Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest national park (3,840 km²) and one of its most spectacular. The park is centred on the Victoria Nile, which surges through a narrow 7-metre-wide gorge known as Murchison Falls — one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth. The Nile then flows into Lake Albert through the stunning Nile Delta. The park protects vast savannah plains, riverine forest, and the Budongo Forest in the south.

Murchison Falls is famous for its large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes on the northern bank, and for the boat cruise from Paraa to the base of the falls — an unforgettable experience. The park also offers chimpanzee tracking in nearby Budongo Forest.

By Plane

Chartered and scheduled flights from Entebbe to Pakuba Airstrip inside the park (1.5 hours). Aerolink and other operators serve this route.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to the park.

By Car / Road

From Kampala, the drive is 4–5 hours via Masindi. The road is paved to Masindi then fair marram to the park gate. A 2WD vehicle is sufficient in the dry season; 4x4 recommended in rain.

Game drives on the northern bank with lodges or self-drive. The boat cruise operates from the Paraa jetty. A ferry crosses the Nile between the northern and southern banks.

• Murchison Falls — The world's most powerful waterfall, where the Nile forces through a 7-metre-wide gap

• Nile Delta — Where the Nile enters Lake Albert, a vast wetland rich with birdlife

• Budongo Forest — A mahogany forest on the southern bank, home to chimpanzees

• Paraa Viewpoint — Panoramic views of the Nile and the savannah plains

• Top of the Falls — Walk to the top of Murchison Falls for a breathtaking perspective

• Boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls (2–3 hours, the highlight of any visit)

• Game drives on the northern bank (elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, antelopes)

• Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest (half-day)

• Hike to the top of Murchison Falls

• Sport fishing on the Nile (Nile perch fishing is excellent)

• Birdwatching — over 450 species including the rare shoebill stork

Meals are provided by the lodges and hotels. The UWA Bandas have a basic restaurant. Paraa Safari Lodge has a well-regarded restaurant.

Lodges provide drinks. Bottled water is recommended. Nile Special and Club beer are available at lodge bars.

• Budget: UWA campsite (from US$20) and Red Chilli Camp (dorm from US$15)
• Mid-range: Fort Murchison Lodge (from US$60) and Murchison River Lodge (from US$80)
• Upscale: Paraa Safari Lodge (from US$180), Nile Safari Lodge (from US$200), and Baker's Lodge (from US$300 per person luxury)

Souvenirs and crafts are available at lodge gift shops and the UWA office. Stock up on supplies in Masindi before entering the park.

• Budongo Forest (20 km south of park) — Chimpanzee tracking
• Masindi (40 km south-east) — Gateway town
• Hoima (80 km south) — Bunyoro kingdom capital
• Gulu (120 km north-east, 2.5 hrs) — Northern Uganda's largest city
• Kidepo Valley National Park (350 km north-east, 6 hrs) — Remote wilderness park