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Murchison Falls National Park

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Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)

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Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest and oldest national park, covering an area of 3,893 square kilometres. Established in 1952, the park is named for Murchison Falls, a dramatic cascade where the Victoria Nile River funnels through a mere 7-meter-wide gorge and plunges 43 meters. This central feature bisects the park into a northern section of savanna and palm forests and a southern section dominated by woodland. The park is renowned for its large and diverse wildlife population, including four of the 'Big Five' (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes). It is also home to a large population of Rothschild's giraffes, Uganda kobs, and numerous crocodiles along the Nile. Boat trips to the base of the falls are a primary attraction, offering spectacular views and wildlife sightings. The park gained international fame when it was used as a filming location for the classic movie 'The African Queen' in 1951.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272928262524242424242425
Rain mm2128921241229710413815917312260

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The dry season from December to February and June to September is best. Then the waterfalls are particularly impressive and animals concentrate along the rivers.
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Best time of day
Early morning boat trips offer the best chance to see hippos and crocodiles on the Nile. Late afternoon, the waterfalls are photogenic and animal activity picks up again.
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Etiquette
Keep at least 10 meters from hippos on boat trips - they are very dangerous. Do not throw rubbish into the river and do not feed animals.
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What to bring
Binoculars and a waterproof camera bag are indispensable on the boat. Sunscreen and a hat protect from the intense sun on the water.
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Getting there
The park is accessible from Kampala via a paved road to Masindi, the drive takes about four hours. From Paraa, a ferry crosses the Nile to the main lodges.
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What to expect
The abundance of wildlife is overwhelming, but for the Big Five you often need some luck. Don't miss the hike to the waterfall - the roar of the water is an unforgettable experience.

Geography

Coordinates
2.27500, 31.68330

Facts

  • Uganda's largest national park at 3,893 km².
  • It was established in 1952.
  • The Nile plunges 43 meters through a 7-meter-wide chasm.
  • It hosts the world's largest population of Rothschild's giraffes.
  • The 1951 movie 'The African Queen' was filmed here.
  • The park is home to about 76 species of mammals.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Murchison FallsMurchison Falls<1 km · SEExplore →
Murchison Falls National ParkMurchison Falls National Park17 km · NEExplore →
Tilenga Oil ProjectTilenga Oil Project37 km · SWExplore →
Wadelai (Historical Station)Wadelai (Historical Station)56 km · SEExplore →
Karuma FallsKaruma Falls58 km · NExplore →
Budongo Forest ReserveBudongo Forest Reserve58 km · WExplore →
Kinyara Sugar WorksKinyara Sugar Works61 km · WExplore →
Bunyoro EscarpmentBunyoro Escarpment62 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Murchison Falls National Park (3)

Kabarega Falls📍 landmark

Kabarega Falls, powerfully forcing the Victoria Nile through a narrow gorge, is the spectacular namesake attraction of Murchison Falls National Park.

Parking lot at Murchison falls📍 landmark

This designated parking lot serves as the primary starting point for visitors exploring the dramatic trails around Murchison Falls.

Baker's Point🌿 nature

Baker's Point is a historic rocky viewpoint near Murchison Falls named after Sir Samuel Baker, offering incredible views of the roaring waters.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the difficulty of the hike to the falls?
The hike to the top viewpoint is moderate but strenuous in the heat.
What is the best season for a visit?
The dry season (January-March, June-September) is well-suited for wildlife viewing.
Are there dining options in the national park?
Yes, there are restaurants at the lodges, but you should bring water and supplies.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed everywhere as long as animals are not disturbed.
Are there parking spaces for private vehicles?
Yes, there are designated parking spaces at the lodges and the waterfalls.
Murchison Falls National Park: where is it located?
Murchison Falls National Park is located in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kabarega Falls, Parking lot at Murchison falls, Baker's Point.
Murchison Falls National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Dec.
Murchison Falls National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest and oldest national park, covering an area of 3,893 square kilometres.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Murchison Falls National Park — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda's largest park, named after the powerful waterfalls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge.
Nebbi — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Nebbi
Nebbi is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Mahagi — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Mahagi
Mahagi is a town in Ituri Province, located near the border with Uganda and the northern shores of Lake Albert.

Nature

Murchison Falls — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Murchison Falls
An impressive waterfall where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge.
Karuma Falls — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Karuma Falls
A powerful waterfall on the Victoria Nile.

More places

Budongo Forest Reserve — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Budongo Forest Reserve
A significant forest area with high biodiversity.
Cocoa Plantations — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Cocoa Plantations
Growing area for high-quality cocoa.
Semuliki National Park — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Semuliki National Park
A lowland rainforest that hosts Central African species.
Jinja Sugar Cane Plantations — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Jinja Sugar Cane Plantations
Extensive sugar cane fields near Jinja.
Jinja Wildlife Sanctuary — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Jinja Wildlife Sanctuary
A small sanctuary on the banks of the Nile.
Tilenga Oil Project — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Tilenga Oil Project
An extensive oil extraction project in the northern part of Lake Albert, led by TotalEnergies.
Wadelai (Historical Station) — Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)
Wadelai (Historical Station)
Wadelai was an important post for British administration and explorers like Emin Pasha along the Albert Nile.
🗺️
Kinyara Sugar Works
A major sugar producer in western Uganda, making a significant contribution to the local economy.