Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda: Everything You NEED To Know
If you’re planning a safari trip to Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park should be on your list! This park is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, a diverse landscape, and a chance to spend time on the impressive Nile River.
Use our guide to plan your Murchison Falls itinerary so that you can experience all of the best things this park has to offer.
What Is Murchison Falls National Park Known For?
Murchison Falls is the breathtaking waterfall at the center of this magnificent national park.
Is Murchison Falls The Most Powerful Waterfall In The World?
While it is not the most powerful in the world, Murchison Falls is the most powerful waterfall along the Nile River.
Sir Samual Baker, the first European to see Murchison Falls in 1864 described the experience in his book The Albert N’yanza:
“A magnificent sight burst suddenly upon us. . . . The fall of water was snow white, which had a superb effect as it contrasted with the dark cliffs that walled the river, while the graceful palms of the tropics and wild plantains perfected the beauty of the view. This was the greatest waterfall of the Nile.”
Is Murchison Falls National Park Worth Visiting?
In short, absolutely!
Murchison Falls is the largest national park in Uganda, as well as its oldest national park.
The vastness of the park incorporates sections of savannah grassland dotted with Borassus palms and Acacia trees in the North, and woodland and forests in the South.
This park also provides constant opportunities to see the remarkable wildlife in Uganda, whether driving through the grassland, trekking in the forest, or cruising along the Nile River. Murchison Falls National Park is home to four of the “Big Five” most fierce mammals; lions, elephants, buffalos, and leopards. Opportunities to see rhinos, the last of the “Big Five” mammals, as well as chimpanzees, birds, Nile crocodiles, and other animals are available.
What To Do In Murchison Falls National Park?
1. Murchison Falls Safari
A trip to Murchison Falls National Park would not be complete without a game drive. The largest national park in Uganda is home to 76 different mammal species.
Giraffes are well known in this national park. You can also find large herds of elephants, water buffalo, Uganda kob, and warthogs. If you make your way to the Nile delta, you are sure to find large herds of hippos resting in the cool water.
If you have your heart set on sighting lions or leopards, you’ll want to plan on an evening game drive. During this time you’ll have the best chance of catching the big cats making their way out to the savannah for hunting.
2. Nile Boat Trip
When visiting Murchison Falls National Park, we highly suggest making time for the boat cruise. Not only will you be able to enjoy drifting along the longest river in the world, but there are ample opportunities to see animals along the banks of the Nile.
The climax of the boat cruise is making your way to the namesake of the national park, Murchison Falls. Though it is not the tallest waterfall, the power of the water pushing through an 8 meter wide gorge is a remarkable event for the senses.
The plunging of the powerful water creates a thunderous roar into the “Devil’s Cauldron”. The mist from the water also provides the conditions for a near permanent rainbow above the falls.
If you’re looking to hike to the top of Murchison Falls, you can also get dropped off at one of the hiking points from the boat cruise.
3. Murchison Falls Hike
If you’re looking for an activity to stretch your legs, hiking to the top of Murchison Falls should be added to your itinerary. In our experience, the best way to hike the falls is to start with the Nile boat cruise. As you make your way to Murchison Falls, the boat will drop you at Baker’s Point at the base of the falls.
It has been said that Baker’s Point is the location Sir Samuel Baker stood in 1864 when he admired the beauty of Murchison Falls for the first time.
From this point, you can hike for approximately 30 minutes up to the top of the falls and experience the sensory overload at eye level. The spraying from the Nile River being pushed through the small gorge makes conditions quite wet. We highly recommend wearing sturdy shoes to avoid slipping.
If you want to experience the roar and shaking of Murchison Falls without much hiking, you can also drive. During your game drive stop at the north bank and there is a set of steps that will lead you within a few meters of the mighty Murchison Falls.
4. Bird Watching
Murchison Falls National Park is home to 451 species of birds. The most notable of the bird is the Shoebill Stork. You have the best chance of seeing this elusive bird during the dry season from January to March.
Other common bird species that you can see in Murchison are the Marabou Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretary Birds, Black-bellied Bustards, Open-billed Storks, and Widow Bird.
If you want to spot other bird species, we recommend staying close to the river where the woodlands are more prominent. In these thicketed areas, you will be graced by numerous Swallow-tailed and Red-throated Bee-eaters, among many others.
5. Chimp Trekking
Budongo Forest Reserve is the natural habitat for many chimpanzees in Uganda. In addition to over 600 chimpanzees, Budongo is home to a number of other primate species, small mammals, birds, and butterflies.
