murchison falls national park

Murchison Falls is often the first stop for visitors arriving in Uganda, and it is easy to see why. With its thundering waterfall, sweeping landscapes, abundant wildlife, prolific birdlife, and wide choice of activities, the park has something for every kind of traveller — across all ages, interests, and budgets.

Magical Natural WondersThe mighty River Nile splits the park in two. At its heart, the Murchison Falls — described as the world’s most powerful waterfall — crash through a narrow gorge, set against the lush Kaniyo-Pabidi forest and churning rapids. Where the Budongo rainforest gives way to open savannah, the park takes on a wild, remote feel. This is a landscape that has drawn legendary visitors over the years, among them Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt.

Game ViewingMurchison Falls is one of Uganda’s richest wildlife destinations. Herds of elephants and buffaloes roam the plains, lions patrol the grasslands, and you can look out for the elegant Rothschild’s giraffe, elusive leopards, spotted hyenas and a wide variety of antelope species. Rhino tracking adds to the experience, with an en-route stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see Uganda’s wild rhinos. Game drives reward visitors in both the dry and wet seasons.

AdventuresThe park is as much about experience as scenery. Hike to the top of the falls for a close-up view of the thundering water, glide along the Victoria Nile on a boat cruise past hippos and crocodiles, drift above the plains on a hot air balloon safari at sunrise, or cast a line for Nile perch on a sport-fishing excursion.

Chimpanzee TrekkingThe Budongo and Kaniyo-Pabidi forests within the park are home to chimpanzees, with trekking offered in both the morning and afternoon. Along the way you may also encounter several other primates, including monkey species and baboons.

Swanky Lodges and Tented CampsA range of lodges and camps serves every kind of traveller, among them Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Bakers Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge and Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, as well as Amuka Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge and Murchison River Lodge.

About the ParkMurchison Falls is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, established in 1952 and covering about 3,840 km². The falls form where the Nile passes through a narrow gorge and drops into what is known as the “Devil’s Cauldron.” Vegetation ranges from open grassland and woodland to tropical rainforest, supporting over 79 mammal species and more than 450 bird species, along with reptiles such as Nile crocodiles and pythons.

How You Get ThereBy road: The usual route from Kampala takes 5–6 hours, driving via Luwero, Nakasongola and Masindi and entering through the Kichumbayobo or Bugungu gates in the south. The northern gates — Tangi, Chobe, Mubako and Wankwar — suit visitors coming from Gulu, Kitgum or Kidepo Valley, with the route passing Karuma Falls.

By air: Scheduled flights run from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to the Pakuba, Bugungu or Chobe airstrips inside the park.