Murchison Falls National Park
Where the Nile squeezes through a gorge and thunders over the falls.
Why visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park. Its centrepiece is the Victoria Nile, which is forced through a narrow gap in the rock and drops in a roaring cascade — one of the most powerful sights in East Africa.
North of the river, open savannah supports good wildlife viewing, and the Nile itself is excellent for boat safaris, so the park rewards both land and water days.
Highlights
The falls
Reach the base by boat, or walk to the top of the falls for a close view of the water funnelling through the gorge.
Nile boat safari
Cruise upstream past hippos, crocodiles and birdlife, including the chance of spotting the shoebill.
Game drives
Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions and many antelope can be seen on the savannah north of the Nile.
Things to do
- Nile boat cruise to the falls
- Game drives
- Hike to the top of the falls
- Birding
- Chimpanzee tracking in nearby Budongo Forest
Learn more
Best time to visit
The drier months — December to February and June to August — are best for game drives. The boat cruise and the falls are impressive all year.
How to get there
Roughly 5 to 6 hours by road from Kampala, depending on the route and traffic. Many visitors cross the Nile by ferry to reach the northern game-viewing area.
Questions travellers ask
Where is Murchison Falls National Park?
In northwestern Uganda, where the Victoria Nile flows toward Lake Albert. It is the largest national park in Uganda.
What can you do at Murchison Falls?
Take a boat cruise to the base of the falls, go on game drives north of the Nile, hike to the top of the falls and go birding.
Can you see the shoebill at Murchison Falls?
The Nile’s papyrus-lined banks are a good place to look for this unusual bird, though sightings are never guaranteed.
How many days do you need at Murchison Falls?
Two to three days lets you combine a boat cruise, a game drive and the falls without rushing. We can tailor it to your itinerary.
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