Murchison Falls National Park: Location, Entrance Fees, Hotels
Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda is a premier safari destination, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the world’s most powerful waterfall.
Located in northwestern Uganda, this vast park spans approximately 3,893 square kilometers and is home to the iconic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River surges through a narrow 7-meter gorge with immense force, creating a thunderous spectacle that shakes the ground.
Famous for combining raw natural power with abundant animal sightings, it’s a must-visit for adventurers seeking authentic African experiences.
Whether you’re drawn to game drives spotting lions and elephants or boat cruises along the Nile teeming with hippos and Nile crocodiles, Murchison Falls offers unforgettable thrills.
Easily accessible from Kampala, about 305 kilometers away, the park promises a blend of excitement and serenity in one of Uganda’s oldest conservation areas.
History & Facts About Murchison falls np
The history of Murchison Falls National Park dates back to the early 20th century, making it Uganda’s oldest and largest protected area. Initially gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 to safeguard the savanna ecosystem, it was later established as a national park in 1952 under the British administration’s National Parks Act.
The park’s origins trace to 1907 when local inhabitants were evacuated from a 13,000-square-kilometer area due to a sleeping sickness outbreak caused by tsetse flies.
Named after Sir Roderick Murchison, the president of Britain’s Royal Geographical Society, by explorer Sir Samuel Baker in 1864, the falls and park honor this legacy.
Key facts highlight its significance: Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, bisected by the Victoria Nile for about 115 kilometers
. The falls themselves form when the Nile compresses through a tight gorge, plunging 43 meters into the “Devil’s Cauldron” below, generating a force often described as the most powerful in the world due to the volume and pressure—up to 300 cubic meters per second.
The park’s location in northwestern Uganda spans districts including Nwoya, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, and Masindi, positioning it as a vital conservation zone.
Interestingly, the Nile’s role here is crucial, as it feeds into Lake Albert and supports a rich ecosystem. Over the years, the park has faced challenges like poaching but has seen recovery through efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), with wildlife populations rebounding significantly in the last decade.
Top Attractions in Uganda Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park boasts an array of captivating attractions that draw visitors from around the globe. At the heart is Murchison Falls itself, accessible from both the top and bottom viewpoints.
The top of the falls offers a thrilling hike where you can feel the mist and hear the roar as the Nile crashes through the gorge. The bottom provides a boat cruise perspective, allowing close-up views of the cascading water.
The Nile Delta, where the Victoria Nile meets Lake Albert, is another highlight, featuring wetlands teeming with wildlife and birds.
For forest lovers, Rabongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi Forest offer lush greenery and chimpanzee habitats, perfect for trekking. Buligi Game Tracks in the northern sector provide prime savanna views, with open plains ideal for spotting herds of elephants and giraffes.
Don’t miss the Karuma Waterfalls in the Chobe area, a series of cascading rapids adding to the park’s watery wonders. Paraa, the central hub, serves as a starting point for many activities, blending accessibility with scenic beauty.
Wildlife & Animals Found in Murchison Falls NP
Murchison Falls National Park is a wildlife haven, hosting over 144 mammal species, including four of the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes. Lions are commonly seen on game drives, often lounging in prides, while massive elephant herds roam the savannas and riverbanks.
Giraffes, with their elegant necks, are abundant, alongside buffaloes that graze in large groups. Nile crocodiles and hippos dominate the river, with hippos submerging in pods and crocs sunbathing on shores.
Primates thrive here, particularly chimpanzees in the Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests, where trekking reveals their playful behaviors. Notable antelopes include Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, and bushbucks, adding to the diversity.
Other sightings might include warthogs, patas monkeys, and even elusive leopards at dusk. The park’s recovery from past poaching has boosted populations, making it a top spot for Murchison Falls safari experiences.
Birdlife in Murchison Falls
With over 450 bird species, Murchison Falls National Park is a birder’s paradise, earning it a spot as one of Uganda’s premier avian destinations.
The elusive shoebill stork, with its massive bill, is a star attraction, often spotted in the Nile Delta wetlands. Other notables include the Abyssinian ground hornbill, grey crowned crane, and red-throated bee-eater.
Best birding spots are along the riverbanks and Nile Delta, where water birds like Goliath herons and kingfishers thrive. Forests host species such as the great blue turaco and black-and-white casqued hornbill.
