Murchison Falls national park

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, covering 3,840 square kilometers of breathtaking wilderness. It is world-renowned for the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into the Devil’s Cauldron.

The park is a safari paradise, home to over 76 mammal species and more than 450 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork. From game drives across open savannahs to boat cruises on the Victoria Nile, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, and luxury lodge stays, Murchison Falls offers an unforgettable African safari experience.

History of Murchison Falls National Park

The park was established in 1952, making it Uganda’s first official national park. Originally named Kabalega National Park, after the famous Bunyoro king, it was later renamed Murchison Falls in honor of Sir Roderick Murchison, a Scottish geologist.

In its early days, the park attracted explorers such as Winston Churchill, who described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa,” and Ernest Hemingway, who survived two plane crashes here while visiting the falls. Today, Murchison Falls remains a symbol of Uganda’s wild beauty and resilience.

Geography and Ecosystems of the Park

The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, creating two distinct ecosystems:

Northern Bank: Characterized by savannah grasslands and Borassus palm trees, this is the prime game-viewing area with elephants, giraffes, lions, and antelopes.
Southern Bank: Dominated by woodland and forest patches, it is home to chimpanzees, primates, and diverse birdlife.

Murchison Falls National Park also forms part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), which includes Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve.

The Power and Beauty of Murchison Falls

At the heart of the park lies the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter-wide gorge and plunges 43 meters into a churning pool. The sound, spray, and rainbow-filled mist create one of Africa’s most dramatic natural spectacles.

Visitors can view the falls from:

The Top of the Falls: A panoramic viewpoint where the river explodes through the gorge.
The Bottom of the Falls: Accessed by boat cruises, offering a breathtaking upward view.
The Hike to the Top: A guided trek from the river base, rewarding adventurers with stunning vistas.

graph TD
A[Nile River Flow] --> B[7m Wide Gorge]
B --> C[43m Drop]
C --> D[Devil's Cauldron Pool]
D --> E[Downstream Victoria Nile]

Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park

The park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Mammals

Elephants: Large herds roam the northern plains.
Rothschild’s Giraffes: The park harbors the world’s largest population of this endangered subspecies.
Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and hyenas dominate the predator landscape.
Antelopes: Uganda kob, hartebeest, oribi, and waterbuck are widespread.
Aquatic Giants: Hippos and Nile crocodiles thrive in the Nile.

Primates

Chimpanzees: Found in Budongo Forest, offering world-class tracking experiences.
Baboons and Colobus Monkeys: Common along forest trails.

Birds

With 450+ bird species, Murchison is a birder’s dream. Highlights include:

Shoebill stork, African fish eagle, Giant kingfisher, Grey crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird), and Abyssinian ground hornbill

Top Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Game Drives

Early morning and evening game drives across the northern savannahs reveal elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and countless antelopes. Professional guides ensure the best wildlife sightings.

Boat Cruises on the Nile

Two main boat safaris offer unique perspectives:

Cruise to the Falls: Journey upstream to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
Delta Cruise: Travel downstream toward Lake Albert, ideal for shoebill sightings.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

Guided treks in Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi allow visitors to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Hiking to the Top of the Falls

Adventurous travelers can trek from the bottom of the falls to the top, experiencing the thunder of the Nile firsthand.

Bird Watching Safaris

From wetlands to forests, birding safaris yield rare and sought-after species year-round.

Sport Fishing

The Nile is famous for Nile perch, some weighing over 100kg. Fishing excursions can be arranged on a catch-and-release basis.

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park

Dry Season (Dec–Feb, Jun–Sep): Best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather at water sources.
Wet Season (Mar–May, Oct–Nov): Excellent for bird watching and lush scenery, though some roads may be muddy.

Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park

The park offers lodges and camps for all budgets.

Luxury Lodges

Chobe Safari Lodge: Five-star luxury with an infinity pool overlooking the Nile.
Paraa Safari Lodge: Iconic lodge with classic safari charm.

Midrange Lodges

Pakuba Safari Lodge: Located in the northern game-viewing area.
Murchison River Lodge: Combines comfort with eco-friendly design.

Budget Options

Red Chilli Rest Camp: Affordable and convenient near Paraa.
Boomu Women’s Banda: A cultural stay run by a community group.

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park

By Road: 5–6 hours from Kampala via Masindi.
By Air: Domestic flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Pakuba, Bugungu, or Chobe airstrips.

Sample Safari Itineraries

3 Days Murchison Falls Safari

Day One: Kampala → Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Murchison Falls (top of the falls)
Day Two: Morning game drive → Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls
Day Three: Delta cruise or chimpanzee tracking → Return to Kampala

5 Days Murchison Falls & Chimpanzee Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kampala
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison → Evening game drive
Day 3: Morning game drive → Boat cruise to the falls
Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest
Day 5: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

Conservation and Community Involvement

Murchison Falls National Park is protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), with active conservation programs targeting:

• Anti-poaching patrols
• Rhino reintroduction via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Community-based tourism projects benefiting local residents

Tourists directly support conservation by paying park entrance fees and booking eco-friendly lodges.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Carry lightweight clothing and a hat for game drives.
Insect repellent is essential for evening activities.
A good camera with a zoom lens enhances safari experiences.
Book activities in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Murchison Falls National Park located?
It lies in northwestern Uganda, about 305 km from Kampala.

What animals can I see in Murchison Falls National Park?
Expect elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species.

Is chimpanzee tracking available in the park?
Yes, in Budongo Forest, part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area.

Can I visit Murchison Falls in 3 days?
Yes, a 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari covers game drives, boat cruises, and the falls.

What is the entrance fee for Murchison Falls National Park?
As of 2025, international visitors pay $45 per day (subject to change by UWA).

Premier safari destination

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s premier safari destination, offering the perfect blend of wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural heritage. From the thunder of the mighty falls to thrilling game drives and unforgettable boat cruises, every moment spent here is an adventure.

For travelers seeking the ultimate African safari, Murchison Falls National Park promises an experience that lingers for a lifetime.