For the best chimp trekking experience, you’ll want to book a guided walk through Budongo Eco Lodge. You will have the chance to walk through the largest natural mahogany forest in East Africa and spend an hour with the chimps as they go about their daily life.
If you’re looking for more in depth contact with the chimps, you can book a chimpanzee habituation experience. During this full-day activity, you will join the habituation and research team at Budongo to go out to study and habituate the chimpanzees.
While watching the chimps’ daily routines from waking up, finding food, playing, and resting, you will also learn from the research staff about forest botany, chimpanzee behavior, and the personalities of the individual chimps.
6. Rhino Tracking
If you want to get a glimpse of the last of the “Big Five” mammals in Uganda, add Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to your itinerary.
The rhino population in Uganda dramatically dropped due to poaching and previous civil conflict. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is currently home to 32 white rhinos. While there are no rhinos living freely in any of the national parks, there are plans to release the sanctuary rhinos into the wild when their population is large enough.
At Ziwa you will have the opportunity to explore the sanctuary with a ranger guide. You can track these magnificent and endangered rhinos on foot to see them in their natural habitat. There are also activities at the sanctuary for birding fans. Over 300 species of birds live in the sanctuary, including the elusive Shoebill Stork.
Stay At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
If one afternoon of rhino trekking isn’t enough for you, make plans to stay a night or two. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers affordable accommodation, including camping, backpacker, and bed and breakfast options on site. If you are looking for a little more luxury, check out accommodation at Amuka Lodge.
7. Hot Air Balloon Ride
What better way to see Murchison Falls than from above! Dream Balloons can make that happen and promise an unforgettable safari experience.
You can choose to go for a sunrise safari, which includes a bush breakfast, or a sundowner safari. During the hot air balloon ride, you will spend an hour taking in the bird-eye view of the park.
Dream Balloons can carry up to 8 passengers at a time. They have a growing fleet of hot air balloons and will eventually be able to take trips with up to 16 passengers at once.
9. Cultural Tour
Uganda is incredibly culturally diverse. We recommend a stop at Mubaku Community Conservation Organization if you want to interact with some of the locals during your trip to Murchison Falls.
The organization hosts a craft shop with carved sculptures and woven items made by community members. They also bring cultural groups together to perform songs and dances. These initiatives and the tourism industry help to sustain the Mubaku community, which doesn’t have many other economic activities available in the area.
Where Is Murchison Falls National Park Located?
Located in the northwestern part of the country, Murchison Falls is the largest national park in Uganda. This lush park is bordered by numerous bodies of water, including Lake Albert, the Victoria Nile, and Karuma Falls, as well as various forest reserves.
How To Get To Murchison Falls National Park?
There are a couple of ways to get to Murchison Falls National Park. Here are the options you can consider for your trip:
By Car
Most people who visit Murchison Falls Park drive. There are multiple entrance gates that provide access to the park. Your drive time will largely depend on the gate you enter from or where you plan to begin your visit first.
From the North
There are four gates to enter Murchison Falls National Park from the northern banks of the Nile; Chobe, Wankwar, Mubako, and Tangi. Tangi gate is approximately 5.5 hours from Kampala. Alternatively, if you’re traveling from Gulu, you can reach this gate in under 2 hours.
From the South
You can also enter the park from one of the two southern gates, Kichumbanyobo or Bugungu. The more scenic of the routes is through Kichumanyobo, which is just under 5 hours drive from Kampala. You can also make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and continue to Kichumbanyobo gate, for a 4-hour travel journey.
If you plan to travel to Murchison Falls National Park from the southern gate, you will have to use the Paraa ferry to 1) access the lodges on the northern bank and 2) go for a game drive if you are staying on the southern bank.
The ferry ride between the Nile’s northern and southern banks have a daily schedule:
AM – 7, 9, 11
PM – 12, 2, 4, 6, 7
If you do plan on driving to Murchison Falls National Park, we recommend hiring a driver or tour company that can figure out the best route and logistics for you. This way you will also have maximum enjoyment during your trip.
Our go-to tour company for safaris is Northern Nature Safaris. Aside from their great service and knowledge, they have a great relationship with businesses and rangers at the national parks in Uganda.
By Plane
If you fly to Murchison Falls by plane, you’ll want to book a plane ticket through Aerolink or Eagle Air.
The plane ride from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park is approximately one hour. Your destination airstrip (Chobe, Pakuba, or Budungu) will depend on which area of the park you plan to stay.
