Best things to do in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda
Uganda
Kim Paffen Travel Specialist & Safari Tour Guide
Uganda
05/05/2023
15 min

10 Best Things To Do in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda

05/05/2023
15 min

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in Uganda for safari lovers and nature enthusiasts. The most iconic feature of this park is the waterfall on the lower Victoria Nile River, 32 km east of Lake Albert. It is known as the most powerful waterfall in the world, where the longest river in the world squeezes through a gap of 7 meters and then drops 45 meters.

Safari in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda

With its stunning waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and unique activities, there is plenty to do and see in this park. Here are some of the best things to do in Murchison Falls National Park, that is located in the northwestern part of Uganda, approximately 300 km northwest of the capital city, Kampala:

1. Boat Safari on the Nile River

One of the best ways to experience Murchison Falls is by taking a boat safari on the Nile River. This allows visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife that congregates around the river banks, ending with an amazing sight of the Murchison (Kabalega) Falls.

Murchison Falls Boat Cruise

The most common animals you can see on the riverside are water bucks, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles.

Elephants on Boat Cruise Murchison Falls

One of the most special sightings I had on this boat ride was seeing a tiny crocodile of maybe 2-3 months old. Most people on the boat didn't even notice the small creature on top.

Baby crocodile on Murchison Falls Boat Cruise

The area is also rich in birdlife, like kingfishers, and fish eagles but I also spotted black and white Colobus Monkeys high up in the trees.

Primate watching boat safari Murchison Falls Uganda

Taking a boat ride up to the base of the falls allows you to feel the power of the water firsthand. Before the flooding in 2020 it used to be possible to get off the boat and hike to the top of the falls. This is no longer possible, but you can still reach the top of the falls by doing a hike from a different starting point, called the Baker’s Trail.

Murchison Falls Cataract Uganda

2. Game Drives

One of the most common activities to explore the wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park is on a game drive. You can either choose to do a game drive during the day or a night game drive to spot the nocturnal animals in Murchison Falls National Park.

Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

Hippos Murchison Falls National Park

A game drive is not to be missed when visiting the park. Even without the animals, this park is a stunning piece of nature, offering amazing views of the lush green landscape.

Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park

What wildlife can you find on a safari in Murchison Falls National Park?

I did a few game drives in Murchison Falls National Park and I spotted many towers of giraffes, a big herd of buffaloes, elephants, Ugandan Kob (the national animal of Uganda), hyenas, baboons, monkeys, hippos, a leopard tortoise, a leopard in a tree and a pride of lions.

Giraffes Murchison Falls National Park

Safari Murchison Falls

Can you find the Big Five on safari in Murchison Falls National Park?

The short answer is no, you can not find all Big Five animals in Murchison Falls National Park. You can find lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes, but you can’t find the rhinoceros in this park.

Buffaloes on game drive in Murchison Falls Uganda

However, if you plan to visit Murchison Falls National Park, you can opt for a stop-over at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you can track rhinos on foot.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Uganda is the only place to visit where you can see white rhinos roam free

It's a 2-hours drive from Murchison Falls and 3,5-hours from Kampala. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos. It’s a sanctuary because these rhinos sadly need 24/7 protection by rangers. If you're a responsible traveler I highly recommend adding this activity to your Uganda itinerary. Not only to see these endangered rhinos up-close but it's also a great way to give back to rhino conservation.

Boat Tour Murchison Falls Uganda

3. Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls

For the adventurous traveler, hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is a must-do activity. The hike takes about 1 to 1,5 hour and offers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. A guide of Murchison Falls National Park will accompany you and tell you everything about the falls.

HIke Top of the Murchison Falls Uganda

It's not really a tough climb, but be prepared to climb 165 stairs on the 2.5 km trail to the top. Because temperatures are high, you might get exhausted, but the views are definitely worth the climb  

HIke Top of the Murchison Falls Uganda

The trail that takes you to the Top of the Falls and down to the falls is called the Baker’s Trail, with various panoramic viewing points of the two waterfalls.

