Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest and oldest national park, and one of the most exciting safari destinations in East Africa. Here the mighty River Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and explodes over Murchison Falls, before flowing west through savannah full of elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo and hippos to Lake Albert.
Just 5 to 6 hours from Kampala, Murchison Falls combines classic game drives, a boat safari to the foot of the falls, shoebill spotting in the Nile Delta and chimpanzee tracking in nearby Budongo Forest. On the way, you can track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. In this complete guide, our Kampala team covers the best things to do, animals, entrance fees, lodges, the best time to visit, how to get there and how many days you need.
Murchison Falls National Park at a Glance
| Location | Northwestern Uganda, in Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo and Masindi districts |
| Size | About 3,840 square kilometres, Uganda's largest national park |
| Founded | 1952, one of Uganda's first national parks |
| Famous for | Murchison Falls, Nile boat safaris, giraffes, lions, elephants, shoebills |
| Wildlife | About 76 mammal species, including four of the Big Five |
| Birds | More than 450 species |
| Distance from Kampala | About 300 km, 5 to 6 hours by road, or about 1 hour by air |
| Best time | December to February and June to September |
| Managed by | Uganda Wildlife Authority |
Why Visit Murchison Falls National Park?
Few parks in Africa offer so much variety so close to a capital city. In a short trip to Murchison Falls National Park you can enjoy a game drive among giraffes and elephants, cruise the Nile past hundreds of hippos and crocodiles, stand at the top of one of the world's most powerful waterfalls and search for the rare shoebill.
Murchison Falls also fits perfectly into a longer Uganda safari. Combine it with rhino tracking at Ziwa, chimpanzees in Budongo or Kibale, and gorillas in Bwindi for a complete East African adventure. It is ideal for first-time safari travellers, families, photographers and birders.
The Falls: Where the Nile Explodes
At Murchison Falls, the River Nile, about 50 metres wide upstream, is forced through a rocky gap only about 7 metres wide before plunging around 43 metres into the pool below, known as the Devil's Cauldron. The result is a thundering wall of spray, often crowned by a rainbow. It is often described as one of the most powerful waterfalls on earth.
The falls were named in 1864 by the explorer Samuel Baker, who named them after Sir Roderick Murchison, president of the Royal Geographical Society. Over the years, famous visitors have included Ernest Hemingway, Theodore Roosevelt and members of the British royal family, and parts of the classic film The African Queen were filmed in the area.
You can see the falls in two ways: from below on the boat cruise, and from above at the Top of the Falls viewpoint, where you can feel the ground shake beneath you. Many visitors do both.
Animals in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is home to about 76 mammal species. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, Uganda kob and hippos are seen on almost every visit. You can expect:
- Four of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Rhinos are not found in the park itself, but you can track them at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way.
- Giraffes: large herds of Rothschild's (Nubian) giraffes on the northern plains, one of the best places in Uganda to see them.
- Antelopes: Uganda kob, Jackson's hartebeest, oribi, waterbuck and bushbuck.
- River life: thousands of hippos and some of the largest Nile crocodiles in Africa.
- Primates: olive baboons, patas monkeys and black-and-white colobus, plus chimpanzees in nearby Budongo Forest.
- Others: spotted hyena, warthog, side-striped jackal and many smaller mammals.
Lions are most often found on the Buligi game tracks north of the river. For a full species guide, read wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park.
10 Amazing Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park
1. Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls
The launch cruise from Paraa upstream to the foot of the falls is the highlight of most visits. Over about three hours, you pass hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalo drinking at the water's edge, along with kingfishers, bee-eaters and fish eagles, before the boat stops in view of the thundering falls. Afternoon trips offer beautiful light for photos.
2. Hike to the Top of the Falls
The Top of the Falls is where you feel the true power of the Nile. A short trail leads to viewpoints right beside the narrow gorge. Many visitors take the boat cruise to the bottom and then hike up to the top, about 45 minutes to an hour, with a vehicle waiting at the top.
3. Game Drives on the Buligi Plains
North of the Nile, the Buligi game tracks lead through open grassland and Borassus palms towards the Lake Albert Delta. This is the best area for giraffes, elephants, buffalo and lions. Early morning drives, starting around 6:30 am, offer the best wildlife and the coolest temperatures.
4. Nile Delta Cruise and Shoebill Search
A morning boat trip downstream from Paraa to the papyrus-lined Delta, where the Nile enters Lake Albert, is one of the best chances in Uganda to see the prehistoric-looking shoebill. The calm channels are also full of herons, storks and other water birds.
5. Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest, just south of the park, is a huge tropical forest with habituated chimpanzees, giant mahogany trees and forest birds. Morning treks start from Kaniyo Pabidi. It is a great alternative if you are not travelling to Kibale. Read our guide to chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest.
6. Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
On the way from Kampala, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to see wild southern white rhinos. You track them on foot with a ranger, often getting within a safe distance of a mother and calf. With Ziwa, a Murchison safari covers all of the Big Five.
7. Night Game Drives
Guided night drives reveal the park after dark, when leopards, hyenas, civets, genets and bush babies are active. Learn more in our night game drive guide.
8. Bird Watching
More than 450 bird species have been recorded in Murchison Falls National Park. Highlights include the shoebill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Goliath heron, saddle-billed stork, African skimmer, northern carmine bee-eater, rock pratincole and Pel's fishing owl. Plan a specialist trip with our Uganda birding tours.
9. Sport Fishing on the Nile
The Nile below the falls is famous for huge Nile perch and tiger fish. Sport fishing is allowed with a permit and on a catch-and-release basis, with experienced local guides.
10. Community and Cultural Visits
Communities around the park offer village walks, traditional dances, crafts and a chance to learn how people live alongside wildlife. A share of park revenue supports local schools, health centres and projects that help protect the park.
