Murchison Falls National Park
- Updated: 2 weeks ago
- By Editorial Team
Murchison Falls National Park Safaris, Location, Best time to Visit & More
The road to Murchison isn’t just a journey—it’s a build-up. Each mile peels away the modern world. You pass roadside chapati stands, schoolchildren waving in dusty uniforms, and boda bodas carrying everything from chickens to pineapples. And then, somewhere north of Masindi, the air changes. The trees get taller. The horizon gets wider. And the silence? It begins to speak.
As soon as you arrive, a deep, steady, rising. Then, through the trees, you see it—the Nile, squeezed through a 7-metre cleft in the rock and dropped 45 metres in a screaming white curtain. That’s Murchison Falls, the most powerful waterfall in Africa. And that’s just the beginning.
Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park is a land of contrast and drama. Perfectly situate in the north, rolling savannah stretches out under wide skies where elephants march in stately silence and lions nap under whistling thorns. To the south, lush rainforest cloaks the land, home to chimpanzees, elusive leopards, and hundreds of bird species, including the preposterously rare shoebill stork.
But it’s the river that ties it all together. Boat cruises here are not just scenic—they’re electric. Hippos jostle in pods. Crocodiles sun on muddy banks. Buffalo drink with watchful eyes. You float upriver toward the base of the falls, the spray catching light like a misty halo. The roar grows louder. And just when you think nature can’t turn up the volume anymore, it does.
Murchison Falls Wildlife
There are several reasons to visit Murchison Falls NP, but importantly, Murchison is raw. It’s large with vast varieties of wildlife. It doesn’t crowd you with drama—it lets the wild unfold at its own pace.
On the northern bank, the savannah stretches like a sun-soaked carpet. Elephants move in quiet herds. Rothschild’s giraffes, found almost nowhere else, drift through acacia trees like gentle giants. And lions? They wait. Patient, golden, watching.
The Nile cleaves the park in two—and both sides throb with life. Hippos gather in pods. Nile crocodiles sun themselves on sandbanks. Shoebill storks hide in papyrus. There’s movement everywhere, but nothing feels hurried.
This is also Uganda’s best place to see four of the Big Five. Lions. Leopards. Buffalo. Elephants. And plenty of antelope, hyenas, warthogs, and over 450 bird species adding music to the stillness.
Safari Activities
Murchison isn’t a one-note park—it’s a symphony.
- Game Drives: Early morning or late afternoon, the Buligi circuit offers the best chance to see predators. It’s wild country—open, untamed, beautiful.
- Boat Safari to the Falls: This is the showstopper. You cruise slowly upriver toward the thunder. Elephants wade. Crocs slide in. And then the falls appear—like a doorway to the underworld. Mist on your skin. Thunder in your chest.
- Delta Cruise: Head downstream to the Nile Delta where shoebills might surprise you. This part of the river feels ancient—quiet, lush, alive with secrets.
- Top of the Falls Hike: Stand above the explosion. Watch the river rage and split and spray rainbows into the sun. It’s loud, wet, and unforgettable.
- Chimpanzee Tracking: Budongo Forest is nearby. Trek into the shadows to find chimps calling, chasing, grooming. It’s a different kind of magic—closer, more personal.
Murchison Falls National Park Gallery
Best Time to Visit
Murchison is between the months of December and February and June to September when the vegetation is dry. Game drives are smoother and animals are easier to spot as they gather at the riverside looking for water.
While the rainy months—March to May, October to November—bring lush green, fewer tourists, and quieter trails. Roads get muddy, but the falls are even more dramatic after rain. If you like adventure with a side of solitude, this is your season.
Accommodation
Where you stay becomes part of the story.
- Budget: Hornbill Bush Lodge is warm, simple, and full of local character. Solar showers, mosquito nets, and meals that taste like someone’s grandmother made them.
- Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge brings you close to the wild—zebras and warthogs wander the lawns. Rooms are comfy. Views are endless.
- Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge is something else entirely. Tented villas on the riverbank. Private decks. Infinity pools. Silence, broken only by the grunts of hippos. It’s wilderness with a touch of wonder.
Murchison Falls National Park Location
Murchison is found in the northwestern Uganda, touching Lake Albert and straddling the Nile. It’s Uganda’s largest national park—and one of its oldest.
