Uganda • Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park: Boat Trips, Big Game & Rhinos
At Murchison Falls National Park, the mighty Nile squeezes through a gap in the rock only about 7 metres wide and crashes into the gorge below with a roar you can feel. Around it lies Uganda's largest national park, with elephants, giraffes, lions, huge pods of hippos and enormous Nile crocodiles. It's a wild, dramatic safari, and it's easy to combine with rhino tracking on the way.
Murchison Falls at a glance
- Famous for: the falls, Nile boat safaris and big game
- Wildlife: elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, lions, buffalo, Uganda kob, hippos and crocodiles
- Getting there: about a 5 to 6 hour drive from Kampala, or a short flight
- Ideal stay: 2 to 3 nights
- On the way: rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Top things to do in Murchison Falls National Park
The highlight
Boat trip to the foot of the falls
Cruise upstream on the Nile past hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalo drinking at the water's edge, with birds everywhere, until the boat stops in front of the thundering falls.
Feel the power
Hike to the top of the falls
Many boat trips can drop you near a trail that climbs to the top of the falls. Standing beside the narrow gorge, with spray on your face, shows the Nile's incredible force.
North of the river
Game drives on the savannah
The plains north of the Nile are the best area for game drives, with elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, Jackson's hartebeest, Uganda kob, buffalo and lions.
For birders
Nile Delta cruise and the shoebill
A morning boat trip downstream to where the Nile meets Lake Albert gives you a chance to see the rare, prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, one of Africa's most sought-after birds. See our best birding destinations in Africa.
Primates
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest
The Budongo Forest, at the southern edge of the park, offers chimpanzee tracking and excellent forest birding.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: rhinos on foot
Rhinos were once wiped out in Uganda. Today, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, on the road between Kampala and Murchison, is the only place in the country to see them in the wild. Rangers lead you on foot to see southern white rhinos up close, a powerful conservation story and the perfect stop to break the journey.
How to get to Murchison Falls
By road, the park is about 5 to 6 hours from Kampala, or longer with a stop at Ziwa. By air, scheduled and charter flights connect Entebbe with airstrips in and near the park. Many travellers combine Murchison with Kibale and Queen Elizabeth on a longer safari. See our Uganda Safari Guide for itineraries.
Best time to visit Murchison Falls
The dry months, December to February and June to September, are best for game drives, as animals gather near water. The falls are at their most powerful after the rains, and the green season is excellent for birding.
Planning gorillas too? Read our gorilla trekking in Uganda guide.
The boat drifts in the spray, a rainbow forms over the gorge and the whole river roars around you. Some places stay with you long after you return home. Murchison is one of them.
Frequently asked questions
What is Murchison Falls famous for?
Murchison Falls is famous for the point where the Nile forces through a gap about 7 metres wide, and for boat safaris, big game and the rare shoebill stork.
How far is Murchison Falls from Kampala?
Murchison Falls National Park is about a 5 to 6 hour drive from Kampala. Flights from Entebbe are also available.
Can you see rhinos at Murchison Falls?
There are no rhinos in the park itself, but you can track white rhinos on foot at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way from Kampala.
How many days do you need at Murchison Falls?
Two to three nights is ideal for a boat trip to the falls, the top of the falls hike, game drives and a Nile Delta cruise.
Can you see the Big Five at Murchison Falls?
You can see lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo in the park. Add the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to complete the Big Five.
Add Murchison Falls to your Uganda safari
We'll combine rhinos, the falls and big game into a smooth and unforgettable route.
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