Stretching from the west towards the northwestern part of Uganda lies the country’s biggest nature reserve; Murchison falls national park. It boasts an impressive population of animals in the varied habitats ranging from savannah grasslands to lush forests. Covering an area of 3,893 sq.km, Murchison falls national park has two sections; the northern and southern banks divided by the enormous Victoria Nile. The northern side is an outstanding place for wildlife viewing with lots of game and birds.
Murchison falls National Park has 76 species of mammals including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, waterbucks, Uganda kobs and numerous Jackson’s hartebeest. Primates can be searched and seen in Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo forests. They are homes to about 800 chimps and black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys and blue monkeys. Murchison falls is a birding paradise with over 450 birds on the checklist. Highlights of birding tours are Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Black-headed Gonolek, African Jacana, Sandpipers, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Piapiac and egrets.
As the Nile finds its way through the park, it forms one of the most incredible sites in the world – the Murchison falls where the river compresses to go through a 7m gorge. The thunderous waterfalls are the strongest in the world. Do no miss the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls and a hike or drive to the top of the same scenic place.
Activities and attractions in Murchison falls national park
- Boat cruise to the bottom of the falls
- Boat cruise downstream to the Nile delta
- Game drive in Buligi
- Hot air balloon safaris in Paraa
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forests
- Hiking to the top of the falls
- Bird watching along the Nile and in Budongo forest
- Nature walks at Paraa and Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo forests
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Murchison falls national park by road is passing via Masindi and enter through Kichumbanyobo gate in the south of the park. The 305 km distance takes about 5-6 hours. There is another entrance in the south known as Bugungu gate located 135km from Masindi town.
To access the park from the northern side, there are various gates you can use by driving on the Kampala-Pakwach high way. They include Chobe, Tangi, Wankar and Mubako gates.
By air, chartered aircrafts from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield can fly in at Pakuba airfield 19km from north Paraa, Chobe airfield to the eats of the park and Bugungu in the south close to the park.
Planning for a safari to Murchison falls national park and you wish to use public means of transport? You are advised to rent a car with a drive for a guided tour or hire one for self drive. To get a reliable vehicle, send an email to rent@tellanzacarrentaluganda.com or call us now on +256-702838696 / +256-708234114 / +256-772424754 to talk to the reservations personnel
