Murchison Falls National Park, formerly known as Kabalega National Park, is located in the northwestern part of Uganda. This park derives its name from the famous and tremendous Murchison Falls.
Bordering the magnificent Albertine Rift Valley, Murchison Falls National Park not only stands as the largest national park in Uganda but also the oldest. The park covers an area of 3,893 square kilometers and features savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and riverine forests. It was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 and officially established as a national park in 1952.
The park is part of the Murchison Conservation Area, which includes Rubanga Forest, Budongo Forest, and Kaniyo Pabidi Forest. It is one of the most beautiful destinations you can visit while on safari in Uganda. Visitors can also stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola to trek rhinos.
Murchison Falls National Park is surrounded by various tribes, with the Mubako village being one of the most interesting. This village is known for its traditional African thatched huts. The local people often perform traditional dances and music at campsites around the park lodges, providing an enriching Uganda cultural experience. They also sell beautifully handcrafted items at relatively affordable prices.
Top Things to See & Do in Murchison Falls National Park
Below are some of the top things to see & do in Murchison Falls National Park.
- The Murchison Falls (Devil’s Cauldron): Murchison Falls, also known as Kabalega Falls, is a waterfall along the course of the River Nile, the world’s longest river. The falls are known to be the strongest among all waterfalls in the world. The Nile River flows from its source in Lake Victoria in Jinja, Central Uganda, to the northern part of the country, cascading down through the Rift Valley escarpment at Murchison Falls National Park before flowing into Lake Albert. At Murchison Falls, the Nile forces its way through a narrow 7-meter-wide rock crevice and plunges 45 meters down into the valley below. The views are amazing and can be experienced from either the top or the bottom of the falls.
- Bird-Watching Safaris: Murchison Falls National Park is a Uganda birding safari paradise, boasting 451 species of birds, 23 of which are endemic to the Albertine region. Visitors can spot several water birds, raptors, and, with luck, the rare and elusive shoebill stork. Some of the bird species you may encounter include the Senegal thick-knee, shoebill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, African quail finch, African jacana, blue-headed coucal, Denham’s bustard, black-headed gonolek, goliath heron, black-billed barbet, black-headed lapwing, giant kingfisher, eastern grey plantain eater, silver bird, swamp flycatcher, malachite kingfisher, speckle-fronted weaver, squacco heron, piapiac, and palm-nut vulture, among others.
- Game Viewing Safaris: Murchison Falls National Park is home to 76 species of mammals. Visitors have a high chance of seeing four of the Big Five here. Animals commonly sighted in the park include lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, reedbucks, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, hippopotamuses, Ugandan kobs, hyenas, oribis, and many more. Wildlife viewing is possible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season when animals concentrate around water catchment areas. The best time for birding is from November to April when migratory birds are present. Wildlife can also be viewed from a hot air balloon, which offers a unique perspective and an opportunity to see nocturnal animals like hyenas and hippos returning from their nightly hunts. The ride typically concludes with a delicious bush breakfast or a champagne toast, depending on the chosen package.
- Launch Trips to the Bottom of the Falls: Launch trips are among the most popular activities in Murchison Falls National Park. The best time to take a launch cruise is in the afternoon when animals gather along the riverbanks to quench their thirst. The boat ride takes tourists close to the base of the roaring waterfalls, offering an unforgettable experience. Hikes to the top of the falls can be arranged after disembarking from the boat. The hike, which takes about 45 minutes, provides stunning views at every step.
- Fishing Safaris: Anglers visiting the park should not miss the opportunity to fish in the world’s longest river. The most commonly caught fish are Nile perch and tigerfish, with the heaviest recorded catch weighing 108 kilograms. Fishing is conducted in designated areas, and a fishing permit must be obtained either through a Uganda tour operator or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Visitors are also advised to bring their own fishing gear.
- Chimpanzee Trekking Tours: Chimpanzee trekking is conducted in Budongo Forest, which is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. Budongo Forest is home to 24 species of mammals (9 of which are primates), 130 moth species, 465 tree species, and 290 butterfly species. Chimpanzee trekking is most rewarding from October to January when the chimpanzees are highly mobile as they search for scarce fruits.
- Nature Guided Walks: Nature walks in Murchison Falls National Park are conducted along trails in Kaniyo Pabidi and Rubanga forests under the guidance of a ranger. During these walks, visitors have a chance to spot forest birds such as Puvel’s illadopsis, chocolate-backed kingfisher, Ituri batis, yellow-footed flycatcher, and white-thighed hornbill, among others. Walks to the Nile Delta through the swamps are also a great way to search for the elusive shoebill stork.
Featured Safaris & Tours
Murchison Falls National Park is an exceptional safari destination that you should definitely include in your tour package when visiting Uganda. It is regarded as the best park for wildlife viewing and offers game viewing experiences that are unmatched by other parks.
The park tends to get crowded during the peak season but can be challenging to explore in the wet season.
Park Entry Fees
Foreign non-residents are required to pay $40 for each day they spend in the park.
Accommodation – Where to Stay
While at Murchison Falls National Park, tourists can choose from various lodges depending on their budget. The park offers luxurious hotels, mid-range accommodations, and camping options.
Some of the lodges at Murchison Falls National Park include Pakuba Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Shoebill Campsite, Twiga Safari Lodge, and Budongo Eco-Lodge, among others.
Murchison Falls National Park can be visited year-round, but some months are better than others for specific activities.
The best season for wildlife watching is during the dry months, from June to September and December to February.
For birding, the best season is from November to April, when migratory birds are present.
Murchison Falls National Park can be reached within five hours by road or approximately 1.5 hours by air from Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
