Murchison Falls National Park
Straddling the mighty Nile in Uganda’s wild northwest, Murchison Falls National Park is the country’s oldest and largest protected area—and arguably its most dramatic.
This is where the world’s longest river explodes through a 7-meter gorge in a thunderous display of power, then spills into a wide, lazy stretch of water teeming with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds.
It’s a place where safari still feels untamed. Game drives across golden savannahs rival those of East Africa’s great plains. Nile cruises glide past giraffes and buffalo drinking at the water’s edge.
And rainforest trails lead you into the emerald depths of Budongo Forest, where chimpanzees call and colobus monkeys leap through the canopy.
Murchison’s scale is part of its magic—covering 3,840 square kilometers, the park supports 76 mammal species and over 450 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork.
But what makes it unforgettable is the variety. Here, you can go from sunrise game drives to sunset boat cruises, track chimps in the forest, dine by the river, or soar above it all in a hot air balloon.
This is the only safari park in Uganda where you can do it all: Big Five wildlife viewing, river safaris, chimpanzee trekking, top-tier birdwatching, and cultural encounters—all stitched together by one of Africa’s greatest rivers.
Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park
1. Game Drives
Murchison’s northern sector is where the wild pulses strongest—vast, sunlit plains scattered with borassus palms and golden grasses that stretch to the horizon.
At dawn and dusk, game drives here deliver raw, cinematic beauty: lions lounging in amber light, elephants silhouetted against the rising sun, and towers of Rothschild’s giraffes gliding past like ancient sentinels.
The Buligi Peninsula, hemmed in by the Albert Nile, is a wildlife theatre with every turn offering a fresh scene—buffalo herds thundering through dust, hartebeest locked in combat, or a leopard vanishing into tall grasses.
2. Nile Boat Cruises
Cruising the Nile in Murchison is one of the continent’s most iconic safari moments.
Upstream cruises are pure drama: the river narrows, the roar intensifies, and suddenly you’re staring up at the violent explosion of water known as Murchison Falls.
Along the way, you drift past hippos grunting in the shallows, crocodiles sunning themselves on sandy banks, and elephants casually feeding at the water’s edge.Downstream to the Albert Delta, it’s quieter, wilder—ideal for birders and romantics. The elusive shoebill often waits among the papyrus, while the river breathes slowly under the weight of the sky.
Sunset cruises bathe the landscape in honeyed gold, with silhouettes of palm trees and flocks of egrets catching fire in the last light. Champagne moments await.
3. Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls
This short but intense 45-minute climb begins at the riverbank, where you disembark after your boat cruise.
As you ascend, the Nile rages beside you—narrowing, writhing, and finally crashing through a 7-meter gorge in a ferocious blast of sound and spray.
The hike is a sweaty, thrilling effort, but the reward at the top is unforgettable: standing at the edge of Africa’s most powerful waterfall, drenched in mist, adrenaline coursing through your veins.
4. Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest
Just south of the park lies Budongo Forest Reserve—a lush, shadowy world teeming with life. This is where East Africa’s largest population of wild chimps roams free.
On a guided trek, you’ll follow their distant pant-hoots through tangled lianas and mossy trunks until you come face-to-face with a family in motion: grooming, foraging, playing, or simply staring back.
The experience is humbling and unforgettable—a moment of connection with a close cousin in the cathedral of the wild.
5. Hot Air Balloon Safari
At dawn, you lift off silently into the morning sky, rising above savannahs bathed in golden light.
From the air, the Nile gleams like a ribbon of silver, giraffes cast long shadows, and elephants become slow-moving islands in the grass.
It’s the most surreal, luxurious way to witness Murchison’s scale and serenity—followed by a champagne bush breakfast laid out in the open wild.
Few experiences say “once in a lifetime” quite like this.
6. Birdwatching Expeditions
Murchison is a birder’s dream come true, with over 450 recorded species flitting between its diverse habitats—from riverbanks and papyrus swamps to wooded savannah and gallery forest.
Watch for flashes of crimson as Carmine bee-eaters dive from sandy cliffs, or catch your breath at the prehistoric silhouette of the shoebill wading through the delta reeds.
Every birding walk or boat ride unveils new colors, calls, and surprises—each one more breathtaking than the last.
7. Community & Cultural Tours
Beyond the game drives lies a quieter, more human experience—visiting the Boomu Women’s Group near Kaniyo Pabidi.
Here, you can learn to weave baskets, cook over firewood, or dance to traditional rhythms as elders share folktales under the shade.
These encounters are respectfully led and rooted in empowerment—giving you not just souvenirs, but stories that stay with you long after the safari ends.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons offer the best wildlife viewing, photography conditions, and access to remote areas of the park.
Dry Season: December–February & June–August
These months bring sunny skies, dry tracks, and concentrated wildlife near the Nile and watering holes.
Why visit now?
Animals gather in open areas—ideal for game drives
Vegetation is low, increasing visibility
Fewer mosquitoes, lower risk of malaria
Clear skies = stunning photos and unforgettable sunrises
Drawbacks?
Peak season—expect higher lodge prices and more tourists, especially around Paraa and the Falls
Wet Season: March–May & September–November
Lush, dramatic scenery and spectacular birding define the rainy months. The landscape transforms into a vibrant green paradise.
Why visit now?
Best time for birdwatchers—migratory species are present
Lower rates at lodges and more privacy
Excellent for photographers—stormy skies and dramatic contrast
Drawbacks?
