Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, covering about 3,893 square kilometers. It was first established as a game reserve in 1926 and became a national park in 1952. The park is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters down into the Victoria Nile.
The park is known for its scenic beauty, diverse habitats, and high concentration of wildlife. It is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and many antelope species. Birdlife is abundant, including the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and grey crowned crane. The combination of savannah, forest, wetland, and river systems makes it a key destination for wildlife viewing and nature-based experiences.
Game Drives: Explore the park on early morning or evening game drives to spot zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and giraffes.a
Game Drives
Wildlife viewing in the northern sector offers chances to see lions, giraffes, elephants, and more.
Boat Safaris
Launch trips to the base of Murchison Falls and downstream toward the Nile Delta offer excellent views of wildlife and birds.
Hike to the Top of the Falls
A short hike offers views of the falls from above, with the full force of the Nile on display.
Bird Watching
The park is home to over 450 bird species. The Nile Delta is one of the best spots for shoebill sightings.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Budongo Forest Reserve, located on the southern edge of the park, offers guided chimpanzee tracking.
Sport Fishing
Fishing for Nile perch is available in designated areas near the base of the falls.
Boat Trips: Take a guided boat ride on Lake Mburo to view hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Walking Safaris: Join a ranger-led walking safari for a close-up experience of the landscape and wildlife.
Horseback Safaris: A unique offering where you can ride through the savannah on horseback, getting closer to wildlife without a vehicle.
Bird Watching: The park has over 350 bird species, including African finfoot, papyrus gonolek, and brown-chested lapwing.
Cycling Safaris: Mountain bikes are available for guided rides through the park.
Murchison Falls National Park is about 300 kilometers northwest of Kampala. It can be reached by road via Masindi, a journey that takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Main gates include Kichumbanyobo (via Masindi), Tangi (from Pakwach), and Bugungu (from Hoima).
Chartered flights are available from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu airstrips. Transfers from the airstrip to lodges or the park interior are arranged by tour operators or lodge vehicles.
Luxury
Nile Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge
Mid-Range
Murchison River Lodge
Pakuba Safari Lodge
Fort Murchison
Budget
Red Chilli Rest Camp
Hornbill Bush Lodge
Global Village Guest House (Masindi)
Boomu Women’s Group Bandas
Sambiya River Lodge (budget rooms)