Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and one of its most famous parks. Here, the mighty Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges into the “Devil’s Cauldron,” creating a stunning waterfall that’s a highlight of the park.
Established in 1952, the park spans savannas dotted with palm trees, dense woodlands, and peaceful riverbanks. It’s a place full of history and natural beauty, perfect for anyone who loves wildlife. Murchison Falls was even a filming location for the classic movie “The African Queen.”
- Witness the incredible sight of Murchison Falls where the Nile makes a dramatic drop.
- Wander through diverse landscapes from open savannas to thick forests.
- See elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes roaming freely along the water.
- Keep an eye out for hippos and crocodiles in the river and spot hundreds of bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park combines breathtaking natural wonders with rich biodiversity which makes it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquillity and adventure.
Best Time To Visit
Discover the raw power and serene beauty of Murchison Falls National Park, a spectacle of nature’s force and elegance.
The dry season, from December to February, is the ideal time to visit Murchison Falls National Park. This is when you can easily spot wildlife gathering at water sources under the clear, sunny skies.
There’s hardly any rain, which also means fewer mosquitoes and less risk of getting malaria. Just remember, it can get really hot in January and February, which might be tough for some visitors.
During the wet season, from June to November, the park turns lush and green. It’s beautiful, with fewer visitors and sometimes lower prices in April and May.
You can still see plenty of animals, and the rain doesn’t usually stop the fun. But after heavy rains, some paths might get a bit muddy and hard to walk on.
Wildlife
Murchison Falls National Park is teeming with wildlife, including four of the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalos, and leopards. The only one missing is the rhino.
You’ll find elephants and buffalos easily as you explore the park. Lions are common too, and they often hunt the Uganda kobs that live here in large numbers.
You can also see a variety of other animals like oribi, hartebeests, waterbucks, duikers, and bushbucks wandering around. The Nile running through the park is full of hippos and crocodiles.
One special sight in the park is the large herds of Rothschild’s giraffes. Leopards are around but harder to spot, often seen near Pakuba Lodge. The plains might surprise you with sightings of rare patas monkeys.
Plus, if you venture into the nearby Budongo Forest, you can even track chimpanzees, making every visit to the park a unique adventure.
In Murchison Falls National Park, you can spot lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos, along with giraffes, antelopes like waterbucks and kobs, hippos, and many birds.
You can go on game drives, take boat trips to see the falls, hike up to the falls, watch birds, walk through nature, and even track chimpanzees in the nearby forest.
The park is famous for the beautiful Murchison Falls, the wide-open savannas filled with animals, and the Victoria Nile, which is great for boat rides to see animals and birds.
It’s great to visit from June to October because it’s easier to see animals and the weather is nice for exploring. March to May is also good for seeing green scenery and animals, though it might be a bit wet.
You can fly from Entebbe Airport to airstrips near the park or drive from Kampala, which takes about 5 to 6 hours.
Wildlife
Home to 76 mammal species and 451 bird types.
Boat Rides
Cruise the Nile from Paraa, and spot wildlife and birds waterside.
Hot Air Balloon
See sunrise, sunset, and landscapes from above; champagne breakfast included.
Hiking
Trek to the falls, demanding but rewarding with stunning views.
Sport Fishing
Catch Nile perch and other fish in thrilling sport fishing sessions.
Cultural Encounters
Experience local culture, dances, and traditions at nearby communities.
