Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s biggest National Park and also one of the most explored African safari destinations. Find a complete travel guide to Murchison Falls NP; location, wildlife/animals, safari activities, accommodation, and how to get there.

Initially referred to as Kabalega National Park, Murchison Falls NP is undoubtedly the leading African safari destination in Uganda, home to one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls –Murchison Waterfalls where the park derives its name. This scenic waterfall squeezes itself into a narrow rock that measures about 7 to 8m and after, it plunges 43m. It emits huge volume of water amounting up to 300 cubic meters per second and creates a permanent rainbow.

Murchison Falls National Park was officially designated as Uganda’s Game Reserve in 1926 and in 1952, it became a National Park. The park sits on the land area measuring up to 3840m making it the country’s largest park.

Location

Spanning over 3840 sq.km, Murchison Falls Park is amazingly the only wildlife park that is located in Northwestern Uganda. From the heart of Kampala or Entebbe city to Murchison Falls NP, visitors drive for 6 to 7 hours. This protected area’s boundaries extend to cover parts of Bunyoro Escarpment and districts of Northwestern Uganda; Kiryandongo, Buliisa, Nwoya and Masindi.

Animals/Wildlife

Murchison Falls National Park is endowed with diversity of animals and accounts for more than 76 mammal species, 451 bird species, and 51 amphibian species. The common wildlife species that call this park home include bushbucks, African elephants, Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, lions, Jackson’s Hartebeest, oribis, leopards, warthogs, hyenas and varied primate species, especially chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, patas monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, etc.

Bird species

A total of up to 451 bird species survive within Murchison Falls Park. They comprise of terrestrial and aquatic species including the red-throated bee-eaters, Abyssinian ground hornbills, long-toed plovers, African quail finch, Squacco heron, Swamp flycatchers, Papyrus gonoleks, Africa darters, Giant Kingfishers, Goliath heron, Shoebill stork, Senegal thick-knee, Long-tailed nightjars, Northern red bishop, Egyptian goose, Denham’s bustards, Osprey, secretary birds, Black-headed lapwings, Malachite kingfishers, to mention but a few.

Adjacent to the park

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Before you get to Murchison Falls N/Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a must-visit destination. Founded in 2005, this nature reserve is home to white rhinos and currently, it holds over 33 rhinos. The primary goal is to breed these mammals at this reserve and later, they will be re-introduced into the wild.

Top Things to do in the park

Game/wildlife viewing

Murchison Falls National Park is a premier African safari destination in Uganda, mostly because of its exceptional game viewing experiences. The park holds 4 of the big 5 members and several other wildlife. A game drive through the game tracks in this park take between 2 and 3 hours. Embarking on a guided game drive through the game drive tracks in Murchison Falls NP allows you look out for variety of mammals, and expect to see bushbucks, African bush elephants, warthogs, lions, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, and others.

Launch or boat cruise

The beauty about boat cruise excursion in Murchison Falls Park is that you get to explore aquatic species as you navigate through the Victoria Nile, enjoy breathtaking views of the falls and take photos. It is 2-3 hours excursion and common sightings range from hippos, Nile crocodiles to water birds such as fish eagles, kingfishers and more. Aside from the Victoria Nile boat cruise that starts at the Paraa Jetty, there is also a chance to embark on the Delta boat cruise.

Chimpanzee trekking

If your interest lies on primates then a visit to Murchison Falls NP has you sorted. A trek to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat is possible at Kaniyo-Pabidi (Budongo Forest) and the overall experience takes 2-4 hours inclusive of an hour for up close and personal with these interesting primates. Over 800 chimpanzees all exist in Budongo Forest and a chimpanzee trek is all about exploring in depth about their daily behaviors, taking photos and more.

Bird watching

Birding tours enrich enthusiastic birders with incredible sightings of terrestrial and aquatic species. With more than 451 bird species, a birding excursion in this protected area allows you search for birds such as Abyssinian ground hornbills, Northern red bishops, red-throated bee-eaters, Egyptian ducks, pied, giant and malachite kingfishers, open billed storks, shoebill storks, common squacco and others.

Balloon excursions

Embark on aerial viewing over the spectacular landscape and diverse wildlife of Murchison Falls NP. You can engage in the morning (sunrise) or sunset air balloon excursion, each rewarding you with unforgettable experiences.

Sport fishing

Anglers on safari in Uganda also have something to get excited about while at Murchison Falls National Park. Sport fishing is excellently done at the base of Murchison Waterfalls and this excursion offers great challenge of catching the heaviest Nile Perch fish. Only anglers with valid permits stand a chance to participate in this adventure.

Nature walks and hikes

Nature walks and hiking in this park are best done at Kaniyo-Pabidi Forest and Rabongo Forest. The most rewarding hikes not to be missed are offered from the base of the falls 45 minutes up to the top.

Community or cultural experiences

Adjacent to the park, there are communities worth visiting and guarantee you unforgettable cultural experiences. Expect to explore the distinct cultures, traditions and other practices, and the best place to experience this is the Boomu Women’s Group located outside the Southern gate of the park.

When to visit the park

While Murchison Falls NP is considerably an all-year-round destination, the best time to get there for your wildlife safaris is during the dry season. The dry months of the year at Murchison Falls NP run from June, July, August, September, December, January to February

Accommodation facilities

Three categories of accommodation all exist within and around this park that is budget/basic, midrange (standard/moderate) and luxury. Top accommodation options include Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Parkside Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Baker’s Lodge, Fort Murchison Safari Lodge and others.

How to get there

By road or by air: Traveling by road involves setting off from Kampala/Entebbe city; about 6 hours’ drive on Luweero-Masindi route or take about 7 hours by connecting from Fort Portal-Hoima city.

By air, depart from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Bugungu, Pakuba and Chobe airstrip. Note: The access gates to Murchison Falls NP include Tangi, Mubako, Chobe, and Wankar gates to the North. To the Southern side, there is Kichumbanyobo and Bugungu gate.