The Nile at Its Most Powerful
Best for
Waterfall lovers, big game, boat safaris, photography
Best time
Dec – Feb and Jun – Sep (dry seasons)
Location
North-western Uganda, 305 km from Kampala
Access
By road (5–6 hrs) or charter flight to Pakuba / Paraa
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest and oldest national park, where the mighty Nile explodes through a narrow gorge. Classic game viewing, river cruises and dramatic scenery come together for an unforgettable safari.
Murchison Falls offers one of Africa's most iconic natural spectacles, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge and thunders into the Devil's Cauldron below. The Victoria Nile is the lifeblood of the park — ideal for boat safaris that bring you close to hippos, crocodiles and birds. The northern plains support giraffe, elephant, lion and buffalo, while Budongo Forest offers chimpanzee trekking and rich biodiversity.
Walk to the viewpoint for breathtaking views of the Nile thundering through the gorge.
Relax on a boat safari to see wildlife along the riverbanks and the base of the falls.
Classic game drives across open savannah with excellent sightings of big game.
On the ground
Spectacular views of the Nile as it squeezes through the narrow gorge.
River cruise from Paraa to the falls with abundant wildlife and birdlife.
Wide savannah plains supporting giraffe, elephant, lion and more.
Chimpanzee trekking and nature walks in Uganda's largest mahogany forest.
Game drives
Explore the northern plains for classic wildlife sightings.
Boat safari to the falls
Sail the Nile and experience the falls from the water.
Top-of-the-Falls hike
Hike to the top for panoramic views and photo moments.
Chimpanzee trekking
Track chimpanzees in Budongo Forest.
Birdwatching
Over 450 bird species, perfect for birders.
Sport fishing
Nile perch fishing below the falls.
Wildlife you can expect
Elephant — Herds across the northern savannah.
Rothschild's giraffe — Uganda's stronghold for this rare giraffe.
Lion — Prides across the Paraa plains.
Hippo & crocodile — Abundant along the Victoria Nile.
Buffalo — Large herds through the savannah.
Birdlife — Over 450 species including the shoebill.
Where to stay
A few of the properties we book here. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match the camp to the journey.
“In Murchison Falls, location changes the safari. Paraa is convenient for the main game-viewing areas and boat trips, while the southern and eastern Nile properties offer more privacy and a quieter rhythm. We choose the lodge around how the client wants to experience the park, not simply the room standard.”
Our View
Out2Safari Safari Expert
Murchison Falls is rewarding all year with strong wildlife, scenic beauty and incredible river experiences.
Dry conditions, easier game viewing and fantastic photography.
Lush landscapes, fewer crowds and great for birdwatching.
Tell us what excites you
Our safari designers will build a tailor-made journey around it — the right camp, the right season and the right pace.
