Murchison Falls National Park sits on the shore of Lake Albert, in northwest Uganda. It’s known for Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile River surges through a narrow gap over a massive drop. Park wildlife includes elephants and hippos, and there are chimpanzees in the Kaniyo Pabidi mahogany forest. The Lake Albert Delta is home to rare shoebill storks. There are game fish in the cascades of Karuma Falls
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s biggest and oldest conservation area at 3,840 sq km. The park’s main highlight is the mighty Nile River squeezing through a 7-meter rock cleft and plunging 43 meters to create Murchison Falls. Located 4-5hrs from Hoima, it’s the closest major safari park for you.Expect Africa’s big 5 minus rhino, Nile boat cruises with hippos and crocs, plus chimp tracking in Budongo Forest. Perfect 2-4 day safari from Kampala or Hoima.
Where is Murchison Falls National Park Located?
Murchison Falls NP is in northwestern Uganda, straddling Hoima, Masindi, Nwoya, Kiryandongo + Buliisa districts. The south bank Paraa sector is 4hrs/180km from Hoima via Kafu Bridge. The park is divided by the Nile: north bank for game drives + rhinos, south bank for falls + boat cruise. This makes it the most accessible park from Hoima.
Wildlife & Animals in Murchison Falls
Murchison is home to 76 mammal species and 450+ birds. Big game includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kobs, hippos, and crocodiles. Rhinos are extinct in the park but you can track them 1hr away at Ziwa Sanctuary. Birders love the shoebill stork, Goliath heron, and African fish eagle. Best game viewing is on the north bank Buligi circuit.
Top Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park
- Nile Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls* – 3hr cruise to the base of the falls. See hippos, crocs, elephants + birds. Top of falls hike included.
- Game Drives – Morning + evening drives on north bank for lions, elephants, giraffes. 99% elephant sighting rate.
- Hike to Top of the Falls* – 45min walk from boat dock. Feel the spray and power of the Nile.
- Rhino Tracking at Ziwa* – Add 1 day from Hoima to track white rhinos on foot.
- Chimpanzee Tracking Budongo Forest* – 3hrs from Paraa. Easier trek than Kibale.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari* – Sunrise flight over savanna for $420.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls
Dry seasons Jun-Sep and Dec-Feb are best for game drives and boat cruises. Roads are dry, animals gather at the Nile. Wet season Mar-May + Oct-Nov is greener, fewer tourists, and better birding. The falls are most powerful after rains. Murchison is good year-round.
How to Get to Murchison Falls from Hoima
From Hoima it’s 180km, 4hrs drive via Kigorobya → Kafu Bridge → Masindi → Paraa. Route is 70% tarmac, 30% murram. We offer 4×4 transfers from Hoima daily. You can also fly 1.5hrs from Entebbe to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrips inside the park.