Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park Uganda – Adventure the Worlds’ Most Powerful Waterfalls

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda. It covers an area of about 3,480 square kilometers divided by the Victoria Nile in northern Uganda. The park is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and the powerful Murchison Falls which the park is named after.

Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda has a diverse and captivating landscape that combines a mix of ecosystems and natural wonders. The park’s landscape is characterized by the following key features:

Murchison Falls

This is the park’s most iconic feature. This powerful waterfall is formed as the Nile River is forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge creating a dramatic 43-meter drop and a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Savannah Plains

The park has extensive savannah grasslands that are home to a wide range of wildlife. These open plains are popular for game drives and provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Woodlands and Forests

Murchison Falls National Park also features woodland and forested areas, particularly in the northern section of the park which are home to various bird species and primates.

Wetlands

The park includes several wetland areas and swampy regions along the Nile River and Lake Albert. These wetlands provide important habitat for waterbirds, hippos, crocodiles, and other aquatic wildlife.

Riverine Landscape

The park is divided by the Nile River, with scenic riverbanks, cliffs, and numerous channels. Boat safaris on the Nile offer a unique perspective on the park’s natural beauty.

Lake Albert

The park’s western border is formed by Lake Albert, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The lake adds to the park’s aquatic diversity and provides a picturesque backdrop to the landscape.

Waterfalls and Rapids

Apart from the famous Murchison Falls, the park also features numerous smaller waterfalls and rapids along the Nile River, offering additional opportunities for exploration and photography.

Wildlife

Murchison Falls National Park is a prime destination for game viewing and wildlife encounters due to its amazing diversity of wildlife. Its combination of waterfalls, rivers, wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and forests creates a dynamic ecosystem that supports a wide variety of plant and animal species.

The park hosts over 76 mammal species including elephants, leopards, lions, hippopotamus, lions, giraffes, buffalo, various antelope species, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and many others.

The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 450 bird species. Birds like the rare shoe-billed stork, dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, white-thighed hornbill and great blue turaco can also be spotted in the park.

The park also hosts a variety of reptile and amphibian species, including snakes, lizards, and frogs. Some of the notable reptiles you might encounter in the park include; Nile Crocodile, African Rock Python, Nile Monitor Lizard, Savannah Monitor, Agama Lizards, Chameleons, and many others.

Things to do in Murchison Falls NP

1. Game Drives

Guided game drives in our specially designed 4×4 vehicles offer an opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and encounter its rich wildlife.

The northern part of Murchison Falls National Park offers some of the best game drive experiences. Game drives in this sector take you through vast savannah plains and woodlands, providing an opportunity to spot a wide variety of wildlife.

Visiting Murchison Falls
Wildlife Adventure in Murchison Falls

Marvel at herds of buffalos, dozens of elephants, warthogs, and towering giraffes, along with bushbucks, reedbuck, duikers, kobs, oribi, and the unusual-looking hartebeest.

Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are typically conducted in the early morning or late afternoon. Morning drives are particularly rewarding as you can witness predators during their active hunting hours. Your guide will have a good idea where the lions are hiding, and you may even spot a leopard at dusk!

2. Boat Cruise

A boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park is a must-do experience that offers a unique perspective of the park’s incredible natural beauty, wildlife, and, of course, the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls.

Set sail on the Nile River to appreciate the power and beauty of Murchison Falls from below. Be ready to spot a wide range of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.

3. Bird Watching

The park’s different habitats, from savannah and woodland to the wetlands and waterways along the Nile River, provide ideal conditions for a wide range of birdlife.

Explore diverse habitats, such as riverbanks, swamps, and forests during game drives and boat cruises in search for the different bird species. Guided birdwatching tours provide valuable insights into bird behaviour, calls, and identification.

Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda Birding Safaris

The riverbanks along the Nile are teeming with bird species, especially in the wetlands and swamps. Keep an eye out for the African fish eagle, Goliath heron, grey crowned crane, pied kingfisher, and malachite kingfisher.

The delta region where the Nile flows into Lake Albert is home to numerous waterbirds and migratory species. Look for pelicans, saddle-billed storks, and spur-winged plovers, among others.

The savannah and grasslands in the park are perfect for spotting grassland species, such as the Abyssinian ground hornbill, black-bellied bustard, and the remarkable secretary bird. While the park’s woodland areas are great for finding forest and woodland species. Keep your binoculars ready for the pied hornbill, speckle-breasted woodpecker, and violet-tailed sunbird

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best places to spot the elusive shoebill stork. Guided boat safaris in the delta area provide an opportunity to search for these remarkable birds.

4. Cultural Encounters

While Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda is primarily known for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife, it also offers opportunities for cultural encounters with the local communities residing in the vicinity. These cultural experiences provide a unique dimension to your visit, allowing you to learn about the customs, traditions, and way of life of the people living in this region.

Take a guided walk through a village to meet local people, learn about their daily routines, and witness traditional practices. Enjoy traditional dance and music performances, where community members showcase their cultural heritage through dance, songs, and storytelling.

Participate in or observe craft-making demonstrations, including basket weaving, beadwork, and pottery. You can also purchase handmade crafts as souvenirs.

Savor local dishes and drinks, experiencing the flavors of traditional Ugandan cuisine. You can participate in cooking demonstrations and learn about the ingredients and cooking methods.

Visiting local schools is a great way to interact with children and educators, gaining insight into the educational system and daily life in the community. Some schools even welcome visitors to participate in activities or contribute to educational initiatives.

5. Hiking and Nature Walks

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, there are various trails and paths to explore in Murchison Falls National Park

One of the most popular hiking experiences in the park is the trail leading to the top of Murchison Falls. This moderately challenging hike takes approximately 45 minutes and rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.

The hike also allows you to witness the sheer power of the Nile River as it forces its way through the narrow gorge.

A shorter version of the hike to the top of the falls is available. This guided walk takes you to a viewpoint near the top of the falls.

Trails through Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo Forests provide sightings of many primates and birds, while those around the Nile-Albert Delta offer excellent birdwatching opportunities with possible sightings of the Shoebill.

Murchison Falls National Park
Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

6. Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Murchison Falls National Park is typically conducted in the Budongo Forest Reserve, which is situated in the southern part of the park. Budongo Forest is part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area and is home to a significant population of chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee trekking offers a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent and social primates in their natural environment.

Getting to Murchison Falls NP

Murchison Falls National Park is relatively easy to access. It’s located in northwestern Uganda, about 300 kilometers from Kampala.

The most common way to reach Murchison Falls National Park is by road. This is approximately a 5–6-hour drive from the capital city, Kampala.

For a quicker and more convenient option, you can get to Murchison Falls by taking a domestic flight from Entebbe or the other national parks in Uganda such as Queen Elizabeth, or Kidepo Valley. As your tour operator, we can help you with planning these flights all around Uganda.

Accommodation in Murchison Falls NP

Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s popular destinations that receives many tourists both local and international. The park has well-developed accommodation facilities for visitors with options for various budgets and preferences both within the park and just outside the park boundary.

When planning your stay in Murchison Falls National Park, consider factors such as location, amenities, budget, and the type of experience you’re seeking. It’s advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in this remarkable national park.

Here are some popular accommodation options within Murchison Falls National Park:

Relevant Safari Packages

Here are some of our safari packages that include a visit to Murchison Falls National Park for classic game drives, boat cruises, birding, as well as other activities.

Take a look through one or two of these packages so that you can get a good idea of what a visit to Murchison Falls National Park would feel like. Remember that regardless of your specific needs, all our safari packages can be personalized for you.