Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park: Where the Nile Explodes
Murchison Falls National Park is built around one extraordinary sight: the River Nile squeezing through a rock gap only about seven metres wide, then plunging into a churning pool below. Stand at the top and you feel the spray and the ground shake beneath you.
This is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, covering around 3,800 square kilometres in the north-west of the country. North of the Nile, rolling savannah supports giraffes, elephants, lions, buffalo and huge herds of antelope. Meanwhile, the river itself teems with hippos, crocodiles and water birds, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill.
Why Visit Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park and one of its most spectacular. Here, the mighty Nile forces its way through a gap only about seven metres wide before thundering down into a pool below. The result is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
Beyond the falls, the park offers classic savannah game drives, a wildlife-packed river and excellent birding. Consequently, it is a must for anyone planning a complete Uganda safari.
Top Things to Do in Murchison Falls
Nile boat cruise to the bottom of the falls
The afternoon launch trip travels upstream towards the base of the falls. Along the way, you pass hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and buffalo, along with a huge variety of water birds.
Hike to the top of the falls
After the cruise, you can hike to the top of the falls. Standing beside the roaring water is an unforgettable experience, and the views over the Nile are superb.
Game drives on the northern plains
North of the river, the Buligi game tracks are home to Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, lions, buffalo, Jackson’s hartebeest and large herds of Uganda kob. Morning drives give the best chance of seeing predators.
Shoebill trip in the Nile Delta
A morning boat trip to the delta, where the Nile enters Lake Albert, offers a real chance to see the rare shoebill stork.
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest
Just south of the park, Budongo Forest Reserve is home to habituated chimpanzees. It is a rewarding add-on if you are not visiting Kibale.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls
The dry seasons from December to February and June to September offer the best game viewing, because grass is shorter and animals gather near water. However, the falls are impressive all year.
How to Get to Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is about five to six hours by road from Kampala. Many itineraries stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way to track white rhinos on foot. Scheduled flights also land at the Pakuba and Bugungu airstrips.
Plan Your Murchison Falls Safari with Traford Safaris
We build Murchison into longer itineraries that continue to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi. Browse our Uganda safari packages or contact us for a custom plan.
Murchison Falls National Park FAQs
How many days should I spend in Murchison Falls?
Two to three nights let you enjoy a game drive, the boat cruise, the top of the falls and a delta trip without rushing.
Can I see rhinos in Murchison Falls?
Rhinos are not found inside the park. However, you can track them at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the drive from Kampala.
Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park
Every Traford safari is available in three styles: Signature (luxury), Classic (mid-range) and Adventurer (budget). Below are the lodges and camps we recommend most often for this park. Final choices depend on availability, your travel dates and, for gorilla parks, the sector of your permit.
Most lodges sit along the Nile near Paraa, which keeps you close to the ferry, the boat cruise and the northern game tracks.
- Signature: Baker’s Lodge on the south bank with private river access, Paraa Safari Lodge on the north bank, Chobe Safari Lodge, and Nile Safari Lodge.
- Classic: Pakuba Safari Lodge near the Albert Nile, Twiga Safari Lodge and Bwana Tembo Safari Camp near Tangi Gate.
- Adventurer: Red Chilli Rest Camp, just 500 metres from the Paraa ferry, and Shoebill Campsite.
Not sure which lodge suits you? Tell us your budget and travel style, and our reservations team will shortlist two or three options for Murchison Falls, check availability and include them in your quote. You will travel between parks in one of our own custom 4×4 Land Cruisers with a pop-up roof for game viewing, charging ports and Wi-Fi, driven by an experienced Traford driver-guide.
What Our Guests Say
Traford Safaris holds a 5.0-star rating on Google. Here is what recent travellers wrote:
“A special thank you to Sheba for creating such a wonderful itinerary and organising everything so seamlessly from start to finish.”
Paul Santos, Uganda safari · Google review ★★★★★
Why Travel with Traford Safaris
- Licensed and local: a Kampala-based company registered with the Uganda Tourism Board, planning safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
- Our own vehicles: we own and maintain our fleet of custom 4×4 Land Cruisers, with pop-up roofs, charging ports and Wi-Fi.
- Permits handled for you: we book gorilla and chimpanzee permits directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board, and confirm them before your trip.
- Private and flexible: every safari is private and tailor-made, and itineraries can start on any day that suits you.
- Three travel styles: Signature (luxury), Classic (mid-range) and Adventurer (budget), so the same itinerary can fit different budgets.
- One planner from start to finish: our reservations team, led by senior safari consultant Agaba Sheeba, stays in touch before and during your trip.
Murchison Falls National Park: Fees and Official Information
Entry fees, permit prices and park rules for Murchison Falls National Park are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Because rates change from time to time, we always confirm the latest fees when you book and show them clearly in your quote.
Want help planning? Talk to our team about your dates, budget and travel style.
