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Jun-Oct
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About Murchison Falls National Park
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.
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Why Visit Murchison Falls National Park
The top experiences that make Murchison Falls National Park worth the journey.
Plan Your Visit to Murchison Falls National Park
Everything you need to know before booking your Murchison Falls National Park safari — from the ideal season to budget expectations and logistics.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
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).
What It Costs
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.
Getting There
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.
Destinations Near Murchison Falls National Park
Combine Murchison Falls National Park with these nearby destinations for a multi-stop safari itinerary.
Uganda
Pearl of Africa
Kibale Forest National Park
Primate Capital of the World
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Discover Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Akagera National Park
Rwanda's Wilderness Reborn
Volcanoes National Park
Discover Volcanoes National Park
Frequently Asked Questions About Murchison Falls National Park
What is the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park?
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).
How do I get to Murchison Falls National Park?
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.
What wildlife can I see in Murchison Falls National Park?
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.
How much does a Murchison Falls National Park safari cost?
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.