It is necessary to coordinate your flight arrival with your hotel so that someone can pick you up and have a vehicle reserved for your game drives during your stay.
Murchison Falls National Park Hotels and Accommodation
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and most well established park in Uganda, which means there are a lot of accommodation options for any budget.
Whether you’re looking to spend as little as possible for a place to rest your head, or you’re willing to splurge, this is what you need to know:
Budget Stay
Red Chili is one of our favorite budget accommodations in Murchison Falls. They have options for extreme DIY budget travelers ($8 to pitch your own tent) to self-contained twin bandas for $55.
The camp is a two minute drive to the Paraa ferry crossing if you plan to do activities in the park. We have encountered many visitors during our stays though, including warthogs and hippos!
Uganda Wildlife Authority has a campsite located at the top of Murchison Falls if you’re looking for a place to call home with a view.
To book a campsite, you will have to contact UWA and make arrangements.
Budongo Eco Lodge is on the outskirts of Murchison Falls near Masindi town. You shouldn’t feel left out of the action while staying here though! This lodge is situated inside of Budongo Forest Reserve, which is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda.
If you’re looking for an affordable eco-tourism experience, Budongo Eco Lodge offers dormitory room bunks for $36.
Mid-Range Stay
Sambiya River Lodge is a birder’s paradise. This eco-lodge sits along the Sambiya River and is only 20 minutes from the top of Murchison Falls. When you’re not on the lookout for birds, you can enjoy watching the wildlife along the river.
Enjoy local charm and service while staying at Sambiya River Lodge. You will also be able to relax by the pool after returning from your game drive.
Sambiya River Lodge has thatched cottages and bandas for guest accommodation. The prices will vary depending on the high and low seasons, as well as holidays.
Sitting directly on the southern bank of the Nile River, Murchison River Lodge is an off-grid, home away from home. The lodge is extremely family friendly and has various amenities and services available to make your family vacation enjoyable.
If you’re looking to stay at Murchison River Lodge, they offer camping, tent, and cottage options. We love the thatched cottage, which can host a family or four adults. Relax on the veranda as you swing in the hammock and take in the sound of the birds. The thatched cottage will cost you $150 per person each night, though additional people will have discounted rates.
Just a five-minute drive from the ferry, Twiga Safari Lodge is a small lodge along the river Nile. In their elevated cottages, Twiga Safari Lodge brings together the best of camping, traditional thatched roofs, and comfort. You can book a double cottage for $160 per person during high season and $135 during low season.
Fort Murchison sits just 5km from the northern boundary of the park. You should not let this shy you away from staying at this impressive lodge! Once you enter the gate for Murchison Falls National Park, you are in the hot spot area for game drives.
At Fort Murchison, you will enjoy fine dining followed by sundowner drinks on the rooftop terrace bar while you overlook the Albert Nile. There is also a swimming pool at the lodge that welcomes the occasional elephant visitor.
During your stay at Fort Murchison, you can choose to stay in their non-self-contained safari tents or en-suite rooms. A double tent will cost you $110, while the double room goes for $200.
Our favorite mid-range accommodation when visiting Murchison Falls National Park is Pakuba Safari Lodge. Pakuba is a stone’s throw away from the Victoria Nile Delta, which is the hub of the animal congregation in the park. While everyone makes their way here for the best safari experience, the wildlife is in your backyard.
Pakuba Safari Lodge also has a deep historical connection in the park. The current lodge as it stands is a modern incarnation of the former state lodge that was frequently visited by then President Idi Amin. Some of the ruins of the old lodge can still be seen near Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Luxury Stay
✅ Nile Safari Lodge
Nile Safari Lodge is one of the newest luxury accommodation options in Murchison Falls National Park. The secluded bandas at the lodge sit on the southern bank of the Nile river and bring together a perfect mix of traditional and modern touches for the most luxurious and relaxing stay.
The lodge also has a breathtaking infinity pool overlooking the Nile, a massage house, a yoga deck, and luxurious monsoon showers in all of the rooms.
You can book a deluxe banda during the low season for $530 or $880 during the high season. If you plan to travel with a larger group, we recommend booking the Family Villa at Nile Safari Lodge. Here you can enjoy a living space, terrace, your own swimming pool for $2100 per night during low season and $3100 during high season.
✅ Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge is a two minute drive from the river bank after crossing the ferry. If you plan to partake in a lot of activities on the Nile, Paraa is a prime luxury location.
