Murchison Falls National Park

Overview

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most iconic wildlife destination, covers 3,893 square kilometers in northwestern Uganda. Established in 1952, the park is famous for its dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile plunges through a narrow 7-meter gorge into the roaring Devil’s Cauldron before cascading 45 meters down the escarpment. The mist from the falls nourishes lush savannahs and wetlands, creating an oasis for animals including lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and buffaloes, as well as over 450 bird species. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises along the Nile, get close-up wildlife views, or admire panoramic vistas from Baker’s Viewpoint. With its combination of breathtaking scenery, thrilling wildlife safaris, and one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls, Murchison Falls National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Uganda.

Wildlife at Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s richest wildlife destinations, offering diverse ecosystems ranging from savannahs and wetlands to tropical forests. The park is home to over 76 mammal species and more than 450 bird species, making it a top choice for wildlife safaris and birdwatching adventures.

The Big Five

The park hosts four of Africa’s Big Five game animals (excluding the rhinoceros, which is found at nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary):

Lions: Often spotted during early morning or late afternoon game drives when they are most active.
Elephants: Large herds roam the savannah and Nile River banks.
Cape Buffaloes: Commonly seen grazing in open plains and near water sources.
Leopards: Elusive and solitary, leopards can sometimes be seen resting in trees or stalking prey.

Other Mammals

Beyond the Big Five, Murchison Falls supports a wide variety of mammals, including:

Rothschild’s Giraffes: The park is home to over 400 individuals.
Antelopes: Species include Uganda kobs, waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeests, and oribis.
Primates: Olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, plus around 800 chimpanzees in Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests.
Aquatic Wildlife: The Victoria Nile teems with Nile crocodiles and hippo pods that can be observed during boat safaris.

Birdlife

Birdwatchers will find Murchison Falls National Park a paradise with over 450 recorded bird species. Highlights include the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, giant kingfisher, and Abyssinian ground hornbill, along with various kingfishers, bee-eaters, and other vibrant water- and forest-dwelling birds.

With its Big Five sightings, unique primates, rich aquatic life, and incredible bird diversity, Murchison Falls National Park offers an unforgettable wildlife experience in Uganda.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park offers a wide range of activities for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and nature lovers. From thrilling game drives to serene boat cruises and guided hikes, there are plenty of ways to explore Uganda’s largest national park.

Game Drives

Game drives are the most popular way to experience Murchison Falls, especially in the northern sector’s open savannah and woodland areas. Visitors can see four of the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, and Cape buffaloes—alongside giraffes, hartebeests, waterbucks, jackals, hyenas, and various antelope species. Popular routes include:

Buligi Track: Between the Victoria and Albert Nile, ideal for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and birds.
Victoria Track: Follows the riverbanks where animals come to drink and graze.
Albert Track: Known for large buffalo herds and diverse birdlife along the Albertine Delta.

Types of Game Drives

Morning Drives (6:30 AM): Great for early-rising wildlife.
Evening Drives (4:00 PM): Animals are more active in cooler temperatures.
Full-Day Drives: Explore multiple areas for maximum wildlife sightings.
Night Drives (8:00 PM): Spot nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies using spotlight torches.

The best time for game drives is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when animals congregate around water sources.

Boat Cruises on the Victoria Nile

Boat safaris along the Victoria Nile offer a unique perspective of Murchison Falls. Visitors can view hippos, Nile crocodiles, and waterbirds up close while enjoying the dramatic backdrop of the falls from below. Sunset cruises are especially popular for photography, birdwatching, and spotting wildlife along the riverbanks.

Hiking and Nature Walks

For adventure enthusiasts, hiking to the top of Murchison Falls provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Nile as it thunders through the narrow gorge. Guided nature walks in the park’s savannahs and forests also allow visitors to track animals, spot birds, and learn about local plants and ecosystems.

Birdwatching

Murchison Falls is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 450 recorded bird species. Highlights include the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, giant kingfisher, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and numerous kingfishers and bee-eaters. Birdwatching is rewarding along the Nile, wetlands, and forested areas of the park.

Whether it’s thrilling wildlife safaris, peaceful boat rides, scenic hikes, or birdwatching adventures, Murchison Falls National Park offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park

Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park is an exciting activity that draws anglers from around the world. The Victoria Nile, which flows through the park, is famous for its abundant fish, including the legendary Nile perch and the fierce tigerfish, offering both challenging and rewarding catches.

Prime Fishing Spots

Devil’s Cauldron: At the base of Murchison Falls, this area is known for large Nile perch.
Near Paraa Safari Lodge: Ideal for both bank fishing and boat fishing.
Below Karuma Falls: Another top spot for catching a variety of fish species.

Best Time for Fishing
Sport fishing can be enjoyed year-round, but the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are ideal. Lower water levels and clearer conditions make fish more active. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly productive times.

