Murchison Falls National Park Uganda Safari
Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP), known locally as Kabalega National Park, is not just the largest and oldest protected area in Uganda; it is the most powerful centerpiece of an African safari. Here, the legendary Victoria Nile surges through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plummeting 43 meters, creating the world’s most spectacular single-drop waterfall.
Our mission is to ensure your journey to MFNP is not just a holiday, but a deeply enriching and sustainable adventure, led by the local specialists who know every trail and every pride of lions. We specialize in tailored, sustainable Murchison Falls Safaris that maximize wildlife viewing and respect the environment. Discover how to plan your trip, what to see, and why booking with a local safari partner makes all the difference.
Murchison Falls National Park: History and Conservation Success
Established in 1952, Murchison Falls National Park covers an expansive 3,893 square kilometers, forming the core of the wider Murchison Falls Conservation Area. The park is geographically defined by the magnificent Victoria Nile, which bisects it into the northern and southern sectors, creating diverse habitats including savannah grasslands, riverine forest, and vast wetlands
Key Facts:
Established: 1952 (as a game reserve since 1926).
Size: 3,893 sq km.
Ecosystems: Savannah, woodland, riverine forest, wetlands.
Conservation Status: The park is a critical Lion Conservation Unit.
Despite suffering severe poaching in the 1970s and 80s, the dedicated efforts of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have resulted in one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife recovery stories. Today, MFNP boasts 144 species of mammals and over 556 bird species, making it an essential destination on Uganda’s safari circuit.
How to reach Murchison Falls without the long drive
Getting to the park is a choice between time and cost. Most people start their journey in Kampala or Entebbe. The road trip takes between five and six hours. The road is paved most of the way. You will pass through small towns and busy markets. The drive gives you a look at the local life in Uganda. You will see people selling roasted plantains and fresh fruit along the highway. Most tour vehicles are 
custom-built for these roads. They have pop-up roofs so you can stand and see clearly. If you choose to drive, you should leave early in the morning. This helps you avoid the heavy traffic in the city center.
There is a faster way to travel for those with a bigger budget. Domestic airlines like AeroLink and Bar Aviation operate daily flights. These flights take about one hour. You will take off from Entebbe International Airport. The plane lands at Pakuba Airstrip or Bugungu Airstrip. Pakuba is the best choice if you are staying in the northern part of the park. Bugungu is closer to the southern lodges. Flying saves you ten hours of travel time on a return trip. It also gives you a bird’s eye view of the Nile and the Rift Valley. You will see how the river snakes through the green landscape. This is a great option if you have limited days for your trip.
Driving from Kampala to the park gate
The route to the park usually goes through Masindi town. This is the last major stop before you enter the wilderness. You can buy snacks and fuel here. From Masindi, you enter the park through the Kichumbanyobo gate. This entrance takes you through the Kaniyo Pabidi forest. This forest is part of the larger Budongo forest system. It is very green and cool. You might see baboons sitting on the road. Do not feed them because they can become aggressive. The drive from the gate to the river crossing takes about another hour. You will see the vegetation change from tall trees to shorter grass as you move north.
Taking a domestic flight to Pakuba or Bugungu
A flight is the most comfortable way to start your safari. The planes used are usually small Cessnas or Caravans. They carry between four and twelve people. You should check the luggage weight limits before you pack. Most of these flights allow fifteen kilograms per person. They prefer soft bags over hard suitcases. When you land at the bush airstrips, your vehicle and driver will be waiting for you. This means you can start your first game drive within minutes of landing. It is a seamless way to move from the city to the wild.
The missing link for the Big Five at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
You will not find rhinos inside the main boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park. They were wiped out many years ago. To see all the Big Five animals, you must stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located about halfway between Kampala and the park. It is a private ranch that
works with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. They are breeding southern white rhinos to eventually release them back into the wild. Currently, over thirty rhinos are living here. The sanctuary covers about seventy square kilometers and is surrounded by a high fence.
