Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest park, famed for the dramatic Murchison Falls where the Victoria Nile crashes into a narrow gorge, creating powerful rapids and a permanent mist. This protected area offers diverse landscapes, including savanna, woodlands, and wetlands, providing habitats for elephants, lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat cruises on the Nile River, and chimpanzee trekking in the adjacent Budongo Forest, which is known for its large mahogany trees and primate populations.

Key Features & Attractions

Murchison Falls: The park’s centerpiece, where the Victoria Nile is squeezed through a narrow gorge to create a powerful waterfall and permanent mist. 

Nile River: The park is bisected by the Nile, providing unique wildlife viewing opportunities from boat cruises, where hippos, crocodiles, and water birds are frequently seen. 

Diverse Wildlife: Murchison Falls is home to the “Big Four” of the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo), along with rare Rothschild’s giraffes, various antelope species, and many primates. 

Budongo Forest: Located south of the falls, this forest offers chimpanzee trekking and is home to mahogany trees and other primate species like blue monkeys and olive baboons. 

Landscapes: The park features a tapestry of savanna, riverine woodlands, and wetland areas, creating varied habitats for its extensive flora and fauna. 

Activities

Game Drives: Explore the savanna areas for classic safari sightings of elephants, lions, and giraffes. 

Boat Cruises: A “must-do” activity on the Nile River to see hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds. 

Chimpanzee Trekking: Venture into the Budongo Forest for a chance to see habituated chimpanzee groups. 

Bird Watching: The park boasts a rich birdlist, with over 451 species recorded, including the national bird, the grey-crowned crane.