Murchison Falls National Park
Your Murchison National Park safari with us
Are you thinking about a wildlife safari in Uganda, or are you already planning your Uganda safari? One national park you should not miss is Murchison Falls National Park. It is Uganda’s largest and oldest park. It is teeming with wildlife. And the scenery is breathtaking.
A few facts about Murchison Falls National Park
Before we tell you all about the scenery, wildlife, and activities in Murchison Falls National Park, let us first list six facts:
- Murchison Falls is Uganda oldest park, established in 1952.
- It is also the largest national park: 3,893 square kilometers.
- The Nile (the longest river on Earth) flows through the park.
- The park is home to the world’s strongest waterfall
- You can do game drives and boat cruises
- There is a large, healthy wildlife population, with Africa’s largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes.
A super diverse landscape
Murchison Falls is one the most diverse national parks in Uganda. It has a bit of everything.
In the northern part, you will see a very beautiful savanna landscape. It is grassy and dotted with Borassus palms. Around River Nile, which bisects the park, you will find wetland. It is forever green. In the south of the park, the landscape changes again – into a tropical rainforest.
You often enter the national park from the north; that is also where most of the animals are. The moment you enter the park, you find yourself in an open, rolling landscape. The views are amazingly far. Murchison Falls National Park feels endless.
There are numerous game viewing tracks. The landscape changes with the seasons: during the rainy season, it’s a vibrant green. In the dry season, it’s a golden yellow.
Lots of Wild animals
Murchison Falls National Park has a large, healthy population of wild animals.
The northern section of the park is where you will find the most animals. There are hyenas, leopards, and lions. And the latter, in particular, are impossible to miss: if you haven’t seen any lions in Murchison Falls National Park, you have probably been sleeping in your comfortable safari vehicle.
There are also so many antelopes, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes—including the Rothschild giraffe, a unique, endangered species. In the park, you will find massive Nile crocodiles that can grow up to 23 feet long. Hippos flourish. And when you have had your fill of the large animals, there is still plenty left. There are over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill. So, for birdwatchers and bird enthusiasts, Murchison Falls National Park is a paradise.
During your visit to Murchison Falls National Park, you won’t just see animals; you will also learn a great deal about them. Our expert naturalist guide will tell you about their behavior and how they live. That is possibly the most enjoyable part.
You can do all kinds of activities
Murchison Falls National Park is a big, varied park. That means there is plenty of things to do. Here are four of our favorite activities:
1. A Classic Game Drive
Let us begin with a no-brainer: the classic game drive. As we mentioned earlier, you will find a lot of big cats in Murchison Falls National Park. One of the most fun things to do in Murchison Falls National Park is drive around with the roof down and spot as many animals as possible.
2. Boat safari on the Nile
You will cruise along the Nile River towards the falls. You will see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants on the river banks. The boat trip is a must-do activity. You can do it in two ways: a private one or shared boat. We would always recommend a private boat tour. It is a bit more expensive, but you get a lot of freedom in return. You have your own guide and can stop wherever you like. If a group of elephants is in the water and you want to watch them for half an hour, you can.
3. A Walk at the Top of the Falls
A walk to the top of the fall reveals the power of the world’s strongest waterfall! Millions of liters of water tumble down an 8-meter-narrow gorge in the rift valley escarpment, making an immense roar. Exactly 360,000 liters of water flow through every second. From the top, there is a magnificent view of the falls and the exhilarating surroundings.
4. Overnight stay in a bush camp
For a true adventure, stay overnight in a bush camp in Murchison Falls National Park. Your pop-up tent will be ready on arrival. Facilities are simple but comfortable, including a bush toilet and bush shower. A dedicated team prepares meals and keeps a fire going throughout the night. In the heart of the wilderness, you’ll experience nature like never before. Listen to hyenas howl and lions roar as life unfolds around you. Bush camping is not cheap—you may pay as much or more than for an average lodge—but the experience is exclusive and unforgettable. Each day, only a limited number of guests are allowed, ensuring a private and immersive encounter with the wild.
Tip
We do have some extra tips for you. If you are driving to Murchison Falls National Park from the south, you will pass through Ziwa Rhion and Wildlife Ranch. It is one of the only two places in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild. It is a nice, easy stopover. You can also stop in the southern part of the park, in Budongo Forest Reserve. Chimpanzees, among other animals, live there.
fAQs About Murchison Falls National Park
1. How many days are recommended for a Murchison Falls Trip?
A stand-alone Murchison Falls Safari usually lasts 3 days, though we also offer 2- or 4-day options. A 2-day safari is very rushed, as the drive to and from the park takes at least 6 hours. A 3-day safari is more relaxed, giving you twice the time to explore the park.
If you want a more complete experience, including chimp tracking and a visit to Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch along the way, a 4-day safari is ideal. This keeps the pace comfortable while letting you enjoy wildlife, scenery, and activities without feeling rushed.
2. Can you describe a typical day on a Murchison Falls trip?
On the first day, you leave early from Entebbe or Kampala and reach your lodge around lunchtime. In the afternoon, most travelers enjoy a boat trip on the Nile, heading to the base of Murchison Falls to see the roaring waterfall up close. The next morning, an early game drive is common. Leaving at sunrise gives the best chance to spot lions, leopards, elephants, and other wildlife.
On a 2-day safari, you usually return to Entebbe or Kampala after the game drive, sometimes stopping at Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch to see rhinos along the way.
On longer safaris, you’ll have more time for extra activities. Options include visiting the top of Murchison Falls for stunning views, morning boat trips to the Nile delta, additional game drives and chimp trekking in Budongo Forest.
3. What is the best time of the year for a Murchison Falls trip?
Murchison Falls can be visited any time of the year. There is no bad season. For wildlife, the main dry season from December to February is best. Animals gather near water, making sightings easier. Bird watching is also good from November to April, when Palearctic migrants arrive. January and February can be very hot. Midday temperatures often reach 33°C (91°F).
The wet season runs from March to November. The landscape is greener and temperatures are milder. June and July are ideal, with less rain and pleasant weather. If you plan to trek gorillas or chimps, consider the best months. Gorilla trekking is best from December to February and June to August.
Chimp trekking is easiest from December to March and June to July. Murchison Falls always offers amazing views, wildlife, and adventure.