Welcome to Murchison Falls National Park, it’s among the mostly visited Parks in Uganda and is the largest, covering a total area of about 3893 square kilometers.

It is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area with Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves.

This Park is renowned for its great falls, the waters gushes from the streaming River Nile and explodes through a narrow gorge cascading down to turn into a placid river. Its banks are roamed by hippos and crocodiles.

Its vegetation mainly consist of riverine forests, woodland and Savannah, it is inhabited by a range of species including Wild animals like leopards, elephants, giraffes, hartebeests, kobs, oribis to name but a few.

Flora and Fauna

Murchison’s wetlands, savannah, wetlands and tropical forests are inhabited by 76 species of mammals and about 450 species of birds. Expect to see some big mammals like Warthogs, cape buffalos, kobs, elephants, hartebeest and more.

Kaniyo Pabidi forest is home to varied primates including Chimpanzees and 360 bird species. If you are after a big collection of water bird species, then head to the Nile corridor of Murchison.

Other parts in the Park

Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests

Both forests are part of Budongo Forest Reserve, this reserve is inclusive of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area.  Trail through Kaniyo Pabidi forest run for eight kilometers up to Kichumba gate, it offers opportunities to track the Chimpanzees.

It’s as well ideal for bird watching with opportunity to sight the unique species like white hornbills, yellow-footed flycatcher, the Ituri batis and more. Then Rabongo forest is ideal for guided nature walks.

Buligi area

This grassland wilderness is set amid the Victoria Albert Niles rewarding stupendous views towards the western rift valley and DR Congo’s Lake Albert.

This area is packed with a range of Wildlife species, you can uncover all these wonders while on a three hours’ drive from Paraa passing by the Delta point. The drive is recommended either in the morning or late afternoon.

Getting there

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park is not a hustle, you can get there by road. It takes about 6-7 hours to drive from Kampala up to Murchison Falls National Park.

It’s about 305km from Kampala to this Park. The drive includes a stopover in Nakasongola for a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Masindi to have lunch. From Masindi town, its 85km up to Paraa.

You can take an alternative route through Budongo forest, this awards magnificent views across Lake Albert and the rift valley escarpments. If not that, you can access Paraa from the north through Chobe or Tangi gate close to Pakwach.

Apart from road transportation, you can reach Murchison by air transport means. Private charters are arranged on request from Entebbe up to Pakuba airstrip in Murchison.

Top Activities in Murchison

Wildlife Game Drives

A main highlight for most of customized Safaris to Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison’s Wildlife that includes Wild animals(Elephants, Buffalos, Antelopes, Lions, leopards, Warthogs, Giraffes and more), bird species, Reptiles and insects can be best uncovered by a game drive.

Travelers take in views of these animals, wilderness and sunset/rise from a Safari vehicle with pop up roof.

These drives last for about three to four hours. You can do a morning or evening drive during day. Then a night game drive is offered to sight the nocturnal species.

Nile River Boat Safari

This is the best relaxed option to take in Wildlife while embracing the cool fresh air along the waters.

These cruise expeditions offered on the waters of the falls start from the top of the falls to the bottom of the falls.

You can sight plenty of hippos wallowing, Nile crocodiles with their mouths widely open. Animals like Elephants, Buffaloes and variety of Antelope species roam the banks. There is plenty of water bird species to behold during the cruise.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

There is nothing more romantic than taking in views of the Park’s vast landscapes and Wild animals feeding from up.

Balloons rise at dawn over the savannah and client are inspired by the views of sun rise/set, tree tops and the Rift valley escarpments. This experience allows those who are photo enthusiastic to challenge their camera skills.

Bird Watching

Birding can be done from a Safari vehicle or nature walks along the Nile. This Park offers endless bird encounters and while there, you can witness why it’s listed among Uganda’s top bird watching spots.

Murchison Park consists of Savannah, Riverine Forest and Budongo Forest where birders can sight a wide variety of bird species including Savannah, Water and Forest species.

Hiking Excursions.

There are a number of great areas in the Park where you can do hiking expeditions, these daily walks reveals plenty of hidden species and offers awe-inspiring views to marvel.

Rabongo Forest, a birders paradise is the number one destination to consider for hiking while in Murchison.

You can spot the rare chimpanzees in addition to various primates like colobus monkeys, baboons and more.

Budongo Forest features several hiking trails that reveal different Wildlife species like primates, birds, Reptiles and different insect species.

Accommodation – Murchison Falls National Park is large enough and for lodging facilities it’s a point not to worry about when planning your Safari to this Park.

Plenty of accommodation facilities are reserved in this Park for visitors to stay, varying from budget, and mid-range to luxury facilities. There is an opportunity to camp in the reserved camping sites or choose to stay in the self-contained rooms.