Uganda travel guide
Murchison Falls National Park: safari guide
Uganda's biggest national park, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge. Game drives, boat safaris and the hike to the top of the falls.
Updated 24 October 2026
Fees checked October 2026. Park fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can change — confirm with your tour operator or UWA when you book.
Murchison Falls is Uganda's largest national park. Here the River Nile forces its way through a gap only a few metres wide and plunges down in a thunder of spray — one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
What you can see
- Elephants, giraffes (Rothschild's giraffe), buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos and crocodiles
- Antelope such as Uganda kob, oribi and hartebeest
- Hundreds of bird species, including the rare shoebill on the Nile delta
Things to do
- Game drives on the northern bank, early morning or late afternoon.
- Boat safari upstream to the bottom of the falls — great for hippos, crocodiles and elephants at the water's edge.
- Hike to the top of the falls to feel the roar up close.
- Delta boat trip for birders hoping to see the shoebill.
- Chimpanzee tracking in nearby Budongo Forest — around USD 130 for foreign non-residents. Places are limited, so book ahead.
When to go
The dry seasons (December–February and June–September) are best for game drives. See our guide to the best time to visit Uganda.
Getting there
The park is roughly 5–6 hours' drive from Kampala. Many visitors stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way to track white rhinos on foot. You can also fly from Entebbe to airstrips in the park (see our guide to getting around Uganda).
Fees
Park entry is paid per 24 hours: USD 45 for foreign non-residents, USD 35 for foreign residents and UGX 25,000 for East African citizens. Children aged 5–15 pay less and under-5s enter free. Boat trips, vehicles and activities cost extra.
Where to stay
Find lodges and camps near Murchison Falls on Waynari.