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Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda, in the greater Masindi region. This is the biggest national park in Uganda covering an area of 3840km2. It lies at an altitude between 615m – 1187m above sea level.

The park was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 and later declared a national park in 1952 and was named after the beautiful Murchison Falls which is the major attraction of the park.

The park is divided into the southern and the northern parts with the south dominated by woodland and forest cover. While the northern part is covered by riverine woodland, savanna, acacia and palm trees. The beautiful Murchison Falls is formed as a result of the River Nile squeezing through the rocks only 8 meters wide, dropping 43 meters deep creating an amazing sight crowned by a rainbow on sunny days.

This park has 75 recorded mammal species and 451 bird species. Among the popular animals in this park are the graceful giraffes, the Jackson Wildebeest, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Wild dogs, Jackals etc. Among the birds found in this park is the rare shoebill stock usually sighted during a boat trip to the delta.

Activities in this park include game viewing, boat trips, birding, hiking, fishing and rafting.

The park is accessible by road from Kampala and by air Entebbe International Airport.

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5 Day Nyungwe Forest Rwanda Safari

Explore Africa’s most pristine montane rainforest, encounter rare primates, and traverse the legendary canopy walkway high above the forest floor.

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$2,490pp

10 Day Wildlife, Big 5, Chimpanzee, and Gorilla Safari

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$3,300pp

14 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Gorilla Safari

An immersive journey through Uganda’s top national parks, combining Big Five safaris, primate encounter, and stunning landscapes.

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$3,899pp

3 Days Rwanda To Uganda Gorilla Trekking Excursion

Experience mountain gorillas in two iconic locations: Rwanda’s finest in Volcanoes National Park, then Uganda’s Bwindi for intimate gorilla encounters

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3 Days Kibale Forest National Park Chimp Tracking Safari

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$1,230pp

Must do Experiences at Murchison Falls National Park

Upstream Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls Base

  • Boat trips travel upstream to the base of the falls, where mist and roar engulf you
  • Best time: Early morning or afternoon (9 AM & 2 PM departures are typical)
  • What to expect: Hippos, Nile crocodiles, Cape buffalo on riverbanks, numerous bird species
  • Insider tip: Sit at the front for best spray/photo opportunities; bring waterproof gear

Game Drives (Northern Plains & Honeymoon Circuit)

  • Early morning and late afternoon drives across the northern plains reveal giraffes, elephants, Uganda kobs, and predators like lions on the hunt
  • The Honeymoon Circuit is known for reliably seeing lions; other wildlife includes giraffe, Cape buffalo, waterbuck, Uganda kob, and numerous birds
  • Best season: Dry season (Dec–Feb, Jul–Sep) when wildlife concentrates near water
  • Cost: Typically $30-50 per person per drive (guide + vehicle)
    Realistic sighting: Lions 60-70%, elephants 80%, leopards 20-30% (harder to spot)

Hike to Top of Murchison Falls (Devil's Cauldron)

From the top, fantastic vantage points allow viewing and photographing the falls; rock pratincoles, go away birds, African harriers, and palm-nut vultures have been sighted

Sunset Dinner Cruise (Lake Albert Delta)

  • Downstream boat cruises to the Lake Albert Delta are a haven for birdwatchers and those seeking tranquil sunset experiences
    Duration: 2–3 hours
    What to expect: Hippos, waterfowl, beautiful light photography
    Cost: $30–50 per person (check if lodge includes)
    Best for: Couples, relaxation, birdwatching

Chimpanzee Trekking (Budongo & Kaniyo Pabidi Forests)

Birdwatching & Nature Walks

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