Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, renowned for its breathtaking waterfall, classic wildlife safaris, and the mighty Nile River. This park offers an unforgettable blend of dramatic scenery, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Brief History of Murchison Falls National Park

Established in 1952, Murchison Falls National Park covers an area of approximately 3,840 square kilometers. The park is named after the Murchison Falls, where the River Nile is forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters down to form a powerful cascade. This natural wonder was first documented by explorers Samuel and Florence Baker in 1864.

During the 1960s, the park attracted global attention, even hosting celebrities like Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, and The Queen Mother. Despite setbacks during the 1970s due to political unrest and poaching, the park has since rebounded and is now managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, playing a key role in Uganda’s conservation and tourism efforts.

Location and Landscape

Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda, straddling the districts of Masindi, Buliisa, Nwoya, and Kiryandongo. It is part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which also includes Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves.

The park is divided by the River Nile into the northern and southern sectors:

The north is more accessible and ideal for game drives, with open savannahs teeming with wildlife.

The south is more forested and home to Budongo Forest, a hotspot for chimpanzee tracking and birding.

Key features include:

The Nile River – the longest river in the world.

Murchison Falls – the park’s crown jewel.

Karuma Falls, Rabongo Forest, and Buligi Game Tracks.

What to Do at Murchison Falls National Park

1. Game Drives
Explore the northern sector on guided morning or evening game drives. The park is home to over 76 mammal species, including:

Lions

Elephants

Giraffes (Rothschild’s giraffe)

Buffaloes

Leopards

Jackson’s hartebeest

Uganda kobs

Warthogs

The Buligi, Albert, and Victoria tracks are the most rewarding game viewing routes.

2. Boat Safaris on the Nile
A highlight of any visit is the boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, expect to see:

Hippos

Nile crocodiles

Elephants and buffaloes at the riverbanks

Waterbirds like kingfishers, African fish eagles, and shoebill storks

There’s also an upstream cruise to the falls and a downstream cruise to the Nile delta into Lake Albert.

3. Hike to the Top of the Falls
For a close-up view of the thunderous Murchison Falls, take a short but steep hike to the top of the falls. The viewpoint offers incredible photography opportunities and lets you feel the sheer power of the Nile.

4. Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest
Located in the southern part of the park, Budongo Forest Reserve is home to a large population of habituated chimpanzees. Tracking them through the mahogany forest is a thrilling and educational experience.

5. Bird Watching
With over 450 bird species, Murchison is one of Uganda’s best birding destinations. Look out for:

Shoebill stork

Goliath heron

Abyssinian ground hornbill

African darter

Malachite kingfisher

Grey-crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird)

Both riverbanks and forest trails provide excellent birding opportunities.

6. Cultural Encounters
Engage with local communities around the park, including traditional dance performances, storytelling, and craft making. The Boomu Women’s Group offers authentic cultural experiences near the Kichumbanyobo gate.

How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park

By Road:
From Kampala: The drive takes about 5–6 hours (305 km), via Masindi town.

From Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: It’s about 2 hours, making it easy to combine both destinations in a Big Five Safari.

There are several park entrance gates including Kichumbanyobo, Tangi, Wankar, and Chobe.

By Air:
Scheduled and chartered flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu airstrips.

Flight time is around 1 hour, and transfers to lodges are arranged upon landing.

Accommodations at Murchison Falls National Park

The park offers a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury, located on both the northern and southern banks of the Nile.

Luxury:
Chobe Safari Lodge – High-end lodge with stunning river views and a swimming pool.

Baker’s Lodge – Intimate riverside luxury with eco-friendly design.

Paraa Safari Lodge – Classic safari lodge overlooking the Nile near the ferry crossing.

Mid-range:
Pakuba Safari Lodge – Comfortable and well-located in the northern sector.

Murchison River Lodge – Great value with thatched cottages and tents.

Twiga Safari Lodge – Spacious cottages along the Nile in the south.

Budget:
Red Chilli Rest Camp – Popular budget option with camping and bandas.

Boomu Women’s Group Camp – Community-based lodge near Budongo Forest.

Sambiya River Lodge – Affordable and peaceful, south of the park.

Murchison Falls National Park offers a classic African safari experience enriched with river adventures, primate encounters, and dramatic scenery. Whether you’re standing at the top of the world’s most powerful waterfall or watching elephants bathe in the Nile, every moment here is filled with wonder and raw natural beauty.