Murchison Falls National Park Website

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda, covering about 3,893 square kilometers. It is home to the world’s longest river and the world’s strongest waterfalls.

The park’s vegetation includes riverine forests, Savannah grasslands, and woodlands. It also includes Budongo Forest, one of the oldest forests in Uganda, which is home to chimpanzees and many bird species.

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Park Entry Fees & Penalties

Foreign non-residents pay $45, foreign residents pay $35, and visitors from the rest of Africa pay $30. Children under 15 years pay $25. East African citizens pay 25,000 Ugandan shillings.

A game ranger costs $30 per day per vehicle, while a night game drive costs $40 per ranger per vehicle. Nature-guided walks cost $40 per person. Vehicle entry fees are $15 for Ugandan-registered vehicles and $150 for foreign vehicles.

Park entry fees can change, so it is best to check for updates before your trip.

Murchison Falls Park Entry Fee Table

History of Murchison Falls

The park was first gazetted in 1910 as the Bunyoro Game Reserve. In 1928, the reserve boundaries were extended. It later became a national park in 1952, making it the oldest in Uganda.

The park was once called Kabalega National Park but was later renamed Murchison Falls by Sir Samuel Baker, after Roderick Murchison, the president of the Royal Geographical Society.

In the early 1900s, people living in the park were relocated due to the spread of sleeping sickness.

Sir Samuel Baker and his wife Lady Florence were the first Europeans to see the falls. Other famous visitors include Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Kanye West and his wife, and Ernest Hemingway.

In the 1960s, the park had large numbers of animals including over 26,000 buffaloes, 15,000 elephants, and 14,000 hippos. However, the numbers reduced due to war and poaching.

Conservation work is ongoing, but rhinos became extinct in the park.

Animals & Wildlife

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the top places to see wildlife in Uganda. Tourists can enjoy game drives or hot air balloon safaris. The park has 76 species of mammals, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, Uganda kobs, oribis, leopards, Jackson’s hartebeests, waterbucks, grey duikers, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, and warthogs.

Rabongo Forest is home to primates like chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and patas monkeys.

Tourist Activities – Top Things To Do in Murchison Falls National Park

• Game Drives: In Murchison Falls National Park, you can do both day and night game drives. Day game drives usually happen in two sessions, each lasting about 2 to 4 hours. Night game drives usually start at 6:30 or 8:00 pm and last around 3 hours.
• Birding: The park is a great place for bird-watching safari tours. It has 451 recorded bird species. Some of the birds include black-bellied bustards, red-throated bee-eaters, blue-headed coucals, malachite kingfishers, grey-crowned cranes, Goliath herons, papyrus gonoleks, Abyssinian ground hornbills, swamp flycatchers, northern red bishops, squacco herons, African quail-finches, spur-winged lapwings, and both great and little egrets.
• Cultural Visits: Many tribes live around the park, such as the Banyoro, Alur, and Acholi. You can visit communities like Mubaku or Boomu Women’s Camp to enjoy cultural performances and learn about local traditions.
• Hiking the Falls: The world’s strongest waterfall, Murchison Falls, is located within the park along the Nile. Tourists can hike to the top of the falls for a closer look.
• Launch Trip: The Nile River passes through the park. A boat trip along the river gives tourists a chance to see animals like crocodiles, hippos, and others at the riverbanks. The cruise usually ends near the falls, where tourists can hike to the top.
• Sport Fishing: There are two main fishing spots in the park. The largest catch recorded was a Nile perch weighing 113 kilograms. Fishing is allowed throughout the year. All fish must be released back into the water, and anglers must bring their own fishing gear.
• Chimpanzee Trekking: Chimp trekking is done at Budogo Forest at a fee of USD 125 per permit excluding transportation, meals and accommodation.

Top Things To See in Murchison Falls National Park

Below are some of the top things to see:

