The Falls

Murchison Falls is the point where the entire volume of the Victoria Nile is forced through a gap of just 7 metres — creating what is considered the world's most powerful waterfall. The force of water is extraordinary and audible from a kilometre away. A short hike to the top of the falls is one of Uganda's most visceral experiences.

The Park

At 3,840 sq km, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest national park. It covers savanna north of the Nile, riverine forest along the banks, and the dramatic falls themselves. The park's variety of habitats supports exceptional biodiversity.

The Nile Boat Safari

The boat safari from Paraa up the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls is one of Uganda's definitive experiences. A 3-hour journey through hippo pods and crocodile-lined banks, ending at the thundering falls — photographically extraordinary and genuinely one of East Africa's best water-based safari experiences.

Wildlife

  • Elephant — among Uganda's largest concentrations
  • Lion — Murchison has excellent lion sightings on the northern savanna
  • Rothschild giraffe — one of the few Ugandan parks where giraffe is found
  • Buffalo — large herds
  • Hippo — thousands along the Nile
  • Nile crocodile — abundant
  • Shoebill stork — one of Africa's most sought-after birds, sighted in Murchison's delta
  • Chimpanzee — in Budongo Forest Reserve adjacent to the park
Shoebill stork at Murchison

The shoebill is one of the world's most prehistoric-looking birds — a massive, grey, dinosaur-necked stork with a shoe-shaped bill. Murchison's papyrus swamps near the Nile delta are one of the most reliable places in Africa to see one. Guided shoebill canoe trips are available and highly recommended.

How to Get There

300km north of Kampala — approximately 4–5 hours by road or 1 hour by charter flight to Pakuba airstrip. Usually the starting point of a Uganda northern circuit safari before continuing south to Kibale (chimps) and Queen Elizabeth.

Yes, for the combination of falls, Nile boat safari, lion sightings and giraffe that are absent from southern Uganda parks. Most Uganda itineraries that include Murchison use a charter flight to Pakuba to avoid the 10-hour round trip drive from Kampala.