Uganda · National park

Murchison Falls National Park

The Nile forced through a 7 m gorge

Size

About 3,840 km²

Location

North-west Uganda

Best time

Dec–Feb and Jun–Sep

Known for

The falls · Nile boat safari

About the park

Where the Nile explodes through the rock

Murchison Falls is Uganda's largest national park. Here the Victoria Nile squeezes through a gap in the rock only about 7 m wide and plunges 43 m with a roar you feel before you see it. Below the falls the river widens into a calm, wildlife-rich channel on its way to Lake Albert.

North of the river, the savanna is home to elephant, buffalo, lion and the rare Rothschild's giraffe. South of it lies Budongo Forest, with its own chimpanzees. Boat trips on the Nile combine hippos and crocodiles with the falls and, near the delta, a chance of the prehistoric-looking shoebill.

Highlights

Why visit Murchison Falls

Nile boat safari

Cruise upstream to the foot of the falls past hippos and crocodiles.

Top of the falls

Hike to the top to feel the full force of the Nile.

Savanna game drives

Rothschild's giraffe, elephant, lion and Uganda kob on the northern plains.

Shoebill stork

Search the papyrus of the Nile delta for this rare bird.

When to visit

The dry seasons, December to February and June to September, are best for game drives as animals gather near the river. Boat trips and the falls are spectacular all year.

Wildlife you may see

Elephant, Rothschild's giraffe, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, Nile crocodile, Uganda kob, Jackson's hartebeest, chimpanzee (Budongo) and around 450 bird species including the shoebill.

Getting there

About 5–6 hours by road from Kampala, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track white rhino on foot. Scheduled flights from Entebbe land at Pakuba or Bugungu airstrips.

Visit with Asili

Trips to pair with Murchison Falls

Tailor-made

Plan your Murchison Falls safari

Start your Uganda journey at the falls, then head south for chimps and gorillas. We'll plan the route around your dates.

Enquire now