Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area, bisected by the Victoria Nile as it carves its way from Lake Victoria toward Lake Albert. The park's centrepiece is Murchison Falls itself, where the entire volume of the Nile is forced through a gap just seven metres wide before exploding 43 metres into a churning pool below — creating what is arguably the world's most powerful waterfall.
The boat safari upstream from Paraa to the base of the falls is one of East Africa's great wildlife experiences. The riverbanks teem with hippos, Nile crocodiles (some enormous), elephants bathing in the shallows, and extraordinary birdlife including the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork — one of Africa's most sought-after bird sightings.
Game drives on the northern bank reveal open savanna populated by giraffes (the endangered Rothschild's subspecies), lions, leopards, buffalo, Jackson's hartebeest, and Uganda kob. A recently reintroduced rhino population at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (en route from Kampala) completes the Big Five experience.
Everything you need to know before booking your Murchison Falls National Park safari — from the ideal season to budget expectations and logistics.
June to September and December to March for dry season game viewing and boat safaris. The shoebill stork is best found in the Delta area during the dry season (January-March).
Park fees $40/adult/day. Budget rest camps from $30/night. Mid-range lodges $100-300/night. Luxury (Paraa Safari Lodge, Baker's Lodge) $200-600/night. Boat trip to falls $30/person. Game drive vehicles $30-50/half day.
June to September and December to March for dry season game viewing and boat safaris. The shoebill stork is best found in the Delta area during the dry season (January-March).
5-6 hours by road from Kampala. Charter flights to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrip (1 hour from Entebbe). The park is in northwestern Uganda. A new tarmac road has improved access significantly.
Murchison Falls National Park is known for incredible wildlife viewing. Top experiences include: Murchison Falls — Nile through a 7m gap, Boat safari to the base of the falls, Shoebill stork sightings, Big Four game drives (no rhino), Nile Delta birding. The specific species you'll encounter depend on the season and exact location within Murchison Falls National Park.
Park fees $40/adult/day. Budget rest camps from $30/night. Mid-range lodges $100-300/night. Luxury (Paraa Safari Lodge, Baker's Lodge) $200-600/night. Boat trip to falls $30/person. Game drive vehicles $30-50/half day.
5-6 hours by road from Kampala. Charter flights to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrip (1 hour from Entebbe). The park is in northwestern Uganda. A new tarmac road has improved access significantly.