Panoramic Viewpoint Murchison Falls Uganda

The trail first takes you to the top of the falls, and then you hike down to Devil’s Cauldron. Prepare to get wet by the spray of the falls.

When you reach the top of the falls you will get a great view of the Uhuru Falls, the Kiswahili word for independence or freedom, formed as a result of breaking away from the initial Murchison Fall during Uganda’s independence.

Panorama Murchison Falls Uganda

4. Breakfast at the fast flowing River Nile

Depending on where you stay in Murchison Falls, you can have a lovely breakfast near the fast flowing River Nile very close to Devil's Cauldron.

Breakfast at river Nile in Murchison Falls Uganda

We stayed at Sambiya River Lodge, and they organized our breakfast right at the river; a great way to experience the Nile and listen to the roaring sound of the Murchison Falls dropping through the small gap.

Devils Cauldron Murchison Falls Uganda

5. Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest, located near Murchison Falls National Park, is home to a large population of chimpanzees. Visitors can take a guided trek or walking safari through the forest to observe these amazing primates in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee trekking Murchison Falls Conservation Area

If you only have a few days to explore a part of Uganda, you can’t go wrong with visiting Murchison Falls as you’re able to spot big game animals, the elusive Shoebill stork and various primates, including our closest relatives, the chimps.

Chimpanzee Tracking Budongo Forest Uganda

Note that Budongo Forest is not part of Murchison Falls National Park, but it’s part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which includes both the national park and several other protected areas. Because these places are very near to each other, it’s a great way to combine Big Five safari with Chimpanzee Trekking.

Budongo Rainforest Uganda

Find deals for Murchison Falls tours that include Budongo Forest to see the chimpanzees.

6. Multi-day Walking Safari in Murchison Falls

For a real wild experience, go on a multi-day walking safari in Murchison Falls National Park. This is a unique opportunity to explore Uganda’s landscapes on foot guided by the team of Bush Wonderers and UWA Rangers, who are expert trackers and nature guides.

Walking safaris in Uganda give you an intimate connection with the wild; you see, hear and smell the savannah up close. In Murchison Falls you’ll walk on riverbanks, grasslands and encounter elephants, antelopes and birdlife and learn to read animal tracks and behavior.

Bush Wonderers adds to the experience with tented glamping camps where you’ll spend the evenings under the stars surrounded by the sounds of the wild. This eco-friendly adventure is perfect for nature lovers who want to learn more about the park’s ecosystem and experience Uganda’s beauty in a new way.

7. Birdwatching

With over 450 species of birds, Murchison Falls National Park is a birdwatcher's paradise and one of Uganda’s best birding areas. If you’re a bird lover, I highly recommend taking a guided tour or exploring the area on your own to spot some of the park's rare and beautiful bird species.

Birdwatching Murchison Falls National Park

Birding in Murchison Falls is an all-year round activity, but the best time for birdwatching is during the wet season, from March until mid-May and September until November.

Birdwatching Murchison Falls National Park

Examples of birds to spot in Murchison Falls National Park are: Kingfishers, Crested Crane (Uganda’s National Bird), Weaver birds, Giant Heron, Shoebill, Ground Hornbills, Black-bellied Bustard, Blue-naped Mousebirds, Silver birds, the Fish Eagle and various other birds of prey.

Birdwatching Murchison Falls National Park

8. Sambiya Zip Lining and Canopy Walk

If you book your stay at Sambiya River Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park, you can also opt for a zip lining activity and a canopy walk. The canopy walk is a short walk over a wooden bridge where you’re able to spot various birds, including kingfishers.

Sambiya Canopy Walk Murchison Falls

The lodge has 2 zip lines: the first one is 170 meters long, and the second one is 75 meters long.

Ziplining activity Murchison Falls Uganda

Adventure Activities Murchison Falls Uganda

9. Murchison Falls Cultural Experiences

In addition to its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, Murchison Falls National Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the culture of the local communities. Visitors can visit nearby villages and interact with the locals, learning about their way of life and traditions.