Permits and Fees
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) requires permits for sport fishing in the park:

$50 per person for a one-day fishing trip
$150 per person for a four-day fishing trip

These fees cover fishing permits only and are in addition to park entrance fees, which vary for residents and foreign visitors.

Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park combines adventure, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of catching some of Africa’s most famous freshwater fish, making it a must-try activity for anglers visiting Uganda.

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, located approximately 305 kilometers (190 miles) from Kampala, is one of Uganda’s most accessible national parks. Visitors can reach the park by road or air, with several scenic routes depending on your starting point.

By Road

Route 1: Kampala – Luwero – Nakasongola – Masindi – Murchison Falls National Park
The most common route, covering about 305 km (5–6 hours). Stopovers at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary allow visitors to see endangered white rhinos.
Route 2: Kampala – Luwero – Nakasongola – Pakwach – Murchison Falls National Park
Similar to Route 1, though travel time may vary depending on traffic.

Other Road Routes

From Kibale National Park: Travel via Fort Portal, Kamwenge, Mbarara, and Masindi to Murchison Falls (approximately 300 km, 6–7 hours), passing through scenic landscapes and offering chances for wildlife sightings.
From Jinja: Route through Kampala and Masindi to the park (approximately 400 km, 7–8 hours), perfect for combining with Nile River activities in Jinja.

By Air
Chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba Airstrip or Chobe Airstrip significantly reduce travel time and offer stunning aerial views of the park and surrounding landscapes.

Connecting Murchison Falls with Gorilla Trekking

By Air: Scheduled or charter flights from Entebbe or Murchison Falls (Pakuba Airstrip) to Kisoro or Kihihi airports near Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
By Road: Travel via Masindi and Fort Portal to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, covering roughly 450 km (8–10 hours), ideal for combining a wildlife safari with gorilla trekking adventures.

Murchison Falls National Park’s accessibility by both road and air makes it easy to combine with other top destinations in Uganda, offering flexible travel options for safari enthusiasts and adventure travelers.

Best Times to Visit Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is open year-round, but the experience varies depending on the season. Choosing the right time to visit can enhance wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and safari experiences.

Dry Season (December to February & June to September)
The dry season is considered the best time for wildlife safaris and boat cruises. With warm temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.

Advantages:

Excellent Wildlife Viewing: Thinner vegetation and concentrated water sources make game drives and boat safaris more productive.
Favorable Weather: Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F–90°F), with cooler nights around 18°C (64°F).
Reduced Mosquito Activity: Lower mosquito populations reduce the risk of malaria.
Prime Birdwatching: Migratory birds enhance the park’s rich avian diversity.

Wet Season (March to May & October to November)
The wet season brings intermittent showers, lush green landscapes, and a vibrant natural environment. While heavy rains may make wildlife spotting more challenging and some roads less accessible, the park offers unique advantages.

Advantages:

Lush Scenery: The park becomes a verdant paradise, perfect for photography and nature walks.
Fewer Tourists: This low season ensures a quieter, more exclusive safari experience.
Excellent Birdwatching: Resident and migratory birds are highly active, with many showing bright breeding plumage.

Both seasons offer unique experiences: the dry season is ideal for wildlife and game drives, while the wet season is perfect for birdwatching and enjoying Uganda’s stunning green landscapes.

a-leaopard-tearing-prey-apart-in-uganda-murchison-falls-np.jpg

A Unique Safari Destination

A safari to Murchison Falls National Park offers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and thrilling adventure activities. Witness the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile plunges through a narrow gorge, explore vast savannahs and wetlands, and spot over 76 mammal species and 450+ birds, including lions, elephants, leopards, and Rothschild’s giraffes. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat cruises, birdwatching, hiking, and sport fishing, making it one of Uganda’s most complete and unforgettable safari experiences.

Plan Your Murchison Falls Safari

Planning a safari to Murchison Falls National Park ensures you experience Uganda’s most thrilling wildlife destination to the fullest. Start by deciding how long you want to stay—2 to 4 days is ideal to enjoy game drives, boat cruises, hiking, birdwatching, and sport fishing. Choose your accommodation carefully: from luxury lodges with panoramic Nile views to mid-range safari camps immersed in nature.

Arrange your transportation by road from Kampala (about 5–6 hours) or opt for a chartered flight to Pakuba or Chobe Airstrip for faster access. Plan your safari activities according to the season: the dry season (June–September, December–February) is best for wildlife viewing, while the wet season (March–May, October–November) offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching.

A well-planned safari allows you to combine wildlife adventures, boat cruises on the Victoria Nile, hiking to the top of Murchison Falls, and sport fishing, creating an unforgettable Ugandan safari experience.

GET SAFARI EXPERT HELP