Roads can become muddy, especially around Bugungu Gate
Game viewing may be more challenging due to tall grasses
Occasional rain showers may delay activities like chimp treks or boat rides
Shoulder Months: November & May
Great compromise months—less rain, fewer crowds, and some lingering greenery. Lodges often offer mid-season discounts.
Insider tip: Want it all? Visit in early December or late February—before peak crowds, when wildlife is still visible and the landscape hasn’t dried out.
Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison offers a wide range of accommodations, from five-star lodges with infinity pools to eco-chic river camps and affordable safari lodges. Below is a curated selection by category:
Platinum
- Chobe Safari Lodge (North Bank)
- Nile Safari Lodge (South Bank)
- Baker’s Lodge (South Bank)
Gold
Paraa Safari Lodge (North Bank)
- Murchison River Lodge (South Bank)
Silver
Pakuba Safari Lodge (Northwest within the park)
- Fort Murchison Lodge (Pakwach side, North Bank)
- Budongo Eco Lodge (Near Kaniyo Pabidi, South Sector)
You can combine a night here with trips to Queen Elizabeth National Park or Lake Bunyonyi for a rich western Uganda safari circuit.
How to Get There
By Road
From Kampala/Entebbe (305–330 km): A scenic 5–6 hour drive via Masindi, exiting through Kichumbanyobo or Bugungu gates (southern side) to Paraa.
Northern route: Exit through Chobe, Tangi, Wankwar, or Purongo gates for direct access to northern park areas like the Buligi Peninsula.
Roads are mostly tarmacked; park gates close at 19:00.
By Air
- Scheduled flights via AeroLink from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Pakuba, Bugungu, or Chobe airstrips (20–30 min flight) close to major lodges
By Scheduled Transfer or Dust & Echo
- Private transfers and shuttle buses run from Kampala and Entebbe, typically including stopovers at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Entry Fees & Permits
All fees are per person/vehicle per day unless stated otherwise, valid within a 24‑hour entry period
| Category | Foreign NR (USD) | Foreign R (USD) | EAC/Ugandan (UGX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARK ENTRY – Adult | 45 | 35 | 25,000 |
| PARK ENTRY – Child (5–15 yrs) | 25 | 15 | 10,000 |
| ANNUAL PASS – Individual | – | 350 | 350,000 |
| ANNUAL PASS – Couple | – | 600 | 500,000 |
| ANNUAL PASS – Family (max 4 children) | – | 800 | 600,000 |
| VEHICLE ENTRY – Saloon car | 40 | 20,000 UGX | |
| VEHICLE ENTRY – Minibus/pick-up | 50 | 30,000 UGX | |
| VEHICLE ENTRY – Tour company 4×4 | 150 | 30,000 UGX | |
| BOAT CRUISE (up/downstream) | 30 | 25 | 30,000 |
| SELF-GUIDED GAME DRIVE (private car) | 10 | 10 | 10,000 |
| GUIDED GAME DRIVE (private car) | 20 | 15 | 20,000 |
| NIGHT GAME DRIVE (per person, UWA guide) | 40 | 35 | 40,000 |
Note: Fees updated for 2024–2025; verify with UWA at time of booking
Booking & Notes
Park activities (game drives, boat cruises, night safaris) can be booked via Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at any gate or Paraa HQ, or – more conveniently – via:
Your lodge or tour operator
Our Request a Quote form for a custom itinerary
Private experiences (chimp trekking, hot-air balloon, horseback, cultural tours) must be pre-booked.
Entry gates & flights close at dusk (gates at ~19:00); don’t be late.
Cash/MPESA preferred. Some lodges accept cards, but UWA points often don’t.
Pro tip: Arrive early for sunrise walks and game drives. Some activities fill up fast—especially in peak months.
Tips for Planning
Min 3 nights: You’ll want at least sunrise game drive, Falls cruise + hike, and chimp trek or forest walk.
Pack smart: Essential items include binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, hats, safari clothes, and sturdy walking shoes.
Fuel is limited: Fill up in Masindi before entering the park.
Morning flights are ideal: For balloon safaris and wildlife viewing—sweet light, cooler temps.
Time it right: Dry season (Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug) offers the best game visibility—but green season (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) brings bird migration and lush landscapes.
Geography, Climate & Ecosystems
Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest park at 3,840 km², spanning the Albertine Rift Valley, from the Bunyoro Escarpment to Lake Albert.
Landscapes:
- Savannah plains (northern sector) ideal for classic safari drives
- Riverine forests along the Nile
- Swamps and papyrus fringes in the Albert Delta
- Budongo Forest in the south (thick canopy, chimp habitat)
Climate:
Elevation ~600–1200 m; average 30°C day, 18°C night
Two rainy seasons (Mar–May & Sep–Nov); dry months have better wildlife concentration
Why Choose Murchison Falls NP?
Every driver’s dream: Classic African savannah packed with the Big Four (excluding rhinoceros) and nocturnal predators.
Thrilling threshold experience: A Nile cruise plus hike to the thunderous top of the Falls—raw, powerful, unfiltered.
Chimpanzee connection: Walking through Budongo Forest brings you up-close to wild chimp families.
World-class birding: Over 450 bird species including shoebill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and rare bee-eaters.
Luxury and versatility: From hot-air balloons to bush breakfasts and riverside lodges, there’s elegance to suit every style.
Unmatched variety: Enjoy game drives, boat safaris, hikes, cultural visits—and even sky-high balloon views—all in one park.