• The Murchison Falls (Devil’s Cauldron): The highlight of the park is Murchison Falls itself. This powerful waterfall is only 7 meters (23 feet) wide but drops water from a height of 43 meters (141 feet) into the Nile River.
• The Nile River: The River Nile, also known simply as the Nile, is often called the Father of African Rivers and is the longest river on the continent. It splits Murchison Falls National Park in half; the southern bank and the northern bank.
• Chimpanzees: The chimpanzees of Murchison Falls are found in the Budongo Forest.
• Budongo Forest: Budongo Forest is located in the northwestern part of Uganda along the route to Murchison Falls National Park. It lies on the escarpment northeast of Lake Albert and covers parts of Kikuube and Hoima districts. It located at the top of the Albertine Rift in Uganda.
• Kaniyo-Pabidi Forest: Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is found in the southern part of Murchison Falls National Park, about 8 kilometers from the Kichumbanyobo Gate. Its location makes it easy for tourists to visit for chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, and nature walks. It takes around 30 minutes to drive from Masindi town to the forest.
• Rabongo Forest: Rabongo Forest is located in the southern sector of Murchison Falls National Park. The forest is relatively small, covering an area of about 4 square kilometers, but it is very rich in plant and animal life.
• Karuma Falls: Karuma Falls is found in the Chobe area in the northeastern part of the park. It features powerful waterfalls that flow over natural rock formations, creating fast-moving white water. The sight and sound of the rushing water make it a remarkable place to visit. Near the falls, you can see animals like buffaloes, hartebeests, Uganda kobs, lions, giraffes, baboons, and birds such as the shoebill, Goliath heron, and red-throated bee-eater, all drinking from the water.
• Wildlife & Birds: Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 76 mammal species, including African bush elephants, duikers, elands, and many more. The park also has around 451 bird species, such as open-billed storks, grey herons, flycatchers, kingfishers, seabirds, and black-bellied bustards. These sightings make every game drive an exciting part of the adventure.
• Big Five Animals: Among the most famous animals in Murchison Falls National Park are the Big Five, which attract visitors from around the world and offer unique wildlife experiences. These include the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhinoceros. The Rhinos are however, found at Ziwa Rhino Sactuary, about 1 hour away from Murchison Falls National Park.
• Variety of Fish: Murchison Falls is also a good place for sport fishing. You can catch fish like tilapia, catfish, electric fish, tiger fish, and Nile perch.
• Communities & Tribes: Tourists can also visit nearby communities, such as the Mubaku community and the Boomu Women’s Group. These visits allow guests to learn about African cultures and local ways of life.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a special place worth visiting. It is home to white rhinos and is located in Nakasongola District, about 1 hour away from Murchison Falls National Park.

Facts about Murchison Falls National Park

Below are some interesting facts about Murchison Falls:

• Largest & Oldest Park in Uganda: Murchison Falls is the largest national park in Uganda. It covers around 3,900 square kilometers. The park was established in 1952 and is part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which also includes Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves.
• Home to the Strongest Falls in the World: The park is named after Murchison Falls, a powerful waterfall formed where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and drops 43 meters into the Albertine Rift. These falls are among the most powerful in the world.
• Variety of Wildlife: Murchison Falls is one of the parks in Uganda with the highest variety of animal species. It is home to around 76 types of mammals, more than 450 bird species, as well as many reptiles and amphibians, including some rare species.
• The Park is Divided by River Nile: The Nile River flows through the park, dividing it into two sections—the southern and northern sectors.
• An Important Birding place: With over 450 bird species, the park is one of Uganda’s top bird-watching spots. Some notable birds include the shoebill, African fish eagle, Goliath heron, and Abyssinian ground hornbill, among others.
• Very Interesting History: The park’s history dates back to the 20th century when British explorers, including Sir Samuel Baker, visited the area. Sir Baker named the falls after geologist Roderick Murchison.
• A Great Story of Conservation: Thanks to efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and international conservation partners, rare species like the Rothschild’s giraffe have been successfully reintroduced and protected in the park.
• A Blend of Nature: Murchison Falls National Park offers more than just wildlife. It has beautiful natural features, including the waterfall itself, wide landscapes, and different types of vegetation such as Savannah grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests.

List of Airstrips in the Park

The airstrips connect Murchison Falls to major cities like Entebbe and Kampala. They also help the local economy by supporting tourism, which is a major source of income for people living near the park.

The airstrips in Murchison Falls National Park include:

• Pakuba Airstrip
• Bugungu Airstrip
• Chobe Airstrip

Park Gates & Location

Below is a list of the six gates:

• Kichumbanyobo Gate
• Tangi Gate
• Wankar Gate
• Mubako Gate
• Bugungu Gate
• Chobe Gate

List Game Tracks

Game tracks are trails that you take during game viewing drives. Each trail has its own advantages and disadvantages and you should know them to plan better.

The game tracks in Murchison Falls National Park include;

• Pakuba Game Track
• Buligi Game Track
• Albert Game Track
• Queen’s Game Track
• Te’bito Game Track
• Victoria Game Track
• Chobe Game Track
• Honeymoon Game Track

Types of Murchison Falls Safaris

There are several types of safaris that you can have in Murchison Falls National Park, if you prefer a themed style of travel and some of these include:

• Budget Safaris
• Luxury Safaris
• Honeymoon Safaris
• Group Safaris
• Family Safaris
• Motorcycle Tours

Location of the Park

Murchison Falls National Park is near Lake Albert in northwestern Uganda, about 305 kilometers north of Kampala. You can drive to the park in 3 to 4 hours or fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield. During the rainy season, a 4WD vehicle is recommended.

Murchison Falls Park Map

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls

You can visit Murchison Falls any time of the year, but the best months are during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. The short grass and clear skies make it easier to see animals.

Bird watchers should visit between November and April, when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe arrive. The rare shoebill stork is best seen between January and March.

Where to Stay – Luxury, Mid-Range & Luxury Accommodation Options

There are many places to stay in and around the park for all budgets. Options include luxury, mid-range, and budget lodges. Some popular choices are Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Entikko Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Camp, Bwana Tembo Safari Camp, Anyadwe House, Hornbill Bush Lodge, Parkside Safari Lodge, Budongo Eco Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge, Bamboo Village Safari Lodge, Murchison River Camps, Murchison Giraffe Camp, and Murchison River Lodge.