Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, famous for the dramatic Murchison Falls where the powerful Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges into the valley below.
Overview
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, covering over 3,800 square kilometers in the northwestern part of the country. The park is famously named after the breathtaking Murchison Falls, where the powerful Victoria Nile River is squeezed through a narrow 7-meter gorge and plunges dramatically over a 43-meter cliff. The park’s landscape is a mix of open savannah, riverine forest, wetlands, and woodlands, supporting a rich diversity of wildlife. It is home to over 76 mammal species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and leopards, as well as more than 450 bird species. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Murchison Falls offers a quintessential African safari experience.
Things to do in Murchison Falls National Park
Game Drives: Explore the northern plains on guided game drives and spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes in their natural habitat.
Boat Safari to the Falls: Take a scenic boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
Top of the Falls Hike: Hike to the top of Murchison Falls for panoramic views of the roaring river crashing through the gorge — a truly exhilarating experience.
Bird Watching: Spot unique bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and Goliath heron.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Venture into the Kaniyo Pabidi forest for a guided chimpanzee trekking experience among ancient mahogany trees.
Fishing: Try your hand at sport fishing on the Nile River, where you can catch large Nile perch and catfish.
Nature Walks: Enjoy guided nature walks through the forested areas, spotting smaller wildlife and learning about the park’s rich ecosystems.