The park flows with the river. From rift valley grasslands to the roaring gorge, the terrain changes like scenes in a film. You’ll feel it. From dusty roads to river breeze to jungle damp.
How to Get There
- From Kampala: The drive takes 5–6 hours. Masindi is the last big town—stock up there. Then it’s into the wild. Roads aren’t perfect, but that’s part of the charm.
- Flights: Aerolink Uganda runs daily flights to Chobe or Pakuba airstrips. One hour in the air and you’re deep in lion country.
Murchison Falls National Park Safari Tips
- Early game drives mean early mornings—pack layers and coffee.
- Bring dry bags for the boat safari—Nile spray is no joke.
- Ask about night drives—some lodges offer them, and the bush at night is a whole different story.
- Tsetse flies love blue—avoid it.
- Don’t rush. The falls deserve time.
FAQ
How close can you get to the falls?
Very close. From a boat, you get near enough to feel the spray and hear the roar shake your ribs. From the top, you can stand inches from the chasm’s edge—water thundering down at your feet. It’s safe, but it feels wild. That’s the thrill.
Can I swim in the Nile?
Not here. Between crocs and currents, it’s strictly look-don’t-touch. Lodges often have pools, though—and floating in one while watching the Nile pass is its own kind of surreal.
Is Murchison good for kids?
Yes, with some prep. Game drives are exciting, boat rides are a hit, and many lodges welcome families. Bring snacks, sunhats, and patience. And a sense of awe—kids often feel it before adults do.
What’s the difference between the falls cruise and the delta cruise?
The falls cruise goes upriver to the thunder and drama. The delta cruise goes downstream into silence and birdlife. One’s explosive, the other meditative. Do both if you can—they balance each other.
Can I combine Murchison with other parks?
Absolutely. Murchison pairs well with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (on the way), Kibale for chimps, and even Kidepo for the bold. It’s often the first chapter in a longer, unforgettable Uganda story.
How close can you get to the falls?
Very close. From a boat, you get near enough to feel the spray and hear the roar shake your ribs. From the top, you can stand inches from the chasm’s edge—water thundering down at your feet. It’s safe, but it feels wild. That’s the thrill.
Can I swim in the Nile?
Not here. Between crocs and currents, it’s strictly look-don’t-touch. Lodges often have pools, though—and floating in one while watching the Nile pass is its own kind of surreal.
Is Murchison good for kids?
Yes, with some prep. Game drives are exciting, boat rides are a hit, and many lodges welcome families. Bring snacks, sunhats, and patience. And a sense of awe—kids often feel it before adults do.
What’s the difference between the falls cruise and the delta cruise?
The falls cruise goes upriver to the thunder and drama. The delta cruise goes downstream into silence and birdlife. One’s explosive, the other meditative. Do both if you can—they balance each other.
Can I combine Murchison with other parks?
Absolutely. Murchison pairs well with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (on the way), Kibale for chimps, and even Kidepo for the bold. It’s often the first chapter in a longer, unforgettable Uganda story.
Are guided tours better than self-drive in Murchison?
Guided tours make the experience richer. Local guides know where to look, how to read tracks, and can spot a leopard tail dangling from a branch you would’ve missed. They also handle park navigation and timing, so you just sit back and soak it all in. If it’s your first time, guided is the way to go.
Do I need to book permits for Budongo chimp tracking in advance?
Yes. Budongo tracking requires permits, and they’re limited. Especially in peak seasons, book at least a month ahead. The experience is less crowded than Kibale and feels more intimate—fewer people, deeper forest, rawer emotion.
How many days should I spend in Murchison?
At least two nights, ideally three. One for the falls cruise and top-of-the-falls hike. One for a sunrise game drive and maybe a delta cruise. The extra day gives space—space to sit, breathe, and let it all settle in. Rushing Murchison means missing Murchison.
Is there malaria in the park?
Yes, so come prepared. Bring insect repellent, sleep under nets, and consult your doctor about prophylaxis before your trip. It’s manageable, and lodges are well-equipped—but protection is key.
Are drones allowed in Murchison Falls National Park?
Unfortunately, they aren’t allowed. Drones are not permitted without written authorization from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The noise and movement can disturb wildlife and other visitors. For aerial shots, request permission in advance or consider hiring a licensed drone operator familiar with local guidelines.
