Murchison Falls National Park

Occupying 3840km, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda and is named after the replenishing Murchison falls located on the mighty River Nile. The waterfall was named in 1864 by Sir Samuel Baker, a British explorer who considered the astonishing waterfall to be “the most important object of the entire course of the river”. The park is also endowed with beautiful green vegetation, savanna, riverine woodland, borassus palms, and several acacia trees that contribute to the serene environment and marvelous scenery that all in all make Murchison falls national park the perfect destination for safari in Uganda.

The park is found in the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, only 4 hours away from the capital, Kampala, and has a great view of the plains and forested areas as well as a breathtaking view of the River Nile plundering into Lake Albert. The Albert Nile Corridor is Uganda’s lowest area at 612msl at the Delta. One has the opportunity to view the falls from the top, as the Nile squeezes its way through the gorge, and from below while enjoying a beautiful boat safari on the mighty River Nile.

Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park

Animals in Murchison Falls National Park

There are over 76 species of mammals that call Murchison falls national park their home. Of these, 4 belong to the category of the big five, these are the mighty lion, the leopard, the elephant, and the African buffalo. One is able to see the rhinoceros at the rhino sanctuary just 3 hours away from the park.

The animals are often seen while enjoying a splendid boat safari or during adventurous game drives through the park. The more common animals often seen are; Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Bushbucks, Jacksons Hartebeests, Oribi, waterbucks and warthogs to mentions but a few. The big cats, Leopards and Lions are easier to find in the prime of the morning as they retreat into their residences as the heat from the sun intensifies. The park is also home to several primates including Baboons, Patas monkeys, Blue monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys and Black-and-white Colobus monkeys and Chimpanzees are found in the forested area of Kaniyo Pabidi which is part of Budongo forest. Murchison falls national park is therefore guaranteed to tickle the interest of any animal enthusiast or quench the thirst of any novice adventurer.

Birds in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls national park has got over 450 bird species that nest in the park`s wonderful vegetation as well as many more migrant birds that visit the park making it a popular and ideal location for bird watching. The park has forested, swampy areas, riverine woodland, Savannah and acacia trees which all provide habitats for the birds. One can enjoy the water birds when taking a boat safari towards the delta or towards the Murchison falls. Some bird species found here include;  the elusive Shoebill, Swamp flycatcher, papyrus Gonolek, Goliath Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Northern red bishop, Squacco heron, Red-throated Bee-eater and African-Quail Finch etc. 

Safaris and Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park

The game drives at Murchison falls national park provides a perfect blend of thrilling adventure, splendid scenery and comfort. There are tracks along the banks of the mighty Nile River demarcated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority that provide a clear view of all the park has to offer. The state-of-the-art tour vehicles spare no expense in ensuring that you capture the beauty of the wild, and nature in all its glory while enjoying comfort as if you were sitted on your couch at home.

The game drive takes anything from 4 hours to an entire day depending on your interests and routes taken. Have your cameras to shoot photos of the different animals, birds and landscape but most importantly use the time to enjoy nature. The animals to look out for include; Bushbucks, Waterbucks, hartebeest, Oribi, Uganda Kobs, giraffes, Patas monkeys, Warthogs, Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards and Lions etc.

Boat safaris on the Nile /Launch trips on the Nile

The boat safaris at Murchison Falls national park run along the Victoria Nile and moves towards the falls. This boat safari provides a serene and fulfilling experience on water as one is able to enjoy the wonders of the Victoria Nile while riding on its waves. The various animals to look out for include; Crocodiles, Hippos, monitor lizards in the water and herds of Buffalo, Elephants and antelopes that come for water on the Victoria Nile. Water birds famously grace the scenery of the boat ride and provide a beautiful display of aerodynamics while playing around on the water.

The launch trip happens twice a day with a morning trip starting at 9am and afternoon at 2pm; however, one can rent a boat and take trip at their leisure. For those most interested in bird watching we recommend the boat ride to the delta where you have chances of sighting the Shoebill as it fishes.

Chimpanzee tracking at Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo Forest

Kaniyo Pabidi is a section of Budongo forest, located in the boundaries of Murchison falls national park and it is home to numerous primates for example; baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, lots of rare bird species and big game like Buffaloes, Elephants, and bush pigs with magnificent scenery. Here, one is able to track various species of primates as well enjoy breathtaking views of nature.

The chimpanzee trek normally takes  3-4 hours depending on where the chimps nested the previous night, once located the people are can stay in the presence of chimps for an hour watching them eat, play, rest and groom each other. This needs to be booked in advance with Uganda wildlife authority or Budongo Eco Lodge.

There is also an opportunity for a full day Chimpanzee habituation experience which gives more time learning and watching the chimpanzees – this also has to be booked prior to your safari.

Sport fishing

Sport fishing is allowed on the Nile after obtaining the permit from Uganda Wildlife authority through your tour operator. The waters after the falls on Victoria Nile provide some of the most exciting challenge to anglers with presence of Nile Perch.  The largest Nile perch recorded is 108kg.  Fishing is permitted in designated sites and places which require prior booking. You are encouraged to bring your own equipment.

Bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls National Park with 450 bird species was named No. 9 best birding spot in Africa by the Africa Bird Guide. Bird watching can be done while on game drive, launch trips and nature walks with a ranger guide. Because of the varied habitats, you have opportunities of watching forest birds, Savannah, water and a few of Albertine rift endemics.

Birds in Murchison Falls national park are easy to find because of its Savannah grassland. However some woodlands and forested areas make it difficult but still possible to locate the birds.  The highlights will be the numerous birds by the waters and swamp areas like the; open-billed stork, Red-throated bee–eaters (nests in the cliff by the river), Pied, malachite and Giant Kingfishers, Grey, night, commom Squacco, Striated and Goliath herons, Egyptian ducks, Spur winged lapwings, Intermediate, Great and Little Egrets. While on game drive do not miss the Abyssian ground hornbills, Black and Northern Red Bishop etc.

Nature and forest walks

The Murchison falls national park provides beautiful nature walks that enable the people to absorb the serenity of nature at its best. Most of the nature walks happen through the forests, Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forest where you have opportunities of watching the primates such as Chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkey, and numerous bird species.

The Hike up the top of Murchison falls is another exciting walk that everyone should take. Once on the boat trip from Paraa toward the ‘Devils cauldron’, stop a few meters from the bottom of the falls and take hike through the vegetation to experience the top the falls. The hike is fulfilling as you watch the waters of the Nile be squeezed through a 7m gorge. This hike takes anything between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the interests of the people and their speed at hiking.

Community walks and Cultural experiences

The Boomu women’s Group right outside the park is a worthy visit for someone who wants to engage with the local community. Take the scenic village tour as you learn about the residents everyday lives, farming, visit the black smith, demonstration of basket weaving, cooking and visit to a local school. You can choose to stay overnight in this place or just visit for a few hours and continue to the park or when leaving for Kampala. The activities will depend on how much time you have to in the area.

Routes to Murchison Falls National Park

You can access the park by taking scheduled/chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or drive from Kampala, which takes approximately 5 hours. The park has access gates from the south for people traveling from Kampala through Masindi or those traveling from Fort portal. It also has access gates in the north for people traveling from Kampala via Karuma or those traveling from Gulu or Kidepo valley national park.

Murchison Falls National Park – Safari Lodges and Camps

In the park

• Paraa Safari Lodge
• Pakuba Safari Lodge 

Park Boundaries

• Murchison River Lodgesss
• Bakers Lodge
• Fort Murchison
• Nile Safari Lodge