Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls is where the mighty Victoria Nile is squeezed through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging 43 metres into the foaming “Devil’s Cauldron,” Murchison Falls National Park delivers one of Africa’s most dramatic natural spectacles.

Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve is not only home to this thunderous waterfall but also to vast herds of elephant and buffalo, rare Rothschild’s giraffe, lion and leopard, and over 450 bird species including the elusive shoebill stork.

A Nile River safari by boat brings you face-to-face with hippo and crocodile, as you cruise to the very foot of the waterfall to view this dramatic sight. Whilst chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest offers a thrilling primate encounter.

It’s this unique blend of raw water power and rich wildlife that makes Murchison Falls an essential stop on any Uganda safari.

Birdwatching safaris in Murchison Falls

Birding safaris are a delight in the Murchison Falls National Park. Common sightings include Fish eagle, goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbill, and cormorant. So a downstream boat trip is a highlight for the avid birdwatcher.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest Reserve

The Budongo Falls reserve is a continuation of the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest. which is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. It includes a huge Mahogany and Ironwood Forest area. This is the perfect habitat for over 600 chimpanzees, as well as eight other primate species. Many can be seen from some of the 115 km of trails running through this pristine forest.

Wildlife Encounters in Murchison Falls

One of the best activities is the above-mentioned cruise below the Murchison Falls. Here the surging mass of water turns into a placid body of water which flows gently toward Lake Albert. It’s a birding hotspot with ample chance to see African fish eagles, Great Egrets, Goliath herons and the rare Shoebill stork.

Game drives in its borassus forest and savanna will reward you with wide variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard.

Or enjoy walking trails up the cliffs above the Murchison Falls to enjoy a superb aerial view over the Nile River. Or you can head down into the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’ at the foot of the Falls.

 Unusual Fact - Ernest Hemingway famously survived two plane crashes in the park in 1954 while on safari here

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Murchison Falls National Park?

You can either fly (quicker) or drive (less expensive and gives you the chance to see Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route. Note that seat in charter flights to Murchison Falls are typically only in the drier months of Dec to February and June to October

What wildlife can I see at Murchison Falls?

A lot. Murchison Falls not only has dramatic waterfalls but also a good quantity of game including elephant, giraffe, lion, buffalo, hippo, shoebill stork and of course chimpanzees. It’s the only place in Uganda where you are likely to see large herds of elephant and buffalo together.

Can you visit the top and bottom of Murchison Falls? 

Yes, you typically see the bottom of the Falls by boat and enjoy a walking trail to see the top of the Falls.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

We go into more detail below, but the best time to visit the Murchison Fals are the cooler winter months of June to October.

Useful Links

• Add in Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Or visit Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Sample Tour: Meandering Uganda safari with Kidepo
• Sample Tour: Ultimate Uganda Private Safari

Combine Murchison Falls with gorilla trekking or Queen Elizabeth National Park for the ultimate Uganda holiday – start planning today.