
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK: “WHERE THE NILE MEETS THE WILD”
A highlight of any visit is witnessing the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile surges through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Whether on a game drive, a boat safari along the river, or a trek through the wilderness, every moment in the park is a chance to experience the raw beauty and untamed spirit of Uganda’s natural heritage.
Murchison Falls National Park, a breathtaking gem in northwestern Uganda, spans the districts of Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo, and Masindi. As Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area, it covers an impressive 3,840 km2 at its core. When paired with neighboring reserves like Karuma Wildlife Reserve, Budongo Forest Reserve, East Madi, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, and Ajai Wildlife Reserve, the total protected area swells to a stunning 5,072 km2.
Established as a protected area in 1926, Murchison Falls was officially designated a national park in 1952 during the British colonial period. In the 1970s, Idi Amin honored Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro by renaming it Kabalega National Park. However, after Amin’s regime fell, the park reclaimed its original name, Murchison Falls National Park, preserving its rich history and stunning natural beauty.

The park is uniquely divided by the mighty Victoria Nile, which flows from east to west. At its most dramatic point, the river forces itMurchison Falls National Park is a haven of biodiversity, featuring savannahs, wetlands, and riverine woodlands that support over 76 mammal species, including lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes, as well as the Rothschild’s giraffe and Uganda kob. With over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork and Goliath heron, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Biodiversity of Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is a haven of biodiversity, featuring savannahs, wetlands, and riverine woodlands that support over 76 mammal species, including lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes, rothschild’s giraffe and Uganda kob and over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork and Goliath heron, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

In the 1960s, the region thrived with wildlife, hosting around 14,000 elephants, 26,000 buffaloes, and 14,000 hippos. Unfortunately, these impressive populations faced significant declines in the following decades due to poaching, climatic changes and other factors.

Vegetation in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park features savannah grasslands dominated by tall grasses like elephant and spear grass, interspersed with woodlands and riverine forests. Key tree species include acacias, Borassus palms, mahoganies, fig trees, and wetlands that support the park’s rich biodiversity.
Activities at Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park offers a variety of thrilling activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. From game drives across the savannah teeming with wildlife to boat cruises along the Victoria Nile, visitors can experience the park’s incredible biodiversity up close. Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls, birdwatching, and guided nature walks further enrich the experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Uganda’s natural wonders.
Game drives.
A game drive in Murchison Falls National Park offers a thrilling experience. Tourists can encounter various wildlife, including four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, African elephants, and Cape buffalo. Other animals frequently spotted during the drive include Rothschild’s giraffes, antelopes such as Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, and a wide range of bird species, including the iconic shoebill stork.

The game drives are primarily conducted in the northern part of the park, with the Buligi track being the most popular route, situated north of Paraa. Other tracks include the Albert track, Victoria track, and the Nyamsika Gorge, particularly known for its abundance of water-dwelling animals and buffalos.
Boat cruise
The boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park offers two distinct experiences: the Bottom of the Falls Cruise and the Albert Delta Cruise.
The Bottom of the Falls cruise departs from the Paraa Dock and travels upstream along the Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls. This cruise provides an up-close view of the powerful “Devil’s Cauldron,” where the river squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges dramatically into the Nile.
The Albert Delta Cruise also starts at the Paraa Jetty. Still, it travels downstream along the Nile, where the river loses its ferocious energy and fans out to form a delta with floating islands of papyrus. This serene journey takes visitors to the point where the river meets Lake Albert, creating a conducive environment for the rich in biodiversity.

During both cruises, tourists can enjoy sightings of floating papyrus islands, pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and an array of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The breathtaking views of the river and opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat make the boat cruises an unforgettable experience.
Chimp tracking and habituation
Chimpanzee tracking is available in Budongo, Rabongo, and Kaniyo Pabidi forests, which are rich in wildlife, including chimpanzees, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and colobus monkeys.
Budongo Forest is home to 400-600 chimpanzees and offers tracking for four habituated groups. Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, part of Budongo Forest Reserve, hosts a single habituated group of around 100 chimpanzees. Tracking occurs twice daily, in the morning and afternoon, providing an immersive experience with chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Guided Nature Walks:
Visitors can explore the park on foot under the guidance of experienced rangers.
Nature walks offer an opportunity to observe smaller wildlife, plants, and unique ecosystems.
Spot Fishing:
The park is renowned for its Nile perch and catfish in the Nile River.
Fishing spots, especially at the base of Murchison Falls, attract anglers.
Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged to preserve fish populations.
Bird Watching:
Murchison Falls National Park is a prime birdwatching destination, hosting over 450 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork. Birding hotspots include the Nile River, the delta, and Budongo Forest, offering opportunities to spot a variety of waterbirds, forest species, and Savannah dwellers.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris:
Hot air balloon safaris in Murchison Falls National Park offer a unique perspective of the park’s diverse landscapes, including sweeping views of the savannah, meandering rivers, and riverine forests. These flights are typically conducted at sunrise, providing optimal conditions for spotting wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes from above.
Hiking at the top of Falls Experience:

Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is an exhilarating experience, offering breathtaking views and a chance to feel the raw power of nature up close. The hike begins near the base of the falls, with a well-marked trail leading through lush vegetation and rocky pathways. Here are some interesting insights.
Accessibility to Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed by road and air transport.
By Road:
Southern Route: The park is approximately 305 km from Kampala via the Kampala-Masindi road, the most direct route. This leads to the southern entrance gates, Kichumbanyobo and Bugungu, passing through Budongo Forest.
Northern Route: The northern section of the park can be accessed via the Kampala-Pakwach road. Gulu or Kidepo Valley National Park visitors can enter through gates such as Tangi, Chobe, Wankwar, and Mubako.
By Air:
Visiting Murchison Falls National Park by air is a convenient and time-saving option for those with limited time. Scheduled and chartered flights operate from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airfield, landing at airstrips within the park, such as Pakuba, Chobe, and Bugungu.
The flight takes approximately one hour, offering stunning aerial views of Uganda’s landscapes. Upon landing, ground transfers to lodges and camps are readily available, ensuring a seamless journey into the heart of the park’s beauty and adventure.
A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for a convenient and memorable experience, especially during the rainy seasons from March to November. While flights offer a faster alternative, traveling by road provides a richer experience, allowing visitors to enjoy numerous attractions on their way. These include the scenic Karuma Falls, the lush Budongo Forest, and a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can observe rare white rhinos up close.