Quick Facts
About Murchison Falls National Park
Peak Time
June – September & December – February
Best Time To Go
Year-round, but the dry seasons (June – September & December – February) offer the best wildlife viewing
Famous For
The world’s most powerful waterfall, Nile River boat safaris, and diverse wildlife
Home Of
Over 76 mammal species, the Big Five, and over 450 bird species
Overview
Murchison Falls National Park, located in northwestern Uganda, is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, covering 3,893 square kilometers. It is famous for its spectacular Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River is forced through a 7-meter-wide gorge, creating the most powerful waterfall in the world.
Beyond the falls, the park is a top wildlife safari destination, home to elephants, lions, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and chimpanzees. The Nile boat safari is a highlight, offering close-up views of wildlife along the riverbanks.
Murchison Falls National Park
Towering over the Nile River, Murchison Falls plunges 43 meters through a narrow, rocky gorge, transforming Africa’s longest river into a roaring, mist-laced spectacle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers awe-inspiring adventures: trek to the cliffside viewpoints for panoramic vistas, or glide on a boat safari to the base, where hippos and crocodiles laze in the waters below. The air thrums with the falls’ thunderous roar, while sunlight dances on the spray, creating rainbows that frame the cascades. A photographer’s dream and a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, Murchison Falls epitomizes Uganda’s untamed beauty—a must-visit where nature’s power and serenity collide.
Nile River Boat Safari
One of the most unique attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park is its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Unlike most lions, these predators spend their days resting in large fig trees, providing an exceptional photographic opportunity.
Scientists believe that this rare behavior helps them avoid the heat and biting insects on the ground. Spotting these lions is a highlight of any safari in Uganda.
Boat Safari on the Nile at Murchison Falls
A thrilling journey along the Nile River’s turbulent waters, the boat safari brings you eye-to-eye with Africa’s wild heart. Drift past hippos and Nile crocodiles —some of the continent’s largest—basking in sunlit pools, while elephants and buffaloes emerge from the bush to drink at the river’s edge. Scan the skies for rare birds like the African fish eagle , the towering Goliath heron , and the elusive, prehistoric-looking shoebill stork . As the sun dips below the horizon, the sunset cruise transforms the scene into a golden masterpiece, with the falls glowing in the twilight. The air hums with the Nile’s power and the whispers of wildlife, making this voyage a unforgettable celebration of nature’s raw beauty and biodiversity.
Activities
Murchison Falls National Park offers breathtaking scenery and a variety of activities, including:
- Game Drives – Explore the Buligi Game Tracks for incredible wildlife encounters.
- Chimpanzee Trekking – Available in Budongo Forest Reserve.
- Hiking & Nature Walks – Enjoy trails with panoramic views of the Nile.
- Fishing Expeditions – Catch Nile perch and tiger fish in the river.
- Birdwatching – Spot over 450 species, including the shoebill stork.
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Best Time to Visit
Murchison Falls National Park can be visited year-round, but the experience varies by season:
- June – September & December – February : Best for game viewing and boat safaris (dry seasons with clearer skies and concentrated wildlife).
- March – May & October – November : Best for birdwatching , with lush green landscapes (wet seasons offering vibrant scenery and active birdlife).
Each season offers a unique perspective of the park’s wonders, whether chasing wildlife during dry spells or immersing in the emerald beauty of the rains.
Accommodation
Queen Elizabeth offers luxury lodges, mid-range camps, and budget-friendly options, including:
- Luxury Lodges – Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
- Mid-Range Lodges – Enganzi Game Lodge, Ihamba Safari Lodge.
- Budget-Friendly Options – Bush lodges and community guesthouses.
Why Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destination, offering tree-climbing lions, boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a safari enthusiast, birder, or nature lover, this park offers an unforgettable African adventure.