Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest and oldest protected area, where the entire River Nile forces itself through a narrow 7-meter gap in the rock before plunging 43 meters into a thundering pool below. This dramatic waterfall gives the park its name, but there's far more to discover across its 3,893 square kilometers of rolling savanna, riverine forest, and palm-dotted grasslands. The park straddles the Nile, dividing it into a northern sector (the main safari area with lions, giraffes, and elephants) and a southern sector (dense forest and chimp trekking in Budongo Forest). A boat safari up the Nile to the base of the falls is one of Uganda's most iconic experiences, passing hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants on the riverbanks.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Good
leopard
Rare
elephant
Excellent
buffalo
Excellent
rhino
Not present
Wildlife Highlights
Rothschild's Giraffe
One of the best places in Uganda to see the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, a subspecies with no markings below the knee.
Nile Crocodile
Large crocodiles are abundant along the Nile, especially visible on the boat safari to the falls.
Chimpanzee
Habituated chimps in the Budongo Forest on the park's southern boundary. One of Uganda's top chimp trekking destinations.
Shoebill
The prehistoric-looking shoebill stork is found in the Nile Delta area near Lake Albert. Murchison is one of the best places in Africa to see this elusive bird.
451+ bird species including Shoebill stork, Goliath heron, African fish eagle, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Red-throated bee-eater.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is accessible year-round. The dry seasons (June to August, December to February) offer the best game viewing and boat safari conditions. The wet season brings lush scenery and outstanding birding.
peak Season
June, July, AugustDry, cool. Clear skies.
Moderate
High
Excellent: animals concentrate along the Nile
high Season
December, January, FebruaryDry, warm.
Moderate
High
Very good. Great conditions for boat safaris.
shoulder Season
September, MarchTransition months, occasional showers.
Lower
Moderate
Good. Migratory birds arriving.
low Season
October, November, April, MayWet season. Afternoon showers, lush vegetation.
Low
Lowest
Game more dispersed. Excellent birding.
Getting to Murchison Falls National Park
By Air
RecommendedBy Road
Entry Gates
Tangi Gate (South)
Main entry from Masindi/Kampala side. Ferry crossing to northern bank.
Wankwar Gate (East)
Alternative entry from the east.
Bugungu Gate (Southwest)
Entry from Lake Albert side.
Murchison Falls National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $40/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $20/day |
- • Park fees are per person per 24 hours
- • Boat safari to the falls costs extra (~$30 per person)
- • Chimp trekking in Budongo costs $90 per person
- • Paraa ferry crossing is free and runs every 30 minutes
Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Included Activities
Game drives (northern bank)
Drive through the savanna on the northern bank of the Nile spotting lions, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, and hartebeest.
Top of the Falls hike
Short hike to the viewpoint at the top of Murchison Falls, watching the Nile squeeze through the 7-meter gap.
Optional Extras
Boat safari to the falls
$30-$30A 3-hour boat cruise upstream on the Nile from Paraa to the base of Murchison Falls. Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds line the route. One of Uganda's must-do experiences.
Budongo Forest chimp trekking
$90-$90Track habituated chimpanzees in the Budongo Forest Reserve on the park's southern boundary.
Shoebill boat trip (Nile Delta)
$30-$50Early morning boat trip to the Nile Delta near Lake Albert to search for the elusive shoebill stork.
Sport fishing
$100-$200Nile perch fishing on the river below the falls. Catch-and-release for large Nile perch.
Where to Stay
Most accommodation is near Paraa (the ferry crossing) on either bank of the Nile. Luxury lodges overlook the river, while budget options and camping are available at UWA facilities.
luxury
$400-$1200/person/nightIncludes: All meals, guided activities, boat safaris
Examples: paraa-safari-lodge, chobe-safari-lodge, baker's-lodge
mid range
$100-$400/person/nightIncludes: Meals and some activities
Examples: murchison-river-lodge, sambiya-river-lodge
budget
$20-$80/person/nightIncludes: Basic rooms, meals available
Examples: red-chilli-rest-camp, UWA bandas
camping
$10-$20/person/nightIncludes: Campsite with basic facilities
Examples: Red Chilli campsite, UWA campsite
Practical Tips
- 1The boat safari to the falls is the park's top experience; don't skip it
- 2Cross the Paraa ferry early morning for the best game-drive light on the northern bank
- 3Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route from Kampala to track rhinos on foot
- 4Bring sun protection for the boat safari (there's shade but reflection off the water is strong)
- 5The northern bank game drive is where you'll see most big game (lions, giraffes, elephants)
- 6Visit the top of the falls by car or combine with a hike down from the top after the boat drops you
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need at Murchison Falls?
Two days is the sweet spot. Day one for the boat safari to the falls and top-of-the-falls hike. Day two for a full morning game drive on the northern bank. Add a third day for chimp trekking in Budongo Forest or a shoebill boat trip.
Is the boat safari to the falls worth it?
It's one of Uganda's top wildlife experiences. The 3-hour cruise up the Nile passes hippos, massive Nile crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife, building to the dramatic climax at the base of the thundering falls. It's a must-do.
Can you swim at Murchison Falls?
No. The Nile here is full of crocodiles and hippos. Enjoy the falls from the boat or the top viewpoint only.
How do you get to the northern bank for game drives?
The Paraa ferry crosses the Nile every 30 minutes (7 am to 7 pm). The crossing takes about 10 minutes and is free. Time your game drives around the ferry schedule.
Official Resources
Sources
- Park size 3,893 sq km, Uganda's largest national park, established 1952: Uganda Wildlife Authority
- 451 bird species recorded, including shoebill: BirdLife International / Uganda Wildlife Authority