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Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
| Foreign non-resident | US$45 | US$25 |
| Foreign resident | US$35 | US$15 |
| East African citizen | UGX 25,000 | UGX 10,000 |
Fees are per person per 24 hours. Boat cruises, the Top of the Falls visit, chimp tracking, ranger guides and vehicle entry are charged separately. Uganda Wildlife Authority updates its tariff from time to time, so we always confirm current rates when you book. Compare fees across all parks in our guide to Uganda national park fees.
Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park
Lodges are found on both banks of the Nile and along the southern approach. Staying north of the river puts you closer to the game drive areas, while the south bank is closer to the Top of the Falls and Budongo.
- Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge, with river views and excellent service.
- Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Fort Murchison and Sambiya River Lodge.
- Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp, Hornbill Bush Lodge and simple campsites.
See all our recommendations in lodges in Murchison Falls National Park.
How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park
- By road from Kampala: about 300 km and 5 to 6 hours via Masindi. Most travellers stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way.
- Crossing the Nile: a bridge at Paraa now links the south and north banks of the park, replacing the old ferry, so moving between your lodge and the game drive areas is easier than before.
- By air: scheduled and charter flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi land at airstrips in and near the park, such as Pakuba, in about 1 to 1.5 hours.
For full routes, gates and travel times, see Murchison Falls location and how to get there. Prefer to drive yourself? Try a self drive safari in Uganda.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is open all year. The best game viewing is in the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September, when grass is shorter and animals gather near the river. January and February can be very hot, with afternoons above 30°C.
The wetter months bring lush green scenery, fewer visitors and great birding, with migrant species present from November to April. Read more in our guide to the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park.
How Many Days Do You Need in Murchison Falls?
- 2 days: possible but rushed. Try our 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari.
- 3 days: our recommended minimum, with a game drive, boat cruise and Top of the Falls. See the 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari.
- 4 days: adds chimp tracking in Budongo and Ziwa rhinos. See the 4 Day Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari.
- 10 days or more: combine Murchison with Queen Elizabeth and gorillas in Bwindi on our 10 Days Murchison Falls to Bwindi Safari.
How Much Does a Murchison Falls Safari Cost?
A budget to midrange Murchison Falls safari typically costs from about US$190 to US$300 per person per day, including transport, a driver-guide, accommodation, meals, park fees and the main activities. Luxury safaris cost more, depending on the lodge. Chimp tracking, rhino tracking and extra boat trips add to the price. Contact us for a quote based on your dates and group size.
Our Murchison Falls National Park Safaris
Ready to go? These private safaris to Murchison Falls National Park can start any day and be adjusted to your dates, lodges and budget.
Murchison Falls vs Queen Elizabeth: Which Park Should You Choose?
| Feature | Murchison Falls | Queen Elizabeth |
| Location | Northwest Uganda, 5 to 6 hours from Kampala | Western Uganda, near Bwindi and Kibale |
| Highlights | The falls, Nile cruise, giraffes, shoebills | Tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel, craters |
| Giraffes | Yes | No |
| Best combined with | Ziwa rhinos, Budongo chimps | Bwindi gorillas, Kibale chimps |
For a short safari from Kampala, Murchison Falls is the easier choice. If you are trekking gorillas, Queen Elizabeth National Park lies on the way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. With 10 days or more, you can enjoy both.
Is Murchison Falls National Park Safe?
Yes. Murchison Falls is one of Uganda's best-managed parks, with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers on patrol and well-established tourist routes. Follow your guide's instructions, stay in the vehicle on game drives unless told otherwise, and never walk around lodges at night without an escort, as hippos and other animals graze freely after dark. For general advice, read is Uganda safe for safari?
A Brief History of Murchison Falls National Park
The area was declared a game reserve in the early 1900s and became Murchison Falls National Park in 1952. In the 1960s it was one of Africa's top safari destinations, attracting tens of thousands of visitors a year. Wildlife suffered badly during the political unrest of the 1970s and early 1980s, when the park's rhinos were wiped out.
Since then, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and local communities have helped the park recover strongly. Elephant, buffalo and giraffe numbers have grown, rhinos are being bred at Ziwa for future reintroduction, and a share of park revenue goes back to neighbouring communities.
Murchison Falls National Park FAQs
Where is Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls National Park is in northwestern Uganda, about 300 km from Kampala, where the Nile flows into Lake Albert.
What is Murchison Falls National Park famous for?
It is famous for Murchison Falls on the River Nile, the boat cruise to the foot of the falls, large herds of giraffes and elephants, lions on the northern plains and the rare shoebill.
Can you see the Big Five in Murchison Falls?
You can see four of the Big Five in the park: lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Add a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way to complete the Big Five.
How long is the drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls?
About 5 to 6 hours by road, or about 1 to 1.5 hours by domestic flight.
Is there still a ferry at Paraa?
No. A bridge at Paraa now links the south and north banks of the Nile inside the park, replacing the old ferry.
How much is the entrance fee for Murchison Falls National Park?
For foreign non-residents, the entrance fee is US$45 per adult and US$25 per child for 24 hours. Activities are charged separately.
Plan Your Murchison Falls Safari With Tulambule
Tulambule Uganda Safaris is a licensed, 100% Ugandan-owned tour operator, planning Murchison Falls safaris since 2014. We arrange your lodge, boat cruises, game drives, ranger guides and transport, and can add Ziwa rhinos, Budongo chimps or gorillas in Bwindi. Browse more trips in our Uganda safaris and tours, or call or WhatsApp +256 782 915 447 or +256 703 171 855, or email info@tulambule.com.
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