Murchison Falls National Park
Experience the world’s most powerful waterfall where the mighty Nile River explodes through a narrow 6-meter gorge
Park at a Glance
The 5,072km² Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s oldest protected areas. Originally gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it was upgraded to a national park in 1952, making it Uganda’s first national park.
The 5,072km² expanse of Murchison Falls NP and the 748km² Bugungu Wildlife Reserve are bisected by the Victoria Nile which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley cliffs. The 45m Uhuru Falls is the last at the river’s energy transforms from the quiet Kyoga plateau.
The 5,072km² expanse of Murchison Falls NP and the 748km² Bugungu Wildlife Reserve are bisected by the Victoria Nile which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley cliffs. The 45m Uhuru Falls is the last at the river’s energy transforms from the quiet Kyoga plateau.
5,072 km²
Size
76
Mammal Species
450+
Bird Species
1992
Established
Wildlife & Birdlife
Home to 76 mammal species and over 450 bird species, including the Big Five
African Buffaloes
A formidable member of Africa’s “Big Five.” Look for their iconic, bossed horns .
Rothschild Giraffes
Elegant Rothschild giraffes browse the acacia woodlands and savanna.
Hippos
Large pods of hippos inhabit the Victoria Nile and its tributaries.
Lions
Prides of lions hunt across the northern savanna grasslands.
Uganda Kobs
Uganda’s national animal and a symbol of natural beauty.
Nile Crocodiles
Massive crocodiles bask along the Victoria Nile, some reaching over 5 meters in length.
African Buffaloes
A formidable member of Africa’s “Big Five.” Look for their iconic, bossed horns.
Rothschild Giraffes
Elegant Rothschild giraffes browse the acacia woodlands and savanna.
Hippos
Large pods of hippos inhabit the Victoria Nile and its tributaries.
Lions
Prides of lions hunt across the northern savanna grasslands.
Uganda Kobs
Uganda’s national animal and a symbol of natural beauty.
Nile Crocodiles
Massive crocodiles bask along the Victoria Nile, some reaching over 5 meters in length.
Activities & Attractions
Experience the diverse wildlife and spectacular landscapes of Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls Boat Cruise
The launch voyage upriver from Paraa to see the Murchison Falls exploding through the cliffs at the head of Fajao Gorge. The 3-hour return trip provides a wealth of riverside wildlife viewing.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Best Time: Morning and afternoon departures
Game Drives
The park’s prime game viewing area lies on the Buligi Peninsula, a triangle of grassland bounded by the Victoria Nile entering Lake Albert and the Albert Nile flowing out.
- Best Areas: Buligi Peninsula, Delta area
- Best Time: Early morning and late afternoon
Top of the Falls
Visitors should be sure to visit the Top of the Falls viewpoint to see hear and feel the Nile thunder through a 6m-wide gorge. The site can be reached by vehicle.
- Access: 30-minute drive from Paraa
- Experience: Dramatic viewpoint of the falls
Delta Boat Cruises
Boats also run downstream from Paraa to explore the Nile Delta where a maze of channels threads between wetland islands. Most notably the shoebill.
- Highlight: Shoebill stork sightings
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Sport Fishing
The river below Murchison Falls provides an exciting challenge for anglers with the record Nile perch landed here weighing in at a staggering 108kg.
- Target Fish: Nile perch, Tiger fish
- Best Season: Dry season (Dec-Mar)
Nature Walks
Guided nature walks in Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests offer opportunities to spot primates and forest birds in their natural habitat.
- Locations: Rabongo Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi
- Wildlife: Primates, forest birds
Access
Roads
Northern Entrance Gates:
Tangi Gate and Chobe Warwarf via Gulu.
Southern Entrance Gates:
Kichumbanyboo gate leads to Paraa area from Masindi town, which is 305km from Kampala via Hoima (about 4 hour drive). The most direct route is the 85km Masindi-Pakaa track.
Tangi Gate and Chobe Warwarf via Gulu.
Southern Entrance Gates:
Kichumbanyboo gate leads to Paraa area from Masindi town, which is 305km from Kampala via Hoima (about 4 hour drive). The most direct route is the 85km Masindi-Pakaa track.
By Air
Airfields at Pakuba (5km from Paraa) can be reached with scheduled flights in the afternoon to the park include Chobe to the east and Bugungu to the north of Pakaa.
Climate & When to Visit
Temperature
During the day, the temperature is around 25-35°C. Nights can be fairly cool in the highest regions in Uganda. Nights are cooler, dropping to around 18°C. Rainfall is low through when it arrives but it lasts torrential storms.
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September.
Game viewing is generally easier when waterpoints are concentrated around water sources and vegetation thin, providing January-April visibility when tourist numbers are lowest.
Game viewing is generally easier when waterpoints are concentrated around water sources and vegetation thin, providing January-April visibility when tourist numbers are lowest.
Accommodation
A range of privately operated accommodation facilities within and around the park
High-End Lodges
- • Nile Safari Lodge
Exclusive retreats with bespoke service and breathtaking experience.
Luxury Lodges
- • Chobe Safari Lodge
- • Baker's Lodge
- • Anyadwe House
- • Papas Camp
High-end facilities with excellent views of the Nile and professional service.
Mid-Range
- • Pakuba Safari Lodge
- • Paraa Safari Lodge
- • Murchison River Lodge
- • Twiga Lodge
- • Fort Murchison Lodge
- • Sambiya River Lodge
Comfortable accommodations with good facilities and strategic locations.
Budget Options
- • Red Chili Rest Camp
- • UWA Bandas & Campsite
- • Yebo Safari Camp
- • Heritage Safari Lodge
Affordable options including camping facilities and basic bandas.
Ready to Experience Murchison Falls?
Book your safari adventure to witness the power of Murchison Falls and encounter Uganda's incredible wildlife