Murchison Falls National Park

Where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge with thunderous power

5,025

Square Kilometers

450

Bird Species

76

Mammal Species

43m

Waterfall Drop

The Power of the Nile

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest protected area, covering 5,025 square kilometers. The park is named after the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River forces its entire volume through a narrow 7-meter gap, creating the world's most powerful waterfall.

Location

Northwestern Uganda, along the Victoria Nile

Climate

Hot and dry with temperatures 25-35°C

Best Time

December-February and June-September

Wildlife & Biodiversity

The Big Four & More

Murchison Falls National Park is home to four of Africa's Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes), along with giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and the rare shoebill stork. The park's diverse habitats support an incredible array of wildlife.

Big Game

  • African Lions
  • African Elephants
  • Leopards
  • African Buffaloes
  • Giraffes
  • Hippos
  • Crocodiles
  • Uganda Kobs

Birds

  • 450 Bird Species
  • Shoebill Stork
  • African Fish Eagle
  • Goliath Heron
  • Pelicans
  • Kingfishers

Primates

  • Chimpanzees (Budongo)
  • Baboons
  • Vervet Monkeys
  • Red-tailed Monkeys
  • Black & White Colobus

Adventure Activities

Game Drives

Explore the northern sector and Lake Albert Delta for incredible wildlife viewing. Morning and evening drives offer the best opportunities to spot the Big Four.

Morning/Evening Expert Guides 4x4 Vehicles

Boat Cruise to Falls

17km boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. See hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and water birds along the way.

3-4 Hours Wildlife Rich Photography

Hike to Top of Falls

Hike to the top of Murchison Falls for spectacular views of the Nile plunging through the narrow gorge with incredible force.

1-2 Hours Spectacular Views Moderate Hike

Chimpanzee Tracking

Trek through Budongo Forest to encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This ancient forest offers a unique primate experience.

Budongo Forest Forest Trek 1 Hour Viewing

Sport Fishing

Fish for Nile Perch and Tiger Fish on the Victoria Nile. Experience world-class fishing in one of Africa's most scenic locations.

Nile Perch Tiger Fish Equipment Provided

Bird Watching

With 450 bird species, Murchison Falls is a birder's paradise. The shoebill stork is the star attraction for bird enthusiasts.

450 Species Shoebill Stork Expert Guides