Murchison Falls National Park

Experience Murchison Falls National Park

Discover Uganda’s Largest and Iconic Safari Destination

Murchison National Park is located in the North-Northwestern part of Uganda’s largest national park and the oldest conservation area, covering 3,800 sq km. This Uganda Safari Destination is famous for its dramatic landscapes, wildlife diversity, and the iconic Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous waterfall. The park’s mix of savannah, wetlands, and riverine forests provides a variety of habitats, supporting an array of animal and bird species.

Originally, Murchison National Park was gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, and was officially designated as one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. This breathtaking natural wonder marks the final act in 80km of rapids, where the river calms into a broad, tranquil stretch as it meanders towards Lake Albert.

You can witness the very famous “Big Five” (elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos). Apart from these animals, travellers may also spot hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, and a rich birdlife. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises on the Victoria Nile, game drives through open savannahs, and hiking in the foothills of the falls.

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Key Highlights

Explore the most powerful waterfall in the world, surrounded by diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife

Experiences

Unforgettable adventure across the unique forest zones, learning about biodiversity and conservation efforts.

  • Witness Majestic Waterfalls
  • Eco-Tourism Activities
  • Photography Tours
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Nature Trails Exploration

Wildlife

Indulge in wildlife encounters and explore the diversity of flora and endemic species found in this national park.

  • Big Five Spotting
  • Large Herbivores Sightings
  • Predator Sightings
  • Small Mammal Sightings
  • Aquatic Animals
  • About 451 Bird Species

Activities

Experience the world’s most powerful waterfalls, along with Uganda’s greatest wildlife and scenery viewing spots.

  • Game Drives
  • Boat Cruises
  • Hill Hiking
  • Sport Fishing
  • Chimpnazee Treakking
  • Guided Walking Safaris
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Unleash the untamed wilderness with a guided and tailor-made Uganda Safari tour

What is the Best Time to Visit?

Ideal seasons ensure better travel and wildlife experiences

The Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the Dry Season, from December to February and June to September. These months offer ideal conditions for game viewing, as animals are easier to spot around water sources and roads are more accessible for safaris.

March to May and October to November are the wet season. Generally, lush green vegetation is present, making it a great time for birdwatching. However, the rains can make some roads difficult to navigate, and the park is a bit quieter, which may appeal to those looking for a more peaceful experience.

Rich Biodiversity and Wildlife

Home to diverse species, thriving ecosystems, and unique wildlife habitats

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest conservation area, home to a diverse array of wildlife. All species under the Big Five (lions, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs and elephants) are found in this national park. Alongside this, the safari destination is home to about 50% of Uganda’s Nubian Giraffes.

The Nile River is home to the famous Nile crocodiles and hippos, making it an attractive spot for wildlife viewing and predator encounters. Boat cruises with appropriate protection allow tourists to spot hippos and crocodiles from a distance.

The adjoining Budongo Forest is famous for chimpanzee trekking and is home to about 800 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee Trekking is popular here for tracking these primates and observing them up close. Other primate species, such as olive baboons and black-and-white colobus monkeys, can also be spotted.

Over 450 species of birds are recorded in Murchison Falls National Park. Certain avian species, such as the prehistoric stork, the African Fish Eagle, the giant kingfisher, red-throated bee-eater and the African jacana.

Gallery

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Murchison Falls National Park

Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park

Highlights and iconic activities of Murchison Falls National Park include the following

Iconic Activities

Famous Spots

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FAQ

Browse through our frequently asked questions for more information

Yes, absolutely. Murchison Falls are generally safe for tourists, particularly for game drives, boat safaris, and waterfall viewing.

Murchison Falls National Park is accessed from Kampala Road (5-6 hours), about 305km from Masindi (Southern Gate) or through northern routes near Gulu (Chobe or Tangi Gates). Daily scheduled flights from Entebbe to Pakuba, Bugungu, or Chobe airstrips (1 hour) are also available for a faster, scenic trip. 

Strict adherence to rules and safety guidelines is required. A distance of about 7-10 metres should be maintained from the chimps. No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed during the chimpanzee trekking. No littering, touching animals, direct interaction, or flash photography is allowed during the trek. Participants must be at least 12 years old and free of contagious diseases.

Yes, there are numerous accommodation options near and within Murchison Falls National Park, catering to luxury, mid-range, and budget travellers.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest conservation area and is defined by the world’s most powerful waterfall, where the Nile River forces itself through a 7-metre gorge. 

Testimonials

See What Our Happy Travellers Say

  • star rating  Nairobi National Park Tour  - Each time I visit Kenya, myself and family always make a point to enjoy a Safari tour. Of my many tours, this recent tour with La Pisada is without a... read more

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    February 26, 2025

    star rating  Thank you La Pisada  - Our La Pisada driver showed up at our apt on time. He offered to drive us to get coffee, offerred us the use if his personal phone charger, and... read more

    avatar thumb Martin O
    February 25, 2025

    star rating  Top quality Safari planner and an AMAZING trip!  - Fred from La Pisada Africa Safaris planned two safaris for us in 2023: 3-days to Masai Mara, and 3-day in Amboseli. Those 6 days were amazing and every detail was... read more

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    February 27, 2025
  • star rating  An awesome safari tour with La Pisada !  - With many choices of Kenyan safari tour companies, it can be difficult to choose one. La Pisada was the best decision I made!! Communication is key for me and... read more

    avatar thumb Dina O
    February 24, 2025

    star rating  Wonderful holiday - Fred arranged a fly-in Masai Mara safari for us, followed by five days on the beach at Diani. All of the arrangements, flights and transfers went smoothly with no problems,... read more

    avatar thumb Tris S
    March 8, 2026

    star rating  Greatest experience in Kenya with Fred team  - We spent 12 stunning days in Kenya. We are 2 families with kids 10-12 yo.

    First if all, Fred designed for us the custom-made plan of the trip.... read more

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    April 8, 2025

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