Intriguing Facts about Murchison Falls National Park: Location, Entry Fees, Attractions, & more

Discover Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest park, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge amid rich wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, is a breathtaking tapestry of roaring waterfalls, sprawling savannahs, and vibrant wildlife. Spanning approximately 3,893 square kilometers, it is a cornerstone of Uganda’s tourism, renowned for the world’s most powerful waterfall and a rich biodiversity that includes four of the Big Five.

Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the park offers an array of activities, from boat cruises on the Nile to game drives and cultural encounters.

Murchison Falls National Park

Location of Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is situated in northwestern Uganda, straddling the districts of Masindi, Nwoya, Buliisa, and Kiryandongo. It extends from the shores of Lake Albert to the Karuma Falls, bisected by the Victoria Nile, which flows through the park for about 115 kilometers.

The park forms part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), which includes the adjacent Bugungu Wildlife Reserve (748 km²) and Karuma Wildlife Reserve (720 km²). Its GPS coordinates near the Kibanda area are approximately 02°11’15.0″N, 31°46’53.0″E.

The park is 72 km from Masindi, the nearest large town, and 305 km northwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, making it accessible yet immersed in the wild.

Its location at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley offers diverse ecosystems, from savannah grasslands to riverine forests.

How Big is Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park covers approximately 3,893 square kilometers (1,503 square miles), making it Uganda’s largest national park, followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park (1,978 km²). The MFCA, including Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves, spans a total of 5,361 km².

The park’s vast size encompasses diverse habitats, including open savannah, acacia woodlands, borassus palm savannahs, wetlands, and forested areas, supporting an impressive array of wildlife and over 450 bird species.

Its size allows for extensive game drives and boat safaris, offering visitors a chance to explore varied landscapes.

History of Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, originally named Kabalega National Park after the Bunyoro king, was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 by the British colonial administration.

It was officially established as a national park in 1952, becoming Uganda’s oldest protected area. The park’s name derives from the dramatic Murchison Falls, named by explorer Sir Samuel Baker in the 1860s after Sir Roderick Murchison, president of the Royal Geographical Society.

The falls, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge, have been a focal point since European explorers John Speke and James Grant visited in 1862.

The park has a storied past, attracting notable figures like Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemingway, who survived two plane crashes here in 1954.

It also served as a filming location for the 1951 Hollywood classic The African Queen. However, the park faced challenges during Uganda’s political instability in the 1970s and 1980s, when poaching decimated wildlife populations, particularly rhinos, which became extinct in the wild by 1983.

Conservation efforts, including the establishment of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in 2005, have since bolstered wildlife recovery. Today, the park is a Lion Conservation Unit and a flagship destination for Uganda’s tourism, managed by the UWA.

Murchison Falls National Park Map

Murchison Falls National Park is divided into northern and southern sectors by the Victoria Nile, with the park headquarters at Paraa, accessible via southern gates (Kichumbanyobo and Masindi South Gate) or northern gates (Chobe, Wankwar, Mubako, and Tangi). Key landmarks include:

Murchison Falls: Central, where the Nile plunges 43 meters through a 7-meter gorge.
Nile Delta: Downstream, near Lake Albert, a hotspot for birdwatching and boat safaris.
Budongo Forest: South of the park, ideal for chimpanzee trekking.
Karuma Falls: Northeastern boundary, along the Kampala-Gulu highway.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: 100 miles south, en route from Kampala.

A detailed map, available from UWA or tour operators like Uganda Wildlife Tours, highlights game drive circuits (e.g., the northern delta circuit and Honeymoon Track), airstrips (Pakuba, Chobe, Bugungu), and accommodation locations.

The northern sector is savannah-dominated, ideal for game drives, while the southern sector features woodlands and forests.

Distance from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park

The distance from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park is approximately 282-305 km, depending on the route:

Via Masindi (Southern Gates): 282 km, 4-5 hours by 4×4 safari vehicle.
Via Kampala-Hoima: 305 km, 5-6 hours.
Via Kampala-Pakwach (Northern Gates): 260 km to Karuma Falls Bridge, plus 110 km to Tangi Gate, totaling 4-5 hours.
From Entebbe: 343.8 km, 5-6 hours via Kampala.

The southern gates (Kichumbanyobo and Masindi South Gate) are the most direct from Kampala, while northern gates (Chobe, Wankwar, Tangi) are scenic and suitable for travelers from Gulu or Kidepo Valley National Park. A stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (176 km from Kampala) is common for rhino tracking.

What is Murchison Falls Famous For?

Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for:

Murchison Falls: The world’s most powerful waterfall, where the Nile forces 300 cubic meters of water per second through a 7-meter gorge, plunging 43 meters into the “Devil’s Cauldron,” creating a thunderous roar and rainbow spray.
Big Four of the Big Five: Home to lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes, with rhinos trackable at the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Rothschild’s Giraffe: The park hosts the highest concentration in Africa, with over 1,500 individuals.
Nile River: The Victoria Nile bisects the park, offering scenic boat cruises teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Biodiversity: 144 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptiles, and 51 amphibians, including rare species like the shoebill stork.
Historical Visitors: Notable figures like Churchill, Roosevelt, and Hemingway, plus its role in The African Queen.

