Murchison Falls National Park Uganda (a 2024 Detailed Guide)
Discover the incredible Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda with our comprehensive guide! Check out the best lodges, map, activities, animals and so much more.
Murchison Falls National Park like other national parks in Uganda is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority and it is the only national park in northwestern Uganda, expanding to cover parts of Lake Alberts Victoria Nile and Karuma Falls.
It was formed in 1952 making it one of the oldest parks and also the largest of all the 10 national parks in Uganda-the pearl of Africa with an area coverage of over 3893 square kilometers. On 15th September, 2006 it was designated as Murchison Falls-Albert Delta Wetland System.
This park forms part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area which also covers Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserve, Budongo Forest Reserve and Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. It derives its name from Murchison Falls-one of the most roaring and scenic waterfalls in the world.
This waterfall flows through a narrow gorge of about 7 meters approximately 23ft prior plunging 43 meters down. Murchison Falls National Park straddles in the districts of Kiryandongo, Masindi, Buliisa and Nwoyo in northwestern Uganda about 4-5 hours’ drive from Kampala or Entebbe.
Murchison Falls National Park Animals
Murchison Falls National Park is home to diverse wildlife species including four of the five big five; Buffaloes, African bush elephants, lions, leopards as well as several antelopes (waterbucks, oribis, Uganda Kobs, Hartebeests), chimpanzees, giraffes, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, over 451 bird species with 59 restricted range species like goliath herons, white thighed hornbills, great blue turacos, dwarf kingfishers; shoebill storks and many others.
Murchison Falls National Park Activities
Game Drives in Murchison falls
Game drives in this park are best conducted along the northern circuit. The wildlife species to expect to see on a game drive include warthogs, lions, Rothschild giraffes, Jackson hartebeest, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs as well as birds.
Murchison Falls National Park is perfect to explore on a game drive during the dry season which starts from June to September and December to February.
This park is largely a savanna grassland, woodland, wetlands and tropical forest and given the nature of habitat, it is a perfect place to embark on a game drive.
Bird Watching – Birding Safaris
Murchison Falls National Park is a home to over 451 bird species making it ideal birding spot in Uganda.
The birds to look out in this park include the blue napped mousebirds, chestnut crowned sparrow weaver, green winged ptyilia, black headed batis, black headed gonoleks, spotted mourning thrush and nocturnal species like nightjars. Birding safaris in this park are best done during the wet or rainy season.
Boat trip/launch cruise
A boat cruise is an exciting water sport that you need not to miss to take part while on safari in Murchison Falls National Park. It is best done starting at Paraa Landing area just at a point where the River Nile enters into Lake Albert.
It takes you to the bottom of Murchison Falls with a chance for you to spot out huge concentration of hippos, basking crocodiles, water birds like ducks, bee-eaters, shoebills, cormorants, fish eagles and many others. This water sport usually begins in the morning and in the afternoon.
Chimpanzee tracking (Chimp Trekking)
Chimpanzee tracking in this park is done in Budongo Forest. On chimpanzee trek, you have opportunity to see not only chimpanzees but also other primates including black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, baboons as well as bird species.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are best conducted on foot and mostly along the trails at Paraa which take you via low hills, forests around rivers as well as the falls.
Other sites to embark on nature walk include Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo Forest. This rewards nature lovers with incredible sights at variety of bird species, floral species among others.
Hike to the top of the falls
Once you get at the bottom of Murchison Falls, you will start your hike to the top of the falls.
It rewards hikers with astonishing sights at variety of birds and on the top of the falls, you will be amazed by the powerful waterfalls of Murchison Falls which squeezes itself in a narrow gorge of about 7 meters prior plunging into 43 meters.
Sport Fishing
Sport fishing is another thrilling water sport experience offered at Murchison Falls National Park. For avid anglers, it is a must-do water sport and you can have a chance to challenge yourself with a heavy Nile Perch.
Hot Air Balloon Tours
This is a new experience offered to tourists in Murchison Falls National Park. It offers the most breathtaking views over variety of wildlife while you are on air. Hot air balloon tours are best done only in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Top 3 Murchison Falls National Park Tour Packages
The 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari tour is one of the best game viewing tour packages which is designed for you to have an in-depth exploration on the diverse wildlife species in Murchison Falls National…
3 Days Murchison Falls Safari is a short Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park for tourists on Wildlife holiday who wish to view the big five, birds and many other wild animals. It has much to…
4 Days Murchison Falls Safari or the 4 days big five tour is a wildlife safari that takes to you to Murchison falls national park Uganda for game drives, boat cruise and hike to the falls. It will further guide you…
Best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls National Park is open to visitors throughout the year. But for visitors who are interested in game viewing, the dry season is preferably the best for you to visit this park. It starts from June to September and December to February.
However, you can also visit Murchison Falls National Park during the wet season especially if you are interested in bird watching. The rainy season at this park begins from March to May and October to November.
Murchison Falls National Park Accommodation
Sleep inside the park, there are various types of Uganda safari lodges available to choose from. These range from budget tents to luxury rooms and suites.
Checkout some of the best lodges, consider the kind of accommodation that fits your needs and budget and choose accordingly.
Luxury options: Paraa Safari Lodge/Chobe Safari Lodge Uganda/Nile Safari Lodge/Baker’s Lodge
Midrange options: Murchison River Lodge/Bwana Tembo Safari Camp/Fort Murchison/Sambiya River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Budget options: Red Chilli Rest Camp/The Heritage Safari Lodge/Boomu Womens Group Bandas/Shoebill Campsite.
Murchison Falls National Park Location
Murchison Falls National Park is in northwestern Uganda about 4-5 hours’ drive from Kampala in a good and comfortable 4×4 drive safari car. You drive via Luweero to Masindi with a chance to make a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos.
Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Chobe airstrip, Pakuba airstrip or at Bugungu.
Getting to Murchison Falls National Park:
From Kampala by Road:
The most common route is by road from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Travelers can take a road trip, covering approximately 234.2 km (4 to 5 hours), depending on traffic. The journey typically heads northwest from Kampala, passing through towns like Luweero and Masindi.
Private Vehicle:
For travellers who opt for a self-drive experience, a sturdy 4×4 vehicle is essential. Maps or GPS navigation can guide traveler along the most direct route to the park. Find the best budget safari car rentals in Uganda.
Public Transport:
There are also options for public transportation, such as buses or matatus (shared taxis), departing from Kampala to Masindi. From Masindi, travelers can arrange for additional transportation to the park, including private hires.
Air Travel:
For those seeking a quicker mode of transportation or avoiding long road trips, flying to Murchison Falls National Park is an option.
Charter Flights:
We offer charter flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield directly to airstrips near the park, like Chobe or Pakuba airstrips.
Murchison Falls National Park Map
Murchison Falls National Park is popular for its breathtaking natural waterfall, the strongest falls in the whole world.
Murchison Falls is also famous for its large population of wildlife such as the Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, African Lions, Uganda Kob, leopards, Hippopotamus and birds like the rare Shoebill stork.
It is approximately 5 hour drive from Kampala to Murchison falls via Masindi. The distance from Kampala to Murchison Falls National park is 305 km.
As of 2023, the entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park is USD $45 foreigners, $35 foreign residents for adults and $20 for children below 15 years. The East African residents pay UGX 20,000/- per adult and 5,000/- children.
Murchison falls is one of the 4 parks in Uganda where lions are found.