Migratory birds add seasonal variety, with the park’s diverse habitats—savanna, riverine, and woodland—supporting this rich birdlife.
Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park
Activities in Murchison Falls National Park cater to every adventurer. Game drives on Buligi tracks reveal lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat. The Nile boat cruise to the falls is essential, offering views of hippos, crocodiles, and the dramatic cascade. Hiking to the top of the falls provides a misty, exhilarating vantage point.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi or Budongo Forest immerses you in primate world. Bird watching is superb along riverbanks, while fishing on the Nile targets Nile perch.
Hot air balloon rides offer aerial perspectives, and nature walks in Rabongo Forest uncover hidden gems. For a unique twist, delta cruises downstream highlight wetlands.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls np
The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons: December to February and June to September, when wildlife congregates around water sources for easier viewing. These months offer clear skies and accessible roads, ideal for game drives and hikes.
Wet seasons (March to May, October to November) bring lush greenery and fewer crowds, but roads can be muddy. Birding peaks in wet months with migrants, while dry seasons enhance waterfall flow visibility. For optimal wildlife and falls power, aim for January-February or July-August.
Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees & Permits
As of 2025, under the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff (July 2024-June 2026), park entrance fees for Murchison Falls are: foreign non-residents USD 45 per day, foreign residents USD 35, and East African citizens UGX 25,000. Children aged 5-15 pay half, under 5 free. Vehicle fees range from UGX 30,000 for cars to higher for larger vehicles.
Activity permits include boat cruises at USD 30, chimpanzee trekking USD 50, and sport fishing USD 50 per day. Fees are subject to change; check UWA for updates. Annual passes offer savings for frequent visitors.
Murchison Falls National Park Hotels
Accommodation options in Murchison Falls suit all budgets. Luxury choices like Paraa Safari Lodge offer Nile views, pools, and fine dining from USD 300+ per night. Nile Safari Lodge provides upscale tents with riverfront decks.
Mid-range includes Pakuba Safari Lodge with en-suite rooms and game views, around USD 150-250. Budget options like Red Chilli Rest Camp or Murchison River Lodge feature bandas and camping from USD 40.
Many lodges, such as Twiga Safari Lodge, are near the Nile for easy access to activities.
How to Get to Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls is about 305 km from Kampala, a 4-6 hour drive via the Kampala-Masindi route. Roads are mostly paved until the park, then dirt tracks; 4×4 vehicles are recommended.
From Kampala, take a bus to Masindi (UGX 20,000), then taxi to the park. Domestic flights from Entebbe to Pakuba Airstrip take 1 hour, followed by a transfer. Self-drives offer flexibility, but guided tours simplify logistics.
Sample Murchison Falls Safari Itineraries
For a 2-day safari: Day 1 arrives with a game drive and boat cruise; Day 2 includes morning chimp trekking and departure.
A 3-day itinerary: Day 1 transfer from Kampala with rhino tracking en route; Day 2 game drive, falls hike, and cruise; Day 3 departure after birding.
Combine with chimpanzees: Extend to 4 days, adding Budongo Forest trekking.
FAQs About Murchison Falls
Where is Murchison Falls located? In northwestern Uganda, spanning Nwoya, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, and Masindi districts.
Which district is Murchison Falls in? Primarily Nwoya, but the park spans multiple districts.
Is Murchison Falls safe to visit? Yes, with guided tours; follow park rules for wildlife.
How powerful is Murchison Falls? It’s considered the world’s most powerful due to the Nile’s force through a narrow gorge.
What animals can I see in Murchison Falls? Lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more.
How many days are enough for Murchison Falls? 3-4 days for a comprehensive experience.
Is Murchison Falls the most powerful waterfall in the world? Yes, often claimed so for its intense force.
How much are park entry fees for Murchison Falls? USD 45 for foreign non-residents per day.
Compared to Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda, Murchison is larger and wildlife-focused, while Sipi offers serene hikes in higher elevations.
In conclusion, Murchison Falls National Park encapsulates Uganda’s wild essence, from its thunderous falls to teeming wildlife. Don’t miss this gem—book your Murchison Falls tour packages with All Uganda Safaris for tailored experiences, expert guides, and seamless adventures.
Whether a short escape or extended safari, we’ll make your visit unforgettable. Contact us today and embark on the journey of a lifetime!