Murchison Falls National Park is located in the northern part of Uganda, where the Bunyoro escarpment meets a vast savannah dotted with palm trees. It was first established as a game reserve in 1926 and became a national park in 1952. It is the largest park in Uganda, covering 3,840 square kilometers. Together with the nearby Karuma and Bugungu wildlife reserves, it forms a large protected area. The park is home to 76 mammal species and over 451 bird species.

The Victoria Nile River runs through the park, moving west for 80 kilometers before crashing through a narrow gap in the cliffs. This creates the impressive Murchison Falls, where the river drops 45 meters. After the falls, the river calms and flows gently towards Lake Albert.

The area below the falls is a prime spot for wildlife watching. You can see elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes regularly visiting the riverbank. Hippos, Nile crocodiles, and various water birds are permanent residents of the river.

Activities & Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park

Paraa

Paraa is the main starting point for boat trips to see the falls and the Nile Delta. It is also where the vehicle ferry crosses the river. Most of the park’s tourist lodges are located near Paraa, mostly on the riverbank, about 5 kilometers west of the park entrance.

The Nile and Murchison Falls

One of the most popular activities is the boat cruise from Paraa to the falls. This three-hour round trip takes you upriver to see the falls from the top. Along the way, you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and sometimes elephants and buffaloes.

Top of the Falls

A visit to the Top of the Falls is a must. Here, you can experience the power of the river as it rushes through a 6-meter-wide gorge. It’s best to take a boat to the falls and then climb up to the viewpoint through Fajao Gorge.

Delta Boat Cruises

You can also take a boat trip downriver to the Nile Delta, where the river meets Lake Albert. This area is filled with papyrus islands and is home to many water birds, including the rare shoebill.

Sport Fishing

For fishing enthusiasts, the river below Murchison Falls offers a thrilling experience. The record Nile perch caught here weighs a massive 108 kilograms.

Game Viewing

Buligi Peninsula

The best area for game viewing in the park is the Buligi Peninsula. This is a grassland area bounded by the Victoria Nile and the Albert Nile. You can see elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and giraffes. There is also a chance to spot lions and leopards. You can also explore the park from above in a hot air balloon. For this, you can contact Jobihani Dream Balloons at Paraa Safari Lodge.

Heart of Murchison

The southern part of the park has bush and forest, but the heart of the park features open savannah. New vehicle tracks have been added here, making it a great place to spot lions, especially around the large herds of Uganda kob.

Forest Walks and Chimpanzee Tracking: Kaniyo Pabidi Forest

In the southern part of the park, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is known for its chimpanzees. You can track a group of these primates with the help of experienced guides. The forest is also excellent for bird watching, with many rare species like the chocolate-backed kingfisher and the white-thighed hornbill.

Birding

Bird watching is a major activity in the park. You can see a variety of birds during the boat cruise to the falls, look for shoebills in the delta, and search for rare forest species in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest.

Cultural Encounters

In the evenings, you can enjoy performances by energetic dancers from Mubako around the campfire, adding to the magical African experience. The Boomu Women’s Group offers accommodations, crafts, and village tours, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the local community.

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park

BY ROAD

A number of routes can be used to reach the Nile at Paraa, the parks’ main tourism hub, where a vehicle ferry crosses the river at roughly hourly intervals throughout the day.

Southern Entrance Gates

Two routes lead to Paraa lead from Masindi town, which is 305km from Kampala (a 4 hour drive). The most direct is the 86km approach which enters the park through Kichumbanyobo Gate, 16km from Masindi. Diversions along the way include the KaniyoPabidi section of Budongo Forest, the Heart of Murchision game viewing area and Murchision Falls. A longer but more scenic alternative route from Masindi runs to Paraa via Bulisa (136km). The route passes through Budongo Forest before a memorable descent of the rift valley escarpment with views across Lake Albert towards the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park can be entered through Bugungu or Mubako gates.

Northern Entrance Gates

Murchision Falls National Park can also be reached on the north side of the Nile via the Chobe, Wankwar and Tangi gates. These are all accessed from the Kampala-Pakwach road which crosses the Nile at Karuma Falls in the north-eastern corner of the park, 260kms from Kampala.

 THROUGH AIR

Pakuba Airfield, 19km from North Paraa, can be reached using chartered aircraft from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield near Kampala. Other airfields in the park include Chobe to the east and Bugungu to the South of Paraa.