Murchison Falls National Park, is one of Uganda’s most popular and spectacular national parks. Located in the northwestern part of the country, it is named after the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful and breathtaking sigh
Start Point: The most common starting point for self-drive trips to Murchison Falls is Kampala, the capital city of Uganda or Entebbe international airport.
From Kampala, you’ll need to head north towards Masindi, the nearest town to Murchison Falls National Park. The distance between Kampala and Masindi is approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles).
The road from Kampala to Masindi is generally in good condition, with some sections being paved and others being gravel or murram roads. However, it’s recommended to check the road conditions before your trip as they may vary.
The journey from Kampala to Masindi takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Masindi to Murchison : From Masindi, you’ll continue driving north to reach Murchison Falls National Park. The park is located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Masindi.
There are several entrance gates to Murchison Falls National Park, including the Kichumbanyobo Gate (southern entrance) and the Tangi Gate (northern entrance). The gates are clearly marked, and you’ll need to pay the park entrance fees before entering.park entrance fee is $40 for foreign non residence and $30 for foreign residence.
Once inside the park, follow the designated roads and signage to reach the Murchison Falls area. The falls are located on the Victoria Nile, and you can park your vehicle at designated parking areas.
To fully experience Murchison Falls, consider taking a boat safari on the Nile River. Boat trips depart from various points within the park and offer a unique perspective of the falls and the surrounding
Murchison Falls National Park offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, either on self-drive safari or guided safari, find some of the top things to do in Murchison Falls National Park:
One of the highlights of visiting this beautiful park is taking a boat safari on the Nile River. You can cruise along the river, enjoying close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The boat safari also takes you to the base of the magnificent Murchison Falls, where you can witness the powerful water cascading down.
Explore the vast wilderness of Murchison Falls National Park on a game drive. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, antelopes, and more. Game drives are typically conducted in the morning and afternoon when wildlife activity is at its peak.
In the Budongo Forest Reserve, which is part of Murchison Falls National Park, you can go chimpanzee trekking. Accompanied by experienced guides, trek through the forest to encounter these intelligent primates and observe their behavior in their natural habitat.
For the adventurous, embark on a hike to the top of Murchison Falls. It is a challenging but rewarding experience as you make your way through the park’s scenic landscapes and reach the viewpoint overlooking the falls. The hike offers breathtaking views and opportunities for stunning photographs.
This Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 450 bird species recorded. Keep an eye out for the iconic shoebill stork, Goliath heron, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and various species of kingfishers, eagles, and vultures. Bird watching done both on boat safaris and during game drives.
Take guided nature walks through designated trails in the park to explore its diverse ecosystems. It allows you to appreciate the smaller wonders of nature, discover unique plant species, and spot smaller mammals, reptiles, and insects.
Experience the beauty of Murchison Falls National Park from a different perspective with a hot air balloon safari. Float above the savannah landscapes, spotting wildlife from above and enjoying breathtaking aerial views.
Visit nearby communities and engage in cultural encounters to learn about the local people’s traditions, lifestyle, and crafts. This can include traditional dances, music performances, and interactions with the local community.