No luxury resort would be complete without a pool. The swimming pool at Paraa offers a cool respite after a bush safari, and the swim-up bar is an added bonus! You should also look forward to barbeque night at the lodge, which comes along with outstanding entertainment by a local dance troupe.
A standard double room at Paraa Safari Lodge will cost you $384 per person per night. If you want to live like royalty for a few nights, check out the Queen’s Cottage, which goes for $982 per night.
✅ Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge sits on the northern bank of the Nile River. A sister hotel to Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe oozes luxury and serenity from the moment you step into the lobby. The biggest draw to this hotel though is just outside the lobby.
You will have your breath taken away by the gorgeous three-tiered pool that overlooks the Nile. In 2011, CNN listed Chobe’s health club gym as having one of the most amazing views in the world.
A standard double room at Chobe will cost you $397 per person per night. If you really want an unforgettable experience, opt for the super deluxe safari tent for $582 per night, and enjoy some privacy from your balcony on the banks of the Nile River.
What Are The Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees?
The park entrance fees for foreign non-residents (FNR) at the national park are $40 per day. For children, the entrance fees are $20.
Assuming that your tour vehicle has Ugandan registration plates, you will also need to pay a one time $15 for the vehicle entrance fee.
If you will be crossing the ferry to enter Murchison Falls National Park, you will also be charged between 20,000 and 40,000 Uganda Shillings for the vehicle and 5,000 Uganda Shillings per passenger.
For a complete list of all the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariffs, you can look here.
How Many Days Do You Need In Murchison Falls National Park?
In our opinion, Murchison Falls National Park is the easiest place to visit and see animals in Uganda.
It is also the most well-established park in Uganda, so your travel and stay will surely be comfortable. You could make plans to spend a week exploring all the beauty and nature Murchison has to offer.
But overall, we feel that you should spend at least two full days in the park. There is a lot of experience, but you’ll get a good feel for Murchison Falls National Park.
How Is Murchison Falls Weather?
Murchison Falls National Park has a tropical climate meaning that it has high temperatures throughout the year and generally high humidity and precipitation.
The wet seasons in Murchison fall between March to November. March to May is the beginning of the rainy season, so you should not expect a lot of rain. June and July tend to be the driest months of the rainy season. August to November are the wettest months of the rainy season, with October being the wettest. Rain is not expected every day, though rainfall with be extraordinarily heavy when it does come. Temperatures during the day average around 31°C/88°F, while at night they average 20°C/68°.
The dry season runs from December to February. During these warmest months of the year, temperatures average 33°C/91°F during the day and 18°C/64°F at night. Although the temperatures can be high, the heat during the dry season is dry, rather than humid, so you should not feel uncomfortable.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison has fair weather almost year round, so you can plan a visit any time during the year.
The best time to visit Murchison Falls is during the dry season between December and February. If the potential of some rainfall does not bother you, the rainy season months from June to November still provide excellent opportunities to see big game, birds, and enjoy other activities in the park.
How To Prepare For Your Murchison Visit
You won’t need to pack a lot of special items for your trip to Murchison. If you bring light clothing that can be layered in the evening, then you will be ready for any experience at the park.
If you plan to do any hiking around Murchison Falls or the forest reserves, we recommend bringing waterproof boots or another sturdy shoe for walking in bushy or wet conditions.
You will also want to carry sunscreen and mosquito repellent to protect you from the equatorial sun and any mosquitos or tsetse flies that may find you attractive.
Most of the tariffs for entrance fees and park activities for foreign visitors are paid in US Dollars. You will want to carry along enough USD that is not folded, damaged, or marked up. Make sure that notes are also newer than 2009, as anything older will not be accepted by banks in Uganda.
Read More: What Is The Best Clothing To Wear In Uganda? 21+ ESSENTIAL Tips To Guide Your Packing List
Where To Visit Next?
Murchison Falls National Park is only the beginning of Uganda’s natural beauty. You can continue exploring the country’s wildlife up north in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Whether you’re just starting your trip in Uganda or you are making your way back home, you can also head south and check out all of the exciting things to do in Kampala and Entebbe.
The Wrap Up: Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is the most popular national park in Uganda, and for good reason. There is an abundance of wildlife everywhere you look. Murchison Falls also has many opportunities to stretch your legs on a hike or forest walk.
Not to mention, you can cruise down the Nile river with an ice cold Ugandan Nile Special beer in hand.
See for yourself how amazing this remarkable park is and add the complete guide for Murchison Falls National Park to your itinerary. Following our suggestions, you won’t miss a thing.