Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Uganda, covering 3,893 square kilometers. The park, formerly known as Kabalega National Park, is found in the northwestern part of Uganda. Murchison Falls forms the largest conservation area in the country.
Murchison Falls National Park is divided by the world’s longest river, the Nile. Here, the river forces itself through a narrow gorge and drops into a powerful waterfall before flowing calmly to Lake Albert. This point is called the Devil’s Cauldron.
In this review article, we highlight Murchison Falls tour operators, park entry fees, history, location, best time to visit, accommodation, animals, birding, nature walks, and more. See the list of recommended Murchison Falls tour operators below.
Murchison Falls Tour Operators
We present to you authentic safari companies and travel agents to book your safaris with.
See list of recommended Uganda tour companies here.
Tourist Activities in the Park
Murchison Falls National Park is famous for its boat cruises. The launch trip is a special experience that gives you a chance to see animals along the riverbanks and many water birds. You can also take a 45-minute hike to the top of the falls.
Tourists can also explore the cultural traditions of local groups such as the Banyoro, Acholi, Alur, and Boomu. A cultural visit gives you a chance to learn about their way of life and beliefs.
The park is also home to wildlife that may not be seen in other Uganda national parks, making it a great place for game drives and other activities.
Birding in Murchison Falls
The park has over 400 species of birds. Some of them include the black-headed lapwing, black-headed gonolek, rare shoebill, silver bird, speckled-fronted weaver, African jacana, African quailfinch, Abyssinian ground hornbill, red-throated bee-eater, goliath heron, giant kingfisher, eastern grey plantain-eater, and palm-nut vulture.
See list of birding tour operators here.
Nature guided walks in Murchison Falls
Nature walks can be done in designated areas of the park. These guided walks give you the chance to see wildlife and birds up close. Visitors can also enjoy sport fishing at specific spots within the park.
Park Entry Fees
Murchison Falls National Park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Below are the entry fees:
| Category | Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| East African residents | Adults | USD 6 per person |
| East African residents | Children | USD 2 per child |
| Foreign residents (East Africa) | Adults | USD 30 per person |
| Foreign residents (East Africa) | Children | USD 15 per child |
| Foreign non-residents | Adults | USD 40 per person |
| Foreign non-residents | Children | USD 20 per child |
| Vehicles | Foreign tour company vehicles | USD 100 |
| Vehicles | Ugandan tour company vehicles | 30,000 UGX |
| Vehicles | Foreign buses | USD 150 |
| Vehicles | Ugandan buses | 150,000 UGX |
| Vehicles | Foreign minibuses/omnibuses | USD 100 |
| Vehicles | Ugandan minibuses/omnibuses | 30,000 UGX |
| Vehicles | Foreign pickups and 4WD cars | USD 150 |
| Vehicles | Ugandan pickups and 4WD cars | 30,000 UGX |
| Vehicles | Foreign saloon cars | USD 50 |
| Vehicles | Ugandan saloon cars | 20,000 UGX |
| Vehicles | Foreign motorcycles | USD 30 |
| Vehicles | Ugandan motorcycles | 10,000 UGX |
| Helicopters | Foreign | USD 100 |
| Helicopters | Ugandan | 250,000 UGX |
| Helicopters | Parking fee | 5,000 UGX |
| Aircraft | Over 21 seats | USD 60 (Ugandan 20,000 UGX) |
| Aircraft | 15–20 seats | USD 50 (Ugandan 100,000 UGX) |
| Aircraft | 7–14 seats | USD 40 (Ugandan 80,000 UGX) |
| Aircraft | 4–6 seats | USD 30 (Ugandan 60,000 UGX) |
| Aircraft | 3 seats | USD 20 (Ugandan 40,000 UGX) |
| Aircraft | Gliders/microlights | USD 10 (Ugandan 20,000 UGX) |
| Boats | Private launches over 15 seats | USD 150 (Ugandan 150,000 UGX) |
| Boats | Private launches up to 15 seats | USD 50 (Ugandan 50,000 UGX) |
Note: Entry fees exclude charges for vehicles, game drives, and other park activities.
Animals of Murchison Falls Park
Murchison Falls National Park is home to four of the Big Five animals. To complete the Big Five experience, you can visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way to the park. The park has 76 species of mammals including elephants, buffaloes, oribi, Ugandan kob, crocodiles, hippos, Jackson’s hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck, grey duiker, bushbucks, giraffes, lions, and many more.
Chimpanzee trekking is also possible at Budongo Forest, accessible through Kichumba Gate to Rubongo and Kaniyo Pabidi. This is the largest mahogany forest in Uganda and is home to many birds such as the yellow-footed flycatcher, Ituri batis, and white-thighed flycatcher.
The best time to view animals in the park is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are most active. You can also take a hot air balloon safari, which offers a chance to see wildlife from above. Morning balloon rides may give you the chance to see nocturnal animals like hyenas and hippos as they return to their resting places after night hunting.
History of Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park, formerly Kabalega National Park, was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1926. It became a national park in 1952 after gaining attention through the 1951 film The African Queen.
The park was first visited by European explorers John Speke and James Grant in 1862. Later, in 1863–64, Sir Samuel Baker and Florence Baker explored the area. Baker named the falls after Roderick Murchison, the then president of the Royal Geographical Society.
Location of Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park is located 305 kilometers northwest of Kampala, spreading across Buliisa, Masindi, Kiryandongo, and Nwoya districts. The drive to the park takes about 5–6 hours on a smooth tarmac road.
You can also reach the park by flying from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield. If driving, you can make your trip more interesting by stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos.
Best time to visit Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park can be visited all year round, but the best time is during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February. During these months, the game drive trails are in good condition, animals gather around water points, and vegetation is not thick, making it easy to see wildlife.
The sunshine also makes game drives more enjoyable and clear. In the rainy season, game drives can be difficult because the trails become muddy, and animals spread out, making sightings harder. It is better to plan your safari in the dry season for a smoother experience.
Accommodation in Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park has many places to stay, with options for every budget and preference. You can choose from luxury lodges, mid-range, budget facilities, and campsites.
Some lodges in the park include Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Shoebill Rest Camp, Boomu Women’s Camp, Hornbill Bush Lodge, and Bakers Lodge.
Other options include Sambiya River Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge, Murchison Falls Bamboo Village, Twiga Safari Lodge, Murchison Tree House, Nile Safari Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge, Masindi Hotel, Budongo Eco Lodge, Bwana Tembo Safari Camp, Yebo Safari Camp, and the UWA campsite, among others.
If you want a true safari experience in Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park should be on your list. I have prepared a list of trustworthy tour operators who can arrange trips to this park at good prices. I have traveled with all of them and recommend their services. Avoid bargaining too much as it may affect the quality of service.
See list of recommended Uganda tour companies here.
Book your Uganda tours with these recommended Uganda tour companies for a well planned safari. Use the Voucher: UTBlog for up to 25% Discounts on Trips.
