Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's Largest Park & Most Powerful Waterfall
Duration
2-4 Days
Group Size
2-12 people
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
Year Round (Best: Jun-Sep, Jan-Mar)
Photo Gallery
About This Destination
Murchison Falls National Park, locally known as Kabalega National Park, was founded in 1952 and covers 1,503 square miles, making it Uganda's largest park. Located in northwestern Uganda across Kiryandongo, Masindi, Bulisa and Nwoya districts, the park is endowed with beautiful sceneries, especially River Nile which flows through the park. The park's main attraction is the thunderous Murchison Falls, named by British explorer Sir Samuel Baker, where the mighty Nile squeezes through an 8-meter gorge and plunges 42 meters into the "Devil's Cauldron," creating the world's most powerful waterfall. The park consists mainly of wetlands, open plains, savanna grasslands, and woodlands, and is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area including Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Falls. It features large forests like Kaniyo Pabidi (with Mahogany and ironwood trees), Budongo Forest, and Rabango Forests.
Safari Highlights
Activities & Experiences
Game Drives (Morning/Afternoon/Night)
Boat Safari to Falls Base
Top of Falls Hike
Nile Delta Boat Trip
Chimpanzee Tracking
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Sport Fishing
Bird Watching
Forest Nature Walks
Cultural Village Visits
Camping Adventures
Karuma Falls Visit
Wildlife You'll Encounter
Bird Species Paradise
Murchison Falls National Park boasts being one of the best birding destinations in Uganda and Africa with over 556 recorded bird species. The park offers exceptional opportunities for both casual and serious birders.
🦅 Rare & Endemic Species
- Shoebill Stork
- Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
- Denham's Bustard
- Black Scimitar-bill
🐦 Water Birds
- African Fish Eagle
- Giant Kingfisher
- African Jacana
- Black Crake
🌳 Forest Species
- Black-billed Barbet
- Black-headed Gonolek
- Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike
- Grey-winged Ptyilia
🏞️ Savanna Birds
- African Quail-Finch
- Long-tailed Nightjar
- Eastern Grey Plantain-eater
- Black-faced Waxbill
Special Features & Details
The Mighty Murchison Falls
The Murchison Falls are the most powerful waterfalls on the planet. The Nile waters pass through a small gorge of 8m wide and plunge 42m, forming a dramatic fall with a thunderous roar into the "Devil's Cauldron." The falling water forms mist that, together with sun rays, creates an eye-catching rainbow. After the heavy fall, the waters form a very calm flow where wildlife like crocodiles, elephants, fish species, hippos, and countless bird species call home. At the top of the falls, you'll notice the ground seems to be shaking because of the heavily falling waters. You can also see the smaller Uhuru Falls before the main Murchison Falls and the famous "crocodile bar" where crocodiles of all sizes gather patiently waiting for unlucky animals dragged down by the water.
Hollywood Fame
Murchison Falls National Park was showcased to the world after the film "African Queen" starring Humphrey Bogart was filmed in the park on the Nile and at Lake Albert.
Historical Background
The falls were named by the famous British explorer Sir Samuel Baker who was mesmerized by their beauty. The Ugandan dictator Idi Amin attempted to rename the falls to Kabarega Falls (in memory of the King of Bunyoro), but this only survived during his regime. The park was affected by the Lord's Resistance Army rebellion in the 1990s, with some countries declaring it a no-go zone, but since 2005 peace has returned and tourist numbers have steadily increased.
Sport Fishing Paradise
Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda's best fishing destinations. Fishing can be done on boat cruises along the Nile River, at the bottom of the falls, at Karuma Falls, or in riverside pools. Common catches include Tiger Fish, Tilapia, and Nile Perch. The biggest fish ever caught was a Nile Perch weighing over 200 pounds. A fishing license is required, and visitors must bring their own fishing gear.
Camping Adventures
Camping requires bringing your own gear, though it can be arranged through lodges. Preferred locations include Kaniyo Pabidi Forest or wilderness areas. Camps provide firewood, water, and tents, but visitors need to bring their own food and equipment or hire them from lodges or park authorities.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Evening Game Drive
Transfer from Kampala to Murchison Falls (4-5 hours drive)
- Scenic drive through Uganda countryside
- Check-in at selected accommodation
- Lunch and rest
- Evening game drive in northern sector
- Wildlife spotting: elephants, giraffes, antelopes
- Sunset views over the savanna
Day 2: Murchison Falls Experience
Boat safari to falls and hike to the top
- Early morning boat cruise upstream on River Nile
- Wildlife viewing: hippos, crocodiles, elephants
- Bird watching including Shoebill Stork
- Arrive at base of Murchison Falls
- Hike to top of falls (45 minutes)
- Experience "Devil's Cauldron" and rainbow mists
- Visit Uhuru Falls and crocodile bar
- Afternoon rest or optional fishing
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Departure
Forest adventure and return to Kampala
- Early morning chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest
- Forest nature walk and bird watching
- Visit to local community project
- Lunch and check-out
- Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe
- Optional stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 4: Extended Safari Options
Additional activities for longer stays
- Nile Delta boat safari for serious birders
- Hot air balloon wildlife viewing at sunrise
- Cultural visit to Boom Village
- Karuma Falls excursion
- Night game drive for nocturnal species
- Sport fishing on the Nile
Best Time to Visit
June-September and January to mid-March during dry seasons for best wildlife viewing and accessibility. The park is open year-round, but roads may be challenging during heavy rains (April-May, October-November).