Murchison Falls National Park, located in the northwestern part of Uganda, is approximately 90 kilometers from Masindi town. As Uganda’s largest national park, it protects a vast expanse of untamed African savannah and is renowned as the hottest safari destination in the country. The park derives its name from the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river violently erupts through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment, plunging 43 meters into a frothing pool below. Murchison Falls National Park, along with Bugungu and Karuma Falls Wildlife Reserves, constitutes the Murchison Falls Conservation Area.
Although wildlife populations suffered significantly during the 1970s and 1980s due to poaching, recovery efforts have been largely successful. Today, visitors can encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and a variety of antelopes in the lush Borassus grasslands north of the Nile. Lions are also increasingly spotted. In the southeastern part of the park, Rabongo Forest is home to primates like chimpanzees and other rainforest creatures. The Nile River hosts one of Africa’s densest populations of hippos and crocodiles, along with a stunning array of water birds such as the African Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, and the rare shoebill stork. Additional bird species include the Silver Bird, Blue-naped Mousebird, Grey-crowned Crane, Bluff-bellied Warbler, Goliath Heron, Black-headed Batis, Black-headed Gonolek, Green-winged Ptyilia, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Long-toed Plover, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Saddle-billed Stork, Spotted Mourning Thrush, Spotted and Verreaux’s Owls, Long-tailed and Pennant-winged Nightjars, Standard-winged Nightjar, White-backed Night Heron, and Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Accessibility
Murchison Falls National Park is accessible by both road and air. A road trip from Kampala typically takes a full day, with a potential overnight stop in Masindi. For those preferring air travel, private charter flights from Entebbe International Airport to the park can be arranged.
Safari Activities
- Game Drives
Early morning and evening game drives along the Buligi, Albert, and Queen’s tracks north of the Nile offer excellent opportunities to view wildlife. Picnicking at Nyamsika Cliffs also provides a chance to see elephants and other game on the grassy hillsides and the sand river below. - Launch Trips on the Nile
A launch trip from Paraa to the base of Murchison Falls is a highlight of any visit. These trips offer the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, and a range of bird species including Cormorants, Herons, Fish Eagles, Bee-eaters, Kingfishers, water ducks, and the rare Shoebill. - Sport Fishing
Murchison Falls National Park is a premier destination for sport fishing. Anglers can challenge themselves with Nile Perch and tiger-fish in the river above and below the falls. Don’t forget to bring your fishing gear. - Nature Walks
Guided nature walks at Paraa and to the top of the falls provide a memorable experience as you explore riverine forests, gullies, and low hills. Along the trails, you may encounter various animals, birds, and plants. - Chimpanzee Tracking
From Kaniyo Pabidi, an undisturbed forest within Budongo Forest Reserve, visitors can track chimpanzees. The forest also features mature mahogany and ironwood trees, and bird species like the White-thighed Hornbill, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, and Puvel’s Illadopsis, which are unique to East Africa. Camping is available at Kaniyo Pabidi with water and firewood provided; however, campers should bring all other necessary supplies. - Forest Walks
At Rabongo Forest Ecotourism Centre, guided forest walks allow you to explore on foot. You may see primates such as baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as various birds, medicinal plants, and trees.