Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s wild wonder
The falls, the Nile cruise, game drives, the communities and Budongo Forest: what Murchison Falls National Park offers, and where to stay and go next.
If one place in Uganda feels wild at every turn, it is Murchison Falls National Park. The Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge with a thunderous roar, and rainbow mist hangs over the plunging water. For wildlife lovers and adventurers, the park puts the Nile, open plains and forest in one place.
The falls and their story
The waterfall was once known as Kabalega Falls. In 1864 the explorer Sir Samuel Baker renamed it Murchison Falls, in honour of Sir Roderick Murchison, then president of the Royal Geographical Society. In 1962 rising waters created another set of falls, called Uhuru, meaning independence. The viewpoint has since shifted, but the sense of freedom and natural power still runs through the park.
Communities living alongside wildlife
The land around the park is home to the Alur, Bagungu, Banyoro and Acholi people. Their lives revolve around farming and fishing, and over generations they have learned to live alongside wildlife. A visit to these communities gives you some cultural insight and a better idea of how people and wildlife share this park.
Wildlife
From grassy plains to riverbanks, the park is full of life. Lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes and elephants roam freely, while chimpanzees, baboons and monkeys fill the forests. Birdwatchers can look for African fish eagles, herons, egrets, hornbills and the elusive shoebill. The best time to see animals active is a morning or evening game drive. In the afternoon heat many species retreat to the shade, so early or late drives are the better choice.
Night drives are also available and show nocturnal wildlife under the stars. Designated tracks such as Victoria, Albert and Buligi keep visitors safe and close to the action.
The Nile boat trip
A boat cruise along the Albert Nile is part of any visit. It usually leaves in the afternoon and gives you a front-row seat to river life. Hippos soak in the water, crocodiles lie along the banks, and elephants and buffaloes come down to drink. Birds of every colour and size fill the sky, which photographers and birders enjoy.
The cruise ends at the base of Murchison Falls. There the Nile narrows to just 6 metres, then plummets 43 metres into a thunderous pool. Adventurous visitors can hike from the bottom to the top, see the falls from every angle and visit the historic Uhuru Falls too. The force and mist of the falls make a rainbow you will not forget.
Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest lies inside the park and is Uganda’s largest surviving natural forest. Primates, especially chimpanzees, thrive in its lush greenery. Every step of a trek through Budongo brings you closer to the rhythms of the forest. Nature walks show you the plants and smaller wildlife, a peaceful contrast to the energy of the falls. Read how chimpanzee habituation works in Kibale and Budongo if you want longer with them.
Where to stay and what else to see
Accommodation around the park ranges from budget lodges and campsites to midrange and luxury safari resorts. Waking to the roar of the Nile or the morning calls of wildlife is an experience in itself. The park is open year round, so it suits a quick getaway or a long safari.
Beyond the falls you can visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you have a chance to see white rhinos. You can also travel north-east to Kidepo Valley National Park for another taste of Uganda’s wildlife.
Why Murchison Falls is worth the journey
The park has waterfalls, savannah, forest, wildlife and welcoming communities in one place. For the practical side, read our Murchison Falls park guide. To see it, look at the 3 day Murchison Falls safari or the 4 day Murchison Falls and Nile safari, or message the Verdoro Safaris team and we will suggest a trip.
