Top of the falls
A short walk to see the Nile rush through the gorge.
Uganda · North-western Uganda
Murchison Falls
Where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest national park. Here the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before falling to the river below, and the park's savannah supports giraffes, elephants, buffalo and lions.
- Country
- Uganda
- Known for
- The falls · Nile boat trips
- From Kampala
- About 5–6 hours by road
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 nights
The place
Murchison Falls, at a glance.
A boat trip upstream from Paraa takes you towards the base of the falls, past hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. A short walk at the top of the falls shows the force of the river in the gorge.
Game drives on the northern bank cross open savannah dotted with palms, home to giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hartebeest and lions. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a common stop on the way from Kampala.
At the falls, the Nile is forced through a gap only about seven metres wide before plunging around 40 metres. Below the falls the river widens and slows on its way to Lake Albert, which is where boat trips run.
The park covers more than 3,800 square kilometres. The savannah north of the river, reached by ferry from Paraa, holds most of the game-drive circuits.
Planning notes
- Official name
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Region
- North-western Uganda
- Known for
- The falls · Nile boat trips
- From Kampala
- About 5–6 hours by road
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 nights
- Combines well with
- Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi
The appeal
Why visit Murchison Falls?
Nile boat trip
Towards the base of the falls, with hippos, crocodiles and birds.
Ziwa rhino tracking
Walk with rangers to see white rhinos at the sanctuary.
Wild encounters
Wildlife of Murchison Falls.
Giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hartebeest, Uganda kob, lions, hippos and crocodiles. White rhinos can be tracked on foot at nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Wildlife is free-ranging, so sightings vary and can never be guaranteed.
Hippos and crocodiles on the Victoria Nile approach to Murchison Falls 
The Victoria Nile surging into the upper gorge at Murchison Falls 
Elephant family grazing on lush green savannah 
Southern white rhino mother and calf grazing at Ziwa
Travel through the year
When to visit Murchison Falls.
Year-round, with the drier months best for game drives.
Dec – Feb · Jun – Sep
Drier periods, good for game drives.
Mar – May · Oct – Nov
Rainy seasons.
Your way of travelling
Ways to experience Murchison Falls.
Optional activities are arranged separately and may cost extra.
01
Boat trip to the falls
An afternoon trip upstream towards the base of the falls, past hippos, crocodiles and riverside birds.
02
Top of the falls
A short walk to stand above the gorge and feel the force of the Nile.
03
Northern bank game drive
Early drives across palm-dotted savannah with giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hartebeest and lions.
04
Nile delta birding
An optional morning boat trip towards the delta, where shoebills are sometimes seen.
05
Ziwa rhino tracking
On the way from Entebbe, track white rhinos on foot with rangers at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
The way there
Getting to Murchison Falls.
By road
About five to six hours from Kampala, usually via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Onwards to Kibale
Heading south to Kibale is a long travel day, which is why most itineraries spend two or three nights at Murchison first.
Finding your pace
How long to stay.
2–3 nights
Time for a game drive, the boat trip and the top of the falls.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Murchison Falls.
Lodges and camps for this destination are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, budget and preferences.
Trip ideas
Shortest trip
8 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big Five SafariEntebbe → Ziwa → Murchison Falls → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi → Entebbe
The long way
15 Days Best of Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife SafariEntebbe → Ziwa → Murchison Falls → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Ishasha → Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi → Lake Mburo → Entebbe
4 safaris
Safaris that include Murchison Falls.
Gorillas & primates12 days · Uganda · Private or group
12 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five Adventure
Uganda in depth, ending at Lake Mburo
Primate safari · Mid-range
Twelve days covering rhinos at Ziwa, two nights at Murchison Falls, Kibale's chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth, a gorilla trek in Bwindi and a final night at Lake Mburo.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates8 days · Uganda · Private or group
8 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big Five Safari
Murchison Falls to Bwindi, in comfort
Primate safari · Luxury
A luxury Uganda circuit: rhino tracking at Ziwa, Murchison Falls, chimpanzees in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates10 days · Uganda · Private or group
10 Days Uganda Primates & Big Five Safari
The full Uganda circuit, overland
Primate safari · Mid-range
Ten days overland: Ziwa's rhinos, Murchison Falls, Kibale's chimpanzees, two nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates15 days · Uganda · Private or group
15 Days Best of Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Two weeks from the Nile to Lake Bunyonyi
Primate safari · Mid-range
Our longest Uganda safari: Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Kibale, three nights around Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, two restful nights at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo.
Price on request
Beyond Murchison Falls
Where to next?
Ways to travel
Before you go
Practical notes.
Heat
Murchison is hot at midday; bring sun protection.
Common questions
Murchison Falls, explained.
Can I see rhinos in Uganda?
Yes, at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where white rhinos can be tracked on foot with rangers. It is often visited on the way to Murchison Falls.
How far is Murchison Falls from Kampala?
About five to six hours by road, usually with a stop for rhino tracking at Ziwa.
Can I walk to the top of the falls?
Yes. A short trail leads to the top of the falls, and it is often combined with the boat trip or a drive.
Will I see a shoebill?
Possibly on the delta trip. Shoebills are present but scarce, and sightings are never guaranteed.
Your Murchison Falls journey
Ready to see Murchison Falls for yourself?
Explore safaris that include Murchison Falls, or tell us how you would like to travel.