our partner operators have the perfect Murchison Falls itinerary for you.

Most Popular
🦁

Classic Wildlife Safari

Game drives on the north bank savanna, a Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls, and a hike to the top. The full Murchison experience in 3–5 days.

  • ✓ North bank game drives
  • ✓ Nile boat cruise
  • ✓ Falls hike
  • ✓ All park fees included
From $450 per person
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Specialist
🦅

Birding Safari

450+ bird species including the legendary shoebill stork. Expert ornithologist guides who know every wetland, forest edge, and papyrus patch in the park.

  • ✓ Shoebill stork tracking
  • ✓ Budongo Forest birding
  • ✓ Albert Nile boat birding
  • ✓ Specialist guide
From $520 per person
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Best Value
🦍

Murchison + Gorillas

Combine Murchison Falls with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or chimp tracking in Budongo, the ultimate Uganda safari circuit.

  • ✓ Murchison Falls highlights
  • ✓ Gorilla or chimp trek
  • ✓ Private vehicle transfer
  • ✓ Permits included
From $1,500 per person
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Family
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family Safari

Child-friendly game drives, educational wildlife encounters, and flexible lodge options that cater to families with young children. Safe, fun, unforgettable.

  • ✓ Family-friendly lodges
  • ✓ Guided nature walks
  • ✓ Flexible pace itinerary
  • ✓ Village community visit
From $620 per person
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Not sure which safari suits you? Browse all licensed Uganda safari operators and request a free personalised quote.
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Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges in Murchison Falls

From luxury riverside lodges to comfortable mid-range camps, Murchison Falls has accommodation for every traveller. Most lodges are a short drive from the park gates with easy access to game drives and boat cruises.

Luxury

Paraa Safari Lodge

Murchison's most iconic lodge, perched above the Nile ferry crossing. Stunning river views, infinity pool, and direct access to game drives and boat cruises.

PoolRestaurantRiver ViewWi-Fi
From $345 / night
Premium

Chobe Safari Lodge

Eco-luxury tented lodge set on the southern bank of the Victoria Nile. Elegant riverside suites with sweeping waterway views and award-winning conservation design. A peaceful base for game drives, Nile cruises, and birding.

Tented SuitesSpaForest ViewsGuiding
From $342 / night
Mid-Range

Sambiya River Lodge

Comfortable lodge set among ancient trees at the edge of Budongo Forest. A peaceful retreat popular with birders and independent travellers heading into the park.

CottagesRestaurantForest EdgeGuiding
From $200 / night
Luxury

Entikko Safari Lodge

An exclusive boutique lodge with sweeping views over the park savanna. Intimate, private, and perfectly positioned for early morning game drives and Nile sundowners.

BoutiqueGame DrivesSundeckFull Board
From $406 / night
30+ lodges, camps & guesthouses available across Murchison Falls Conservation Area, catering to every budget and travel style.
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Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before visiting Murchison Falls National Park.

Although considered an all-year destination, the best time to visit is during the dry season from December to mid-February and June to July when wildlife is most concentrated around water sources. Game drives and boat cruises are most rewarding in these months. Bird watching peaks in the wet season (April–May and October–November) when migrant species arrive.

The park is accessible by road or air. By road from Kampala it is approximately 4.5 hours via the Kampala–Masindi route (282 km) or 5.5 hours via Kampala–Hoima. Charter flights operate from Kajjansi (near Entebbe) directly to Chobe Airstrip inside the park. Most lodge packages include airport transfers.

The park is home to 76+ mammal species including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, Rothschild's giraffe, hippos, and Nile crocodiles. It also hosts 450+ bird species, most famously the shoebill stork. The Victoria Nile supports one of Africa's densest hippo populations. Budongo Forest, adjacent to the park, has 800+ habituated chimpanzees.

Top activities include: Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls (most popular), game drives on the north bank savanna, hike to the top of the falls, birding excursions, Nile fishing, and chimp trekking in nearby Budongo Forest. Hot air balloon safaris, night drives, and cultural village visits are also available.

Park entrance fees are $40 per day for foreign non-residents (students $20). Total safari costs depend on accommodation, transport, and activities chosen. A budget 3-day safari typically starts from around $450 per person. Mid-range packages run $600–$900 and luxury lodge safaris from $1,200 per person. Gorilla trekking add-ons require a separate $800 permit.

Accommodation ranges from luxury to budget. Top luxury options are Paraa Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge. Mid-range choices include Nile Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, and Murchison River Lodge. Budget travellers can stay at Fort Murchison Safari Lodge or Uganda Wildlife Authority bandas inside the park. Most lodges are a short drive from the park gates.

Essential items: valid passport and visa, yellow fever vaccination certificate, good camera, neutral-coloured safari clothing (khaki, olive, beige), long-sleeved shirts and trousers, waterproof jacket, comfortable closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, and a small day pack. Leave bright colours at home as they disturb wildlife.

Absolutely. Popular combinations include gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimp trekking in Kibale National Park, wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or a Ssese Islands beach extension on Lake Victoria. Many visitors also stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route from Kampala for white rhino tracking on foot.

Get in Touch

Have a Question?

Ask us anything about visiting Murchison Falls: park fees, best times to visit, getting there, accommodation, or safari operators. We're here to help.

  • ✓ Park entry & fees information
  • ✓ Getting to Murchison Falls
  • ✓ Where to stay recommendations
  • ✓ Safari operator referrals
  • ✓ Best time to visit advice

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