Murchison Falls National Park
A visit to Murchison Falls National Park is a remarkable experience. The park offers great wildlife viewing – four of the Big Five, Rothchild’s giraffes, patas monkey, hippo and several species of antelope – and birdwatching throughout the year with over 450 species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork. A trip along the Victoria Nile will leave you gaping at the beauty and power of nature, while seeing the magnificent Murchison Falls for the first time will surely be the highlight of your trip. If you are feeling bold, you could even take a hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where you can see its power up-close.
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Best Time To Go
December-February
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Average Safari Cost
$300-$700 pp/day. Park fee: $295
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Highlights
Chimps; four of the Big Five (no rhino), Rothchild’s giraffe; large-cheeked patas monkey; shoebill stork; boat ride up the Victoria Nile and to the Murchison Falls, 450 bird species
Why Visit Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison Falls is the largest nature reserve in Uganda, and has an abundance of wildlife to view. Elephants, buffalo and lions can all be seen in abundance, while leopards are more difficult to spot. Hippos and crocodiles have claimed the Victoria Nile as their home.
The Victoria Nile bisects the park, with woodland to the south of river and a savannah to the north. A trip on the Victoria Nile leads to the striking Murchison Falls. For the more adventurous travellers, hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is an experience not to be missed.
With over 450 species of birds present, Murchison Falls National Park is a great birdwatching destination. You can almost certainly see the shoebill stork while taking a trip down the Victoria Nile and from November until April is the only time to see migratory birds.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo forest is amazing
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Boat trip down the Victoria Nile to the Murchison Falls, and the Lake Albert delta
- Beautiful scenery with a truly spectacular waterfall
- Excellent birdwatching with 450 species present
- Seeing the sheobill stork is almost certain
Cons
- Not part of a standard safari tour; usually an add-on
- Roads and trails can be inaccessible after heavy rains
Best Time To Go
December to February is the easier time to spot animals as undergrowth is scarce and they tend to gather at reliable waterholes. From June till September the weather is cooler and precipitation is less. This is when the park is at its busiest, as most visitors prefer the more pleasant temperature.
While birdwatching is good throughout the year, it is at its finest from January to March. This time has the added benefit of being the low-season – the park will not be crowded and safari rates could be lower. If your preferences lean towards migratory birds instead, November to April will be the best time to meet them.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that heavy rains will make some roads impassable, which will cause delays, or may prevent you from reaching certain areas of the park. Hiking trails will also be sodden and slippery.
For more detailed information on when to visit, see out Uganda Safari Guide.
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Popular Tours
Murchison Falls Safari
This awesome road safari to Murchison Falls can be tailored to your travel style. From super luxury to standard tours we have got you covered
4 days Murchison Falls Chimpanzee Tracking and Rhinos
During your 4 Days Murchison Falls Chimpanzee Safari, you will Go for the Chimpanzee Tracking on your first day in the Evening, then visit the Top of the Falls, the Magical Murchison water Falls that press themselves in the narrow gorge. Still, the beauty breathes takes photogenic views of these beautiful falls and its environment surrounded. Then also have the Spectaculars Evening and Early Morning Game View Drives in the park as the game is on to explore the entire wildlife and the Elongated National Park Savannah Grass Lands. So adorable However, even the Incredible Boat Cruise on the Nile River to see the great wildlife spotting at the bottom of the falls. Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s biggest national park meanwhile found in Masindi district. So it’s one of the biggest busiest parks in Uganda, receiving visitors in the year round. Because of its Magical Kabalega Falls and The extensive Savannah Grasslands for Game Drive views. On your 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari, you to encounter lots of the beautiful wildlife, Chimpanzee Views in the Budongo and other animals that is to say, Elephants, lions, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s heart beasts, warthogs, giraffes. Therefore, this will give you a great and unforgettable experience Safari Ever.
Wildlife And Birds
Murchison Falls is home to four of the Big Five (apart from rhino). Elephants and buffalos roam in large herds and lions can easily be seen lazing in the grass. Although the ever mysterious leopards are more difficult to spot, you can test your luck in finding them. The park is one of only three in Uganda to host giraffes. And meeting the patas monkey also known as the wadi monkey or hussar monkey with notoriously large cheeks can make a great safari highlight.
There are several primates, including chimpanzees, which can be tracked in the Budongo forest. Other mammals include: waternuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, grey duiker, oribi, bushbuck, and the rarely seen hyena. The Victoria Nile, being a great water source, draws many animals, and its depths are home to an abundance of hippo and crocodile.
- Lion
- Elephant
- Leopard
- Hippo
- Giraffe
Rare Animals
- Leopard; patas monkey; hyena
Infrequently Seen Animals
- Lion; chimpanzee
Frequently Seen Animals
- Elephant, giraffe; hippo; buffalo; crocodile; grey duiker; Uganda kob; Jackson’s hartebeest; waterbuck
Murchison Falls contains more than 450 species of birds. The park has nearly perfect sightings of the sought-after shoebill stork, and makes it one of the finest places in Africa for encounters with these rare birds. Taking a boat trip down the Victoria Nile to the Lake Alberta delta will ensure that you almost certainly spot a shoebill or two. This boat trip, as well as a trip to the Murchison Falls, is a great way to see many water-related birds. The park is also home to 53 species of raptors. November to April is the only time to observe migratory birds.
Endangered Birds
- To view a complete list of endangered birds in Uganda please see our Uganda Safari - Complete Travel Guide.
Endemic and Near-Endemic Birds:
- Abyssinian ground hornbill; African jacana; African quailfinch; Black-billed barbet; Black-headed gonolek; Black-headed lapwing; Blue-headed coucal; Denham’s bustard; Eastern grey plantain-eater; Giant kingfisher; Goliath heron; Malachite kingfisher; Palm-nut vulture; Piapiac; Red-throated bee-eater; Shoebill; Silverbird; Speckle-fronted weaver; Squacco heron; Swamp flycatcher; White-browed sparrow-weaver.
Getting There And Safety
You will arrive in Uganda at Entebbe International Aiport (EBB), which is 46km (29miles) from Kampala. If you are part of a tour group, your guide will arrange for all necessary transport from this point forward. This is recommended as there are highly forested areas in Uganda, and travelling independently is not wise.
It takes roughly four hours to drive to Murchison Falls National Park (305km/190mi north of Kampala). Thankfully, it is possible to take a chartered flight or scheduled aircraft to Pakuba, Chobe or Bugunda Airfield. These flights are easily arranged with your tour operator as part of your tour package.
Murchison Falls doesn’t fit into a suitable tour route, and as such is usually visited as an add-on to a classic safari package.
If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights to Uganda
If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights to Uganda
To view most relevant information on flying into Uganda please see our Uganda Safari Travel Guide.
Going on a safari in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris in Uganda. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.
Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of the safari trip cover.
Murchison Falls is hot and has light rainfall for most of the year. As such, wet-weather gear would be suitable – as would sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, so be sure to include them. Wear long-sleeved clothing at night, and invest in mosquito repellent (30% DEET or more).
For more details on what to pack see our Safari Packing List.
It is particularly important to have a valid yellow fever certificate. It would be best to speak to your travel clinic or doctor about which vaccinations are needed.
To view most relevant information on vaccinations for Uganda please see our Uganda Travel Guide.