Murchison Falls National Park is located in north-western Uganda and sits on several Ugandan Districts which include Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo and Masindi.
It is under the custody of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and it is Uganda’s largest national park.
The Murchison Falls National Park stretches inland from the shores of Lake Albert up to Karuma Falls and the Victoria Nile River cuts across it.
The Victoria Nile has a high population of Nile crocodiles and hippos.
The park habitat consists of the Savannah, riverine forest and woodland.
Murchison Falls National Park together with the neighbouring Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve form the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA).
Murchison Falls National Park Attractions
Why is it popular? Here are the facts about Murchison Falls National Park.
- It is the largest Uganda’s national park
- It is on the shores of Lake Albert-the lake located in the centre of the continent (Africa) and the source of Victoria Nile
- Murchison Falls-which creates a permanent rainbow as water compress through a narrow gorge producing misty droplets
- Victoria Nile-one of the main tributaries of the Nile (The longest river in the world)
- Karuma Falls-which is the location of Karuma Power Station
- It neighbours Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and Karuma Wildlife Reserve to form Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA)
- A Variety of wildlife
- Abundant birdlife
Murchison Falls National Park Animals/Wildlife
Murchison Falls Conservation Area and the neighbouring Bugondo Forest Reserve have a big variety of mammals. There are over 76 species of mammals. They include; the Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Giraffe, Hartebeest, Bushbuck, Uganda kob, Waterbuck, Olive baboon, Monkey, Colobus, Chimpanzee, and Warthog.
They also have the largest Nile crocodile population in Uganda.
Birdlife is abundant here-over 450 species of birds on record-which include Shoe-billed stork, Dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, Hornbill, Coucal, Swamp flycatcher, Squacco heron, African jacana, Sandpiper, Gonolek, Black-billed Barbet, Plantain-eater, Silverbird, weaver bird, bee-eater, Quail Finch, Great Blue Turaco and Uganda’s national bird Grey-crowned Crane.
Things to in Murchison Falls National Park
You can indulge in a number of activities:-
- Game Viewing
- Bird watching
- Nature walks-the national park is very scenic
- Boat riding at Lake Albert
- Hiking
- Hot air balloons safaris
- Sport fishing-The victoria Nile has Nile perch
- Cultural entertainments plus village tours of the neighbouring communities
Murchison Falls Climate & Weather
Temperatures range between 25°C-32°C during the day with night temperature at around 18°C.
It rarely rains here-it can be torrential when it comes.
The dry season is from December to February and from June to September.
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season as animals head to watering areas hence easy to observe.
Bird watching is best done from January to March when they are engaged in a lot of activities.
What to Carry & Wear on this Safari
- Insect repellent especially the Mosquito
- If you are camping please carry camping equipment
- Also picnic items, drinking water, camera, and guide book
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to avoid the scorching sun
- Cool clothing-long sleeved shirts, long trousers due to high temperatures and insects
- A friend(s)
- Flashlight-few places have electricity 24 hrs.
How to get Murchison Falls
By Road
Northern Entrance Gates
Use Kampala-Pakwach Road to enter the park through the following gates; the Chobe, Wankwar, Mubako and Tangi gates-260km from Kampala
This route is advisable for visitors from Kidepo National Park or Gulu town
Southern Entrance Gates
From Kampala via Masindi Town to Paraa-the heart of Murchison safaris 305 km from Kampala-through the Kichumbanyobo Gate or Bugungu Gate.
By Air-Use Pakuba, Chobe or Bugungu Airfields
Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees/Charges
Entry Fees is as follows:
East African Citizens (USD): Adult 6 Child 2
Foreign East African Residents (USD): Adult 30 Child 10
Non-residents (USD): Adult 40 Child 20
Park Contacts
You can reach Uganda Wildlife Authority through
Telephone: +256312355000 / +256414355000
Murchison Falls National Park Hotels
Hotels and Lodges near this Murchison Falls National Park
- Masindi Hotel
- New Court View Hotel
- GeoLodges Nile Safari Lodge
- Paraa Safari Lodge
- Rest Chilli Rest Camp
- Sambiya River Lodge
- Yebo Safari Camp
- Chobe Safari Lodge
- Murchison Safari Lodge
See also other National Parks