Animals Found in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park boasts a remarkable biodiversity, with 144 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptiles, and 51 amphibians. Key animals include:

Mammals: Lions (150-200 individuals across 15-20 prides), leopards, elephants (over 900), buffaloes (over 10,000), Rothschild’s giraffes (1,500+), hippos, Nile crocodiles, Uganda kob, defassa waterbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthogs, bushbucks, oribi, hyenas, patas monkeys, olive baboons, and chimpanzees (in Budongo Forest).
Birds: Over 450 species, including the shoebill stork, great blue turaco, dwarf kingfisher, grey-crowned crane, and African fish eagle.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, and various frogs and snakes.

The nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, 100 miles south, hosts 33 southern white rhinos, completing the Big Five experience.

Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fee

Entrance fees to Murchison Falls National Park are charged per person per day (24 hours) and vary by residency status and age, as set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Fees are revised every two years, so check with UWA or your tour operator for updates.

Current Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees (2024-2025)

Category	Foreign Non-Resident (USD)	Foreign Resident (USD)	East African Citizen (UGX)
Adults (15+ years)	$40	$30	25,000
Children (5-15 years)	$20	$10	10,000
Children (<5 years)	Free	Free	Free
Annual Pass (Adults)	$350	$150	150,000

Notes:

Fees are paid at park entrances or through tour operators in advance to avoid delays due to network issues.
Valid identification (e.g., passport) is required to verify residency status.
Annual passes are cost-effective for frequent visitors.

Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is packed with natural and cultural attractions that captivate visitors. Below are the top highlights:

Murchison Falls: The park’s centerpiece, where the Nile plunges through a 7-meter gorge, creating a spectacular cascade and rainbow. Accessible by boat or a hike to the top.
Victoria Nile: A wildlife-rich corridor with hippos, crocodiles, and birds, ideal for boat cruises to the falls or the Nile-Lake Albert Delta.
Budongo Forest: A 825 km² forest south of the park, home to over 600 chimpanzees and 360 bird species.
Karuma Falls: Located on the Kampala-Gulu highway, these falls feature roaring waters and wildlife like baboons and elephants.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: 100 miles south, this 70 km² sanctuary protects 33 white rhinos, offering on-foot tracking.
Nile-Lake Albert Delta: A wetland teeming with birds like the shoebill stork and aquatic animals.
Cultural Communities: The Acholi (east), Alur (northwest), and Banyoro (south) offer cultural encounters, including visits to the Boomu Women’s Group.

Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park

The park offers a diverse range of activities, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene wildlife encounters. Below are the top activities:

Game Drives: Explore the northern sector’s savannahs to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. Drives last 2-5 hours and are best in the morning or evening. Night drives offer chances to see nocturnal animals like leopards.
Boat Cruises: A 3-hour cruise from Paraa to the base of Murchison Falls offers views of hippos, crocodiles, and birds. A downstream cruise to the Nile-Lake Albert Delta is ideal for birdwatching. Sundowner cruises include snacks.
Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls: A 1-2 hour guided hike from the boat landing or Paraa to the falls’ summit offers stunning views. The trail is steep and hot, requiring water and sturdy shoes.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest: Track habituated chimpanzee families (600+ individuals) in this lush forest. The experience lasts 2-4 hours.
Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: A 1-2 hour guided walk to see white rhinos, with proceeds supporting conservation.
Brdwatching: Spot over 450 species, including the shoebill stork, during game drives, boat cruises, or nature walks in Budongo or Rabongo forests.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: A unique 1-hour aerial tour over the park, offering views of wildlife and landscapes. Operated by Dream Balloons, it includes a participation certificate.
Sport Fishing: Catch Nile perch (up to 200 pounds) below Murchison Falls or at Karuma Falls. Bring your own gear and obtain a fishing permit.
Cultural Visits: Engage with the Boomu Women’s Group for village tours, crafts, and traditional activities like cooking and gardening.
Nature Walks: Guided walks in Budongo or Rabongo forests reveal primates, birds, and rare plants.

Activity Fees in Murchison Falls National Park

Activity fees are separate from entrance fees and vary by activity and residency status. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Activity Fees in Murchison Falls National Park (2024-2025)

Activity	Foreign Non-Resident (USD)	Foreign Resident (USD)	East African Citizen (UGX)
Game Drive (Half-Day, with Guide)	$20	$20	30,000
Game Drive (Full-Day, with Guide)	$30	$30	50,000
Boat Cruise (to Falls or Delta)	$30	$30	60,000
Chimpanzee Trekking (Budongo)	$80	$80	80,000
Hiking to Top of Falls	$15	$10	10,000
Birdwatching	$30	$30	10,000
Sport Fishing (1 Day)	$50	$50	50,000
Sport Fishing (4 Days)	$150	$150	150,000
Hot Air Balloon Safari	$380	$380	380,000

Notes:

Fees exclude park entrance fees and are paid to UWA or through tour operators.
Chimpanzee trekking permits should be booked in advance, as only four habituated groups are available.
Hot air balloon safaris are weather-dependent and require early morning starts.

