Murchison falls N.P
Overview
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area, covering vast expanses of savanna, woodland, and riverine forests. Originally gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, the park was officially designated as one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. It lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the Bunyoro escarpment descends into rolling, palm-dotted plains, offering one of the most dramatic landscapes in East Africa.
The Iconic Murchison Falls
At the heart of the park is Murchison Falls, one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls.
Here, the mighty Victoria Nile is forced through a narrow 8-meter-wide gorge, before plunging 45 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron below, sending up a thunderous roar and a permanent rainbow mist.
This breathtaking natural wonder marks the final act in an 80km stretch of rapids, after which the river calms into a broad, tranquil flow as it meanders toward Lake Albert. This stretch of river is one of Uganda’s greatest wildlife viewing spots, attracting elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes to the riverbanks, while hippos, Nile crocodiles, and aquatic birds are ever-present residents.
Attractions
Diverse Ecosystems and Rich Wildlife 🦒🐘🦜
Murchison Falls National Park is home to a remarkable 144 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptiles, and 51 amphibians. The northern section of the park is characterized by open savanna, Borassus palms, and acacia woodland, while the southern section is dominated by woodland and forest patches, offering diverse habitats for a wide range of wildlife.
Key Wildlife Highlights:
African Elephants 🐘 – An aerial survey counted over 900 individuals, with numbers steadily increasing.
Giraffes 🦒 – Historically, these majestic animals have been exclusive to the northern sector, and their population continues to thrive.
Buffaloes 🦬 – Their numbers have soared to over 10,000, making them one of the most commonly seen animals in the park.
Uganda Kobs 🦌 – The population has grown to an impressive 35,000 individuals.
Nile Crocodiles & Hippos 🐊 – Common along the riverbanks, especially near the Albert Delta.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise 🦩🐦
With over 556 recorded bird species, Murchison Falls is a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts. The shoebill stork, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds, is commonly spotted along the Albert Delta. Other notable birds include:
🔹 White-crested turaco – Found in the park’s woodland areas
🔹 Red-winged grey warbler – Typically seen in the southern sector
🔹 African fish eagle, Goliath heron, and the saddle-billed stork
A Park of Historical Fame ✨
How to get there
Murchison Falls National Park is located 305km/190mi north of Kampala. The drive to the southern entrance gate takes 4 to 5 hours.
Coming from the southwest, the 280km/170mi drive from Fort Portal takes at least 6 hours. Allow another hour or 2 from the entrance gate to most of the lodges.
It is also possible to fly to the park by chartered or scheduled aircraft service from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala.
Pakuba Airfield is the most convenient point of arrival for the main cluster of camps and lodges around the park headquarters at Paraa.
Other options are Chobe or Bugundu. When flying from abroad, you’ll arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). It is located 46km/29mi from the capital (Kampala).
As your local tour operator, we will arrange for you to be picked up at the airport and will take care of all further transportation as part of your safari package.
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