Murchison Falls National Park: The Falls, the Nile & Big Game
Uganda's largest park, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gap and drops into the gorge below.
Murchison Falls National Park lies in north-western Uganda, where the Nile surges through a gap in the rift escarpment and plunges into a gorge. The park is Uganda's largest and combines the falls, a river delta, savannah and woodland, with elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions and a rich bird population.
It is one of the easiest northern parks to add to a trip and works well as a three-day safari: see the 3-day Murchison Falls safari. Learn how it fits with other parks in our wildlife safari packages.
At a glance
- Location: North-western Uganda
- Main attractions: The falls, Nile boat cruise, game drives north of the river
- Also see: Shoebill, Budongo Forest chimpanzees, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Typical stay: Two to three nights
- Getting there: About five to six hours by road from Kampala, or a short flight
What to Do in Murchison Falls
- Boat cruise. A cruise on the Nile towards the base of the falls, with hippos, crocodiles and birds along the way.
- Hike to the top of the falls. A walk to a viewpoint above the water.
- Game drives. The northern bank offers elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions and antelope.
- Birding. A chance to look for the shoebill in the delta; see birding tours.
- Budongo Forest. Chimpanzee tracking near the park.
On the Way: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The road from Kampala passes Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can track rhinos on foot. Most itineraries stop there on the way north.
Best Time to Visit
Dry months make game drives easier and animals gather near the river. Wetter months are green with good birding. See our season guide.
Combining Murchison With Other Parks
Murchison is often paired with Kibale and Queen Elizabeth on a western loop, or flown to from Entebbe on short trips; see fly-in packages and the 8-day ultimate Uganda safari.
Key Experiences
- Boat trip to the base of the falls: the Nile narrows into a powerful gap, and a boat cruise gives views of the falls as well as hippos, crocodiles and birds.
- Top of the falls hike: a walk to the top lets you feel the force of water squeezing through the gorge.
- Game drives north of the Nile: for giraffes, elephants, buffalo, lions and antelope.
- Delta boat trip: a trip to the Nile delta is popular with birdwatchers hoping to see the shoebill. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Getting There
The drive from Kampala can be broken with a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Many travellers also combine Murchison with Kidepo or with gorilla and chimpanzee safaris. See our 3-day Murchison Falls safari and itinerary ideas. For birdwatchers, read Uganda birding tours.
Murchison Falls Fees at a Glance
| Activity | FNR | FR | EAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entrance (adult) | $45 | $35 | UGX 25,000 |
| Guided day game drive (per guide) | $25 | $20 | UGX 25,000 |
| Night game drive (per person) | $40 | $35 | UGX 40,000 |
| Launch trip to bottom of falls | $30 | $25 | UGX 30,000 |
| Hike to top of falls | $15 | $10 | UGX 10,000 |
| Viewing top of falls | $10 | $10 | UGX 10,000 |
| White water rafting | $50 | $50 | UGX 50,000 |
| Cycling | $30 | $25 | UGX 30,000 |
| Birding and nature walks | $25 | $20 | UGX 20,000 |
Vehicle entrance carries an extra $10 for foreign registered vehicles. See rafting and sport fishing.
About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.
Safaris That Include Murchison Falls National Park
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