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is accessible year-round due to its equatorial climate, but the best time depends on your interests:

Dry Seasons (December-February, June-September): Ideal for game drives and boat safaris, as animals congregate around water sources, and roads are less muddy. Grass is shorter, improving visibility. June-September is peak season, so book early.
Wet Seasons (March-May, October-November): Best for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive, and breeding seasons peak. The park is lush and less crowded, but roads can be slippery, and wildlife is more dispersed.

For photography, the wet season offers greener backdrops, while the dry season ensures clearer wildlife sightings.

How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park

The park is accessible by road or air, with options for different budgets and schedules:

By Road

From Kampala: Drive 282-305 km (4-6 hours) via Masindi (southern gates) or Kampala-Pakwach (northern gates). A 4×4 safari vehicle is recommended due to dusty (dry season) or muddy (wet season) roads. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route.
From Entebbe: 343.8 km, 5-6 hours via Kampala.
From Fort Portal (Southwest): 280 km, 6-7 hours to southern gates.
Public Transport: Buses from Kampala to Masindi or Pakwach are available but less reliable, requiring transfers to the park.

By Air

Charter or scheduled flights (Aerolink, Eagles) from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu airstrips take 1-1.5 hours. Pakuba is closest to Paraa and most lodges. A road transfer (30-60 minutes) follows.

We arranges seamless transport, including airport pickups and 4×4 vehicles, ensuring comfort and safety.

Popular Safaris to Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda Wildlife Tours offers tailored safaris to Murchison Falls, combining wildlife, adventure, and cultural experiences. Below are top packages:

3-Day Murchison Falls Safari

Overview: A compact tour covering the park’s highlights, ideal for time-constrained travelers.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive from Kampala to the park (5-6 hours), stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking, arrive at lodge for dinner.
- Day 2: Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise to the falls, optional hike to the top.
- Day 3: Morning birdwatching or nature walk, return to Kampala.

Why Choose?: Covers the Big Five and key attractions in a short timeframe.

4-Day Murchison Falls and Chimpanzee Trekking

Overview: Combines park activities with chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Transfer from Kampala, stop at Ziwa for rhino tracking.
- Day 2: Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise to the falls.
- Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, evening cultural visit to Boomu Women’s Group.
- Day 4: Return to Kampala.
Why Choose?: Perfect for primate enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

6-Day Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley Safari

Overview: Combines Murchison’s wildlife with the remote Kidepo Valley National Park.
Itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Murchison Falls (game drives, boat cruise, rhino tracking, hike to falls).
- Day 4-5: Transfer to Kidepo for game drives and cultural visits.
- Day 6: Return to Kampala or fly from Kidepo.
Why Choose?: Offers a comprehensive northern Uganda adventure.

5-Day Murchison Falls and Semliki National Park

Overview: Pairs Murchison with Semliki’s hot springs and primate trekking.
Itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Murchison Falls (game drives, boat cruise, chimpanzee trekking).
- Day 4: Transfer to Semliki for hot springs and nature walks.
- Day 5: Return to Kampala.
Why Choose?: Diverse ecosystems and unique geothermal attractions.

Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park

The park offers a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to budget campsites, catering to various budgets. Below are top options:

Accommodation Options in Murchison Falls National Park

Property	Category	Location	Key Amenities	Price (USD, per person, full board)
Paraa Safari Lodge	Luxury	Near Nile, Paraa	Pool, restaurant, Nile views, conference facilities	$300-$500
Chobe Safari Lodge	Luxury	Northern sector	Spa, pool, gourmet dining, river views	$350-$600
Nile Safari Lodge	Luxury	Southern bank	Eco-friendly cottages, bar, Nile views	$300-$500
Pakuba Safari Lodge	Mid-Range	Near Nile, northern sector	Self-contained rooms, conference facilities	$150-$350
Murchison River Lodge	Mid-Range	Southern bank	Cottages, pool, restaurant	$150-$300
Red Chilli Rest Camp	Budget	Paraa	Tents, bandas, shared facilities	$50-$150
Boomu Women’s Group Bandas	Budget	Near park entrance	Traditional huts, community experience	$30-$100
UWA Campsites	Budget	Various locations	Basic amenities, tent pitching	$10-$30

Notes:

Luxury lodges offer high-end amenities and proximity to activities.
Budget options like UWA campsites (UGX 25,000 for adults, UGX 5,000 for students) are ideal for backpackers.

Practical Tips for Visiting Murchison Falls

Permits and Bookings: Book entrance fees, activity permits, and accommodations 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons, through UWA or Uganda Wildlife Tours.
Packing List: Lightweight clothing, waterproof gear, hiking boots, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera (no flash for wildlife).
- Health and Safety: Take anti-malarial medication, use mosquito nets, and carry water for hikes. Armed rangers accompany activities for safety.
- Visa: An East African Tourist Visa ($100) covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, ideal for multi-country safaris.
- Payment: Carry cash (USD or UGX) for fees, as internet connectivity for card payments can be unreliable.