Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is enjoyable all year round, but December through to February is considered the best time to visit the park. June to September is another great window to visit. 

Throughout these months, there’s little rainfall, which means the tracks leading you to wildlife during your game drives remain dry and accessible.

The dry season attracts animals to water sources, so it’s easier to spot them while out on game drives.

Getting Here

A number of routes can be used to reach the Nile at Paraa at the heart of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. The river is crossed here using a vehicle ferry which runs at roughly hourly intervals throughout the day.

Southern Entrance Gates

• Two southerly approaches to Paraa lead out of Masindi town, which is a 4 hour drive (305km) from Kampala. Along the way to Masindi is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – home to the only wildrhinos in Uganda. You can track them on foot and support this important initiative to reintroduce rhinos to protected areas. The main route from Masindi enters the Conservation Area through Kichumbanyobo Gate to pass through KaniyoPabidi Forest to Paraa (85km).
• A longer but more scenic alternative runs for 135km from Masindi to the park’s Bugungu gate, the route includes a passage through Budongo Forest and a memorable descent of the rift valley escarpment with views across Lake Albert towards the mountains of the Congo.

Northern Entrance Gates

Murchison Falls National Park can also be entered via the Chobe, Wankwar, Mubako and Tangi gates north of the Nile. These are reached from the Kampala-Pakwach Road which crosses the Nile at Karuma Falls Bridge in the northeastern corner of the park, 260km from Kampala. These gates are convenient for visitor travelling to/from Gulu town and Kidepo Valley National Park.

By Air

Pakuba Airfield, 19km from North Paraa, can be reached using chartered aircraft from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield near Kampala. Other airfields in the park include: Chobe to the East, and Bugungu – near Murchison Falls – to the south.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park offers an array of thrilling activities that can elevate your Uganda safari experience. From game drives to chimpanzee tracking and nature walks, here’s what you can look forward to when visiting the park.

Game Drives

One of the highlights of any visit to Murchison Falls National Park is the classic African safari game drive. This activity takes you through the park’s savannah, woodlands, and riverbanks where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, and more. Game drives typically take place in the early morning or late afternoon, when animals are most active.

Boat Cruise on the Nile

A boat cruise along the Nile River is a must-do activity. This serene ride offers an up-close view of the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the river dramatically crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular display of nature. Along the way, you will also encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a host of bird species, making it an unforgettable experience.

Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls

For a more adventurous experience, you can hike to the top of Murchison Falls. Starting from the base of the falls, the hike takes you through lush terrain with stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. The refreshing mist from the falls, combined with the incredible views from the top, makes this hike a memorable adventure.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

Primates enthusiasts can head to Budongo Forest, located within the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, for a chimpanzee tracking adventure. This guided trek takes you through the dense forest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Budongo Forest is also home to other primates and rich birdlife, making it a hotspot for nature lovers.

Bird Watching

Murchison Falls National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 450 bird species. Some notable birds to spot include the shoebill stork, grey-crowned crane, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and various kingfishers. Whether on a boat cruise or a nature walk, the park offers abundant opportunities for birdwatching.

Nature Walks

Exploring Murchison Falls on foot offers a more intimate connection with the environment. Nature walks, often guided, take you through the park’s forests and savannahs, where you can spot smaller wildlife, birds, and learn about the park’s ecosystems.

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Located en route to Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers an opportunity to track rhinos in the wild. This private sanctuary is home to the only white rhinos in Uganda and is dedicated to their protection and breeding. A visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an excellent complement to your safari, giving you the chance to see all of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).

Key Attractions

Murchison Falls

The park’s namesake, Murchison Falls, is the main attraction. The Nile River narrows to just 7 meters (23 feet) wide and plunges 45 meters (148 feet) down a gorge, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. You can experience the falls from a boat cruise at the bottom or by hiking to the top for a panoramic view of this natural wonder.

Wildlife Species

Murchison Falls National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and more. The park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannah to forested areas, support an abundance of species. With over 450 bird species, it is also a top destination for bird enthusiasts.

Other Conservation Areas and Forests

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary plays a crucial role in rhino conservation in Uganda. The sanctuary was established to protect the critically endangered white rhinos, which were poached to extinction in the country during the 1970s. A visit to Ziwa is a great opportunity to track these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest is a part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area and is renowned for chimpanzee tracking. This ancient forest is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Uganda’s rich biodiversity through nature walks and primate safaris.

Kaniyo Pabidi Forest

Located within the park’s boundaries, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is another excellent destination for bird watching and chimpanzee tracking. Managed by the Jane Goodall Institute, this forest is rich in birdlife, offering safaris to spot species such as the white-thighed hornbill and puvel’s illadopsis.

Rabongo Forest

For travelers seeking a remote and tranquil experience, Rabongo Forest offers an ideal spot for camping and nature walks. The forest, located within Murchison Falls National Park, is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the park’s flora and fauna while camping under the stars.