10. Enjoy the sunrise in Murchison Falls

The landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park are simply beautiful with magnificent views everywhere. If you're a nature lover like me, please don't miss out on the sunrise in Murchison Falls National Park. Ask your guide to leave early at 6.00AM to either watch the sunrise over the river nile or inside the national park. The colors are beautiful.

Sunrise River Nile Murchison Falls Uganda

Sunrise Murchison Falls National Park Uganda

Best things to do in Murchison Falls

Apart from the above 10 best things to do in Murchison Falls, there are more activities to choose from, like nature walks, fishing, and canoeing on the Nile. There used to be a hot air balloon safari activity in Murchison Falls National Park offering stunning views of the park’s wildlife and landscapes from a bird's eye view, but this balloon ride in Murchison Falls is no longer offered.

To sum it all up, I listed the 10 best things to do in and around Murchison Falls National Park below:

  1. Nile River Boat Safari
  2. Game Drives
  3. Top of the Falls Hike
  4. Breakfast at River Nile
  5. Chimpanzee Trekking Budongo Forest
  6.  Multi-day walking safari
  7. Birdwatching
  8. Sambiya Zip Lining & Canopy Walk
  9. Murchison Falls Cultural Experiences
  10. Witness sunrise Murchison Falls National Park

Nature Walk Murchison Falls Uganda

Is Murchison Falls National Park Uganda worth visiting?

Absolutely! The above activities in Murchison Falls National Park make the park undoubtedly one of the best places to visit for anyone traveling to Uganda. Since 2018, I visited Murchison Falls National Park several times, and the park keeps surprising me.

In 2023, I visited Murchison Falls National Park together with Explore Uganda (Uganda Tourism Board) to discover new parts of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, like the Chimp trekking in Budongo Forest. In 2024, I added a 3-night mobile walking safari experience to the list: a must-do if you want to experience the best of Murchison Falls.

Chimpanzee Trekking Budongo Forest Murchison Falls National Park

The Murchison Falls area is also a good place to see the Shoebill, so if you're interested to see this prehistoric-looking threatened bird, you might want to add some extra time to your trip to Murchison Falls. There are also other places to see the elusive Shoebill. I went Shoebill watching in Mabamba Swamp.

When is the best time to visit Murchison Falls Uganda?

Murchison Falls National Park is a year-round safari destination in Uganda, but the park is at its best in the months of January, February, March, June, July, and December. However, the other months are a good time to visit as well. There's no wrong time to visit Murchison Falls due to its climate. I also visited Murchison Falls in April/May and the park was simply beautiful during that time with few tourists.

Curious about when to visit Uganda and the weather in Uganda in general? I recommend reading The best time to visit Uganda and the Uganda weather by month.

Book Murchison Falls Safari Package

Looking for a Murchison Falls Package to combine all the tourist attractions in Murchison Falls National Park? If you combine a visit to the national park with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest, part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area, you will have a wonderful Uganda safari experience.

I suggest a minimum of 5 days/4 nights to experience the best Murchison Falls & Budongo Forest has to offer.

Murchison Falls Safari

Find examples for a safari package to Murchison Falls Uganda. or have a look at my own Uganda Group Trip (photo safari) that includes Murchison Falls but also Gorilla trekking, and other exciting things to do in Uganda.




Places to stay in Murchison Falls

Architecture and Design Nile Safari Lodge Uganda

If you're looking for a bit more rest at the River Nile, you can always extend your stay in Murchison Falls National Park. Depending on your budget, I can recommend the following places to stay in Murchison Falls:

So, plan your trip to Murchison Falls and get ready to explore one of Uganda's most stunning natural wonders! Looking for a trusted partner to book a customized safari trip in Uganda? Check out my Uganda Group Trip for max. 6 travelers, or inquire about a private Uganda Safari.

Things to do in Murchison Falls Uganda

Other things to do in Uganda

Do you have more time to explore Uganda? Combine Murchison Falls National Park with for example safari in Kidepo National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park in combination with Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda

I also wrote an article about the best places to visit in Uganda and a complete Uganda Travel Guide. Curious if Kampala is worth visiting? Read 20 best things to do in Kampala.




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