Murchison Falls Safari Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda. It’s the largest park in the country, covering nearly 4,000 square kilometers of beautiful savannah, forest, and wetlands. The highlight of the park is the Murchison Falls - the world’s strongest waterfall. This is where the Nile – the longest river on Earth – squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge and plunges 43 meters below with great power. The roaring water creates a cloud of mist and a deep, thunder-like sound that shakes the ground and fills the air. These powerful falls were named in the 1800s by British explorers, after Roderick Murchison, who was the president of the Royal Geographical Society at the time.

But there’s more to Murchison than just the waterfall. The park is also one of Uganda’s top wildlife viewing destinations. A Murchison Falls safari, especially when combined with a stop at the nearby Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, gives you the chance to see Africa’s Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—all in one trip. 

Explore Budongo Forest within the park to track playful chimpanzees swinging through the trees. Cruise along the Nile to spot hippos, crocodiles, and the rare, prehistoric-looking shoebill stork lurking in the delta’s papyrus swamps. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, seeking big game, or just soaking in the magic of wild Uganda, a Murchison Falls safari delivers an experience that’s truly unforgettable.

Best Murchison Falls Safari Packages

Best Murchison Falls Safari Activities

1. Boat Cruise Upstream to the Falls

Hop on a boat and cruise upstream on the famous Nile River for one of the most thrilling adventures in Murchison Falls. Along the way, you’ll glide past huge hippos bubbling in the water and crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks with their mouths wide open. Waterbuck and buffalo wander close to the shore, totally calm as the boat hums by. The real excitement builds as you approach the falls—suddenly, you hear a thunderous roar and feel a cool mist on your face. That’s the power of Murchison Falls welcoming you with a wild splash! The trip will take approximately three hours. You have booked this activity in a private boat. This has a huge added value compared to the large general boat, because with a small boat you will come much closer to the wildlife. You also determine the pace yourself and it is nice to share this experience exclusively with your own group.

2. Boat Cruise Downstream to the Nile Delta

This boat ride takes you to a very special place where the Nile River spreads out into a big, green wetland before it enters Lake Albert. The area looks like a smaller version of the famous Okavango Delta in Botswana—wet, wild, and full of animals. As you float along the peaceful water, you’ll see hippos splashing, crocodiles resting on the riverbanks, and elephants playing in the water. But the best part? The birds! This place is a dream for bird lovers. You might see the colorful Saddle-billed Stork, the huge African Giant Kingfisher, and even the strange-looking Shoebill Stork, which looks like it’s from the time of dinosaurs.

3. Game Drive

Driving through the wide, open savannah is like entering a real-life nature movie. The grasslands stretch far and wide, making it easy to spot animals and birds. You’ll see the unique Uganda kobs calmly grazing beside the tall and proud Jackson’s hartebeest. Elegant Rothschild’s giraffes stroll by, moving gently across the plains. If you look closely, you might find lions lying in the shade, almost invisible in the golden grass as they rest or wait for the perfect moment to hunt. This game drive offers an exciting chance to see wildlife up close in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Africa.

4. Bush Camping

Imagine spending the night right in the heart of the wild! Bush camping in Murchison Falls National Park lets you sleep under the stars, surrounded by nature. With proper camping gear—tents, stretchers, lights, a BBQ, table, and chairs—you’ll be well set up in the middle of the bush. An armed ranger, a guide, and a cook will be with you to make sure everything is safe and comfortable. There are no toilets or running water here—just pure wilderness. But that’s part of the adventure! At night, you’ll sit by the campfire, listening to hyenas calling in the dark and watching hippos as they leave the water to graze nearby. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable—this is as wild as it gets.

5. Murchison Waterfall Walk

A walk to the top of Murchison Falls shows you the true power of nature! Here, millions of liters of water thunder through a narrow seven-meter-wide gap, crashing down with an incredible roar. Every second, about 360,000 liters of water squeeze through the gorge. From the top, the view is breathtaking—you can see the waterfall in all its glory and enjoy the stunning scenery around it. The sound, the spray, and the raw energy of the falls make this a truly unforgettable experience.

5. Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest is a magical place where you can go trekking to find wild chimpanzees. As you walk under the tall trees, you’ll smell the fresh scent of wet leaves and hear the calls of monkeys and birds high above. With the help of an expert guide, you’ll follow the sounds through the forest until you find a group of chimpanzees. Watching them is amazing—they groom each other, play, climb trees, and sometimes look right back at you. It’s a fun and unforgettable way to meet one of our closest animal relatives in the wild.

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Murchison Falls