Murchison falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest and largest national park gazetted in 1952. Its well known for its strongest falls and covers an area of 5,025 square kilometers the area is traversed by the Victoria Nile connecting Lake Kyoga with Lake Albert.

It is a home of wild animals including the big five elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards and Rhinos (kept at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary) other animals include giraffes, hyenas, Uganda kobs, water buck, warthogs, Oribis, bush buck jackal and many others. The park is also a home of over 450 bird species.

Activities that Murchison Falls National Park is known for?

Boat rides to the bottom of the falls and hike to the top of the falls

This activity is enjoyed in the afternoon along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison falls, boat cruise to the base of the falls on the Victoria Nile. Gives you an opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck, and a variety of birds, including the uncommon shoebill stork, along the way. The boat comes to a halt just a few meters from the “Devil’s Cauldron” so that photos of the stunning and majestic Murchison Falls can be shot.

Game drive in Murchison falls national park

Our guide will drive you in the park for a game drive with an opportunity to sight different animals such as the giraffes, buffaloes, lions, shy sitatunga, hartebeest, bush duiker, Uganda kob, leopards, lions, hyenas, and primates such as chimpanzees and olive baboons, among others. Along the Nile’s banks, you’ll see crocodiles and hippos. The goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelicans, bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbills, cormorants, saddle-bill storks, and the uncommon shoebill stork are some of the more common birds that can be spotted

Spot fishing

To carry out spot fishing in Murchison falls one must secure a permit from UWA.  Fishing is permitted in designated sites; spots fishing are most enjoyed at the banks if the Nile below Murchison falls.

Bird watching

Best sighting of birds’ takes place during game drive and launch trips. The park’s main birding attraction is the shoebill best sighted in the dry season from January to March. Other birds include; savanna forest birds, water birds, Albertine rift endemics, marabou stock, secretary birds, window bird and many others.

Accommodation In Murchison Falls National Park

• Paraa safari lodge; The lodge is located in the north west of Uganda over looking one of nature’s best kept secrets, the River Nile, on its journey from its source at Lake Victoria to join Lake Albert – here it is suddenly channeled into a gorge only six meters wide, and cascades 43 meters below.

Paraa Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Each of the rooms is a haven of style and serenity, complete with balcony and private bathroom.

• Pakuba safari lodge; it is nestled on the Eastern Bank of the Albert Nile in Murchison Falls National Park overlooking the Spectacular River Nile. The Location affords panoramic viewa of the mighty River Nile and sweeping vistas of the surrounding riverine forest below.

Pakuba safari lodge is cleverly laid out so that most rooms and sitting areas afford stunning views of the river and the park.

• Bakers lodge; Deriving its name from the historic English explorer Samuel Baker, Baker’s Lodge is situated on the South bank of the mighty Nile River which transects Murchison Falls National Park. This intimate, safari styled lodge is set within a large private area with direct river access, large shady trees and wetland areas hosting abundant birdlife along the water’s edge.

The views onto the river are vast and magnificent with islands hosting nesting egret birds, elephants bathing and pods of hippos regularly viewed

• Chobe safari lodge; Located in the Murchison Falls National Park, this Five Star lodge is undoubtedly the gem in Uganda’s crown of tourism destinations. The breathtaking panoramic views, coupled with the sounds of the River Nile’s magnificent rapids, sets the scene for an adventure that will impress even the most discerning of visitors.

Chobe Safari Lodge offers a unique opportunity to sample the wildlife, birds, flora and fauna; all in an area of the park that has yet to be discovered. This area of Murchison Falls National Park is ideal for fishing, and will revive this newly refurbished lodge to become one of the best fishing destinations in Africa.

• Hornbill bush lodge; At Hornbill Bush Lodge we offer comfort in our spacious rooms. Our cottages are spread out in our bush style garden to give you that close to nature experience. It regularly happens that we have animals from the close by park visiting. Imagine sitting on your private veranda looking at elephants and in the evening hearing noises from hippos!

Each room is set up with comfortable beds that can be set as single, double, twin or triple depending on your preference. Attached to each bed is a mosquito net to keep you safe from bites. All our rooms are self-contained with warm water showers and there are charging possibilities in the room.

Location of Murchison Falls National Park

It is located in northwestern region of the Albertine rift valley around Victoria Nile. The park is situated in the districts of Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo and Masindi (the nearest large town).

Best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is enjoyable all year round, but December through to February is considered the best time to visit the park. June to September is another great season to visit.

What to pack when visiting Murchison Falls National Park

 Daypack.

• High SPF sunscreen
• Flashlight.
• Insect repellent.
• Spare or rechargeable batteries
• Waterproof bags to protect equipment.
• Antiseptic handwash.
• An International Driving License if you are thinking of hiring a vehicle.
• Binoculars and camera

Clothing

• Good walking boots/shoes.
• Sandals or other light shoes.
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
• Lighter clothing for Kampala and the savannah, with layers for the cooler evenings.
• Warm clothing for mountainous regions, including thermal layers and a fleece.
• Sun hat/cap.

How to get to Murchison Falls National Park

It is about 283 km by road northwest Kampala Uganda’s capital and largest city. The most direct route to Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala is through the southern gates (Kichumbanyobo and Masindi South Gate).

Alternatively, the northern gates (Purongo or Takigate-Packwach) are also a great option, although longer in distance, they take you straight to the most interesting sections of the park.