Murchison Falls

Spanning an expansive 3,840 square kilometers and officially established in 1952, Murchison Falls National Park reigns as Uganda’s largest national park. At the heart of this magnificent park lies Murchison Falls, acclaimed as the world’s mightiest waterfall and arguably one of Africa’s most captivating natural spectacles. Here, the River Nile narrows to just 6 meters, forcefully surging its waters into Lake Albert before embarking on its epic journey to the Mediterranean Sea.

Murchison Falls is not only a geographical marvel but also a cinematic gem. It served as a backdrop for the iconic 1951 film “The African Queen,” starring the legendary Humphrey Bogart.

The park’s allure extends far beyond its breathtaking centerpiece to its remarkable biodiversity. Home to a thriving community of habituated chimpanzees, Murchison Falls hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including at least 76 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptile species, and 51 amphibian species.

Activities for Every Adventurer

Murchison Falls National Park offers a wealth of activities to cater to various interests:

1. Game Drives: Embark on thrilling game drives through the park, where you’ll encounter iconic African wildlife such as lions, leopards, and elephants.
2. Chimpanzee Tracking: Delve into the world of our closest relatives by tracking habituated chimpanzees. Budongo Eco Lodge, with a habituated group of over 90 individuals, offers around 36 permits daily for this incredible experience. Permits are affordably priced at $90, a noteworthy contrast to the $200 premium trekking in Kibale National Park. For the truly adventurous, consider chimpanzee habituation, allowing you to spend a minimum of 6 hours in the jungle for $155 per person.
3. Bird Watching: With over 500 bird species, Murchison Falls National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. For forest species, explore Kaniyo Pabidi forest, Budongo Eco Lodge, and the main road starting from the park’s main gate. Highlights include Narina Trogon, Chest-nut wattle eye, Chest-nut winged starling, Pygmy and dwarf Kingfisher, and the elusive green-breasted Pitta, a unique bird not found elsewhere in East Africa. Keep an eye out for the remarkable Puvel’s Illadopsis, exclusive to this region.
4. Fishing Excursions: The Nile waters around Murchison Falls offer fruitful and exciting fishing opportunities. Test your skills against the formidable Tiger fish and Nile Perch. Engage with local fishermen and hear tales of netting specimens weighing up to 163kg. Obtain sport fishing permits from UWA or your safari company.
5. Boat Trips: Experience the magic of the Nile with boat trips from Paraa, including the Base of the Falls boat trip, Delta cruise, and Fishing excursion.
   • Base of Murchison Falls Boat Trip: This three-hour journey takes you to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls, the park’s most mesmerizing sight. Marvel at the diverse wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, black and white colobus monkeys, and often, elephants seeking respite from the day’s heat. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted with sightings of Black-headed Gonolek, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, and more. The elusive shoebill can also be spotted here, although sightings are more common on the Delta side.
   • Fishing Excursions on the Nile: Fishing along the Nile is not only productive but also an exhilarating adventure. Test your angling skills against large Tiger fish and Nile Perch. Challenge the record set by Kevin Nicholson in 2013, weighing in at 114kg, or explore claims from local fishermen who have captured specimens up to 163kg.
   • Delta Cruise on River Nile: This 20km journey from Paraa to Lake Albert is a birdwatcher’s paradise and an idyllic sunset cruise. It provides a prime opportunity to encounter the elusive shoebill, a bird enthusiast’s dream. However, if big game is your preference, this may not be the ideal choice.
6. Game Drives in Murchison Falls: Game drives primarily occur in the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park, offering excellent chances to observe iconic African wildlife. Lions, leopards, elephants, and more await your discovery. Given the park’s vast expanse, allocating sufficient time to this activity is well worth it if resources permit.

A Wealth of Accommodation Options

Experience the comfort of various lodges within Murchison Falls National Park:

• Nile Safari Lodge
• Chobe Safari Lodge
• Paraa Safari Lodge
• Kabalega River Lodge
• Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Twiga Safari Lodge
• Murchison River Lodge
• Fort Murchison
• Bwana Tembo Safari Camp
• Heritage Safari Lodge
• Murchison Safari Lodge