uganda

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Quick Facts

Best Time to Visit: December–February and June–September (dry seasons)
Country: uganda

Highlights

The Nile forced through a 7-metre gorge in a thunderous waterfall
Boat cruise to the base of the falls
Uganda's largest national park
Big game: elephant, lion, giraffe, buffalo
Excellent birding, including the rare shoebill

Wildlife

African elephant and buffaloLion and leopardRothschild's giraffeHippo and Nile crocodileShoebill stork and 450+ birdsUganda kob and hartebeest

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and one of its oldest protected areas, named for the spectacular waterfall where the Nile is forced through a gorge just seven metres wide before crashing 43 metres below.

The falls and the Nile

A boat cruise upriver to the base of the falls is the park’s signature experience, passing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the banks. The top of the falls can also be reached on foot for a thunderous close-up view.

Savanna wildlife

North of the river, open savanna supports elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and the Rothschild’s giraffe, along with more than 450 bird species, including the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork.