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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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
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)
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
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
