Murchison Falls National Park is the largest National Park in Uganda, covering about 5,000 Sq Km. The park gets its name after the Murchison Falls waterfalls that are within it. Here the Nile is pushed through a 7 m gap down a 43 m fall, the most powerful waterfall in the world! A visit to the top of the falls is an impressive experience.
Murchison Falls National Park is nicknamed the giraffe paradise of Uganda and home to the greatest number of the newly described Nubian giraffe. The park is one of four places in Uganda where giraffes can be seen and the one with the biggest quantity. The other locations being Kidepo Valley NP, Lake Mburo NP & Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
A game drive in Murchison Falls NP will enable you to see lots of wildlife as this is primarily a game-drive destination. Possible sightings in the park include water bucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kobs, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, herds of Cape buffaloes, oribi, lots of hippos and hopefully the big cats lion & leopard.
Chimp tracking is possible in Budongo forest at Kaniyo Pabidi as you enter the park. This wouldn’t be complete Murchison Falls facts if we don’t mention the boat cruise on the Nile. This boat-cruise will enable you to get close to the Sun bathing Hippos, Lots of Crocodiles, birds, and other animals that get close to the water for quenching their thirst.
Birding in Murchison Falls National Park
For bird lovers, there are over 360 species of birds recorded in Murchison Falls NP. A famous birding area being the royal mile close by the park. Ticks you can get in the park include the rare shoebill storks, Abesinian Ground Hornbill, Fish Eagles, Red-necked Falcon, Heuglin’s Francolin, White fronted blackchat, dusky babblers & the Huge Denham’s bustard.
ACTIVITIES
– Game-Drive
– Boat-cruise
– Chimpanzee trekking
– Birding
Lodge tip
For comfortable budget accommodation by Murchison Falls National Park we recommend Hornbill Bush Lodge, just a 5 min drive from Tangi Gate to the park. Hornbill Bush Lodge is part of our lodge chain Woodland Lodges, that offers friendly service at comfortable safari style lodges in close to nature locations.
ACCESS
A 5-6hrs drive from Kampala will take you to the largest National Park in Uganda. The park can also be reached by Air. Chattered flights can land at the Airstrip with in the park.
Safaris with Murchison Falls NP
Take a look under “safaris” in the menu at the top of this page for itinerary options that can be adapted to your wishes. See some top safaris to Murchison Falls NP below.
MURCHISON FALLS Safari – 3 DAYS
This short safari gives you the best of what Murchison Falls National Park has to offer. You will experience a boat cruise on the Nile spotting animals on the shores, two game-drives on the savanna and see the top of the impressive falls as well as visit Ziwa rhino sanctuary.
MURCHISON FALLS & KIBALE FOREST – 7 DAYS
Get a mix of rhinos, lions, giraffes, chimpanzees and beautiful nature during this safari. Visit Ziwa rhino sanctuary to trek rhinos. Go to Murchison Falls NP for game-drive, boat-cruise on the Nile and a visit to the top of the Falls. Finish with Bigodi wetlands, a village walk and chimps trekking in Kibale Forest.
UGANDA FROM NORTH TO SOUTH – 16 DAYS
Start off by driving up to the north of Uganda to experience Kidepo Valley National Park with its untouched wilderness. From there start the journey to the south with highlights of boat-cruise, game-drives and chimps trekking on the way, as well as changing nature and friendly people. In the south you will meet the gentle giants of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Mountain Gorillas.
Murchison Falls NP