Visiting Ziwa is a unique experience because you track the rhinos on foot. You will walk through the bush with an armed ranger. The ranger knows exactly where the rhinos are located. You will get as close as thirty meters to these heavy animals. It is a quiet and tense moment when you see them for the first time. They are very large but move with a surprising grace. You will spend about an hour observing them. This stop adds about three hours to your total travel time. Most experts agree that it is worth the delay. It is the only place in the country where you can see rhinos in a natural setting.
What to see on a Murchison Falls game drive
The best place for animal viewing is on the northern bank of the Nile. This area is covered in savannah and rolling hills. Most of the lodges are on the southern bank. This means you must cross the river using the ferry or the new bridge. The ferry moves back and forth every hour. It is a good time to look
for hippos in the water. Once you reach the northern side, the tracks spread out into the plains. You should start your drive at sunrise. This is when the lions and leopards are most active. They like to hunt in the cool air of the morning.
You will see many giraffes in this park. They are the Rothschild’s subspecies. They have white legs and very dark spots. There are thousands of them in the northern sector. You will also see large herds of elephants. They often cross the road right in front of your car. Buffaloes are also common here. They like to stay near the water or in the tall grass. Keep an eye out for the Patas monkey. It has a reddish coat and is very fast. It is one of the few primates that lives on the ground in the savannah. You will also see many types of antelopes, like the Jackson’s hartebeest and the Uganda kob.
Finding the rare Shoebill Stork on a Nile Delta boat trip
The Nile Delta is where the river enters Lake Albert. This is a swampy area with lots of papyrus reeds. It is a paradise for people who love birds. The most famous resident here is the Shoebill stork. This
bird looks like it belongs in a prehistoric world. It has a large beak that is shaped like a shoe. It can stand still for hours waiting for a fish. To reach the delta, you must take a special boat trip. This trip is different from the one that goes to the falls. It takes about four to five hours in total.
You should leave the jetty at Paraa around seven in the morning. The water is calm, and the light is soft. You will see many water birds like the goliath heron and the African fish eagle. The boat moves slowly through the narrow channels of the swamp. Finding a Shoebill is not guaranteed, but the delta is your best chance in Uganda. Even if you do not see the stork, the scenery is very peaceful. You will see the river change as it slows down and spreads out into the lake. It is a side of the park that many visitors miss because they only focus on the waterfall.
Hiking to the top of the most powerful waterfall
The boat trip to the bottom of the falls is a classic activity. The boat takes you to a spot about five hundred meters from the white water. From here, you can choose to get off the boat and hike to the
top. This hike is steep and takes about forty-five minutes. You should be in decent shape to do this. The path is well-marked but can be slippery when it rains. You will hear the sound of the falls getting louder as you climb higher. The air becomes damp with the constant mist.
Once you reach the top, the view is incredible. You can see the Nile being squeezed into the narrow gorge. The ground literally vibrates under your feet. There are several viewpoints where you can take photos. You will see the rainbows formed by the sun hitting the spray. This is the best way to understand the sheer power of the river. Your driver will meet you at the top with the vehicle. This saves you from having to walk back down. It is a physical way to connect with the landscape and a highlight for most travelers.
Choosing your stay from luxury lodges to bush camps
There are many places to stay around the park. Your choice will depend on your budget and which activities you want to do. If you want luxury, Nile Safari Lodge is a top choice. It sits right on the edge of the river. The rooms are made of wood and stone. They have private decks where you can watch the
sunset. Another high-end option is Chobe Safari Lodge. It is located in the eastern part of the park. It has a large pool and very good food. It is a bit far from the main game drive areas but offers a lot of privacy.
For a mid-range budget, Pakuba Safari Lodge is very popular. It is located on the northern bank. This means you are already in the animal area when you wake up. You do not have to wait for the ferry. The lodge is built on the site of an old state lodge used by former leaders. It has a nice pool and clean rooms. If you prefer a more natural feel, Murchison River Lodge is a great pick. They offer comfortable tents and cottages. They use solar power and have a very relaxed atmosphere. There are also budget camps near the park gates for those looking to save money.
Best months for photography and animal sightings
You can visit Murchison Falls all year round. However, the weather changes the experience. The dry seasons are from December to February and from June to September. These are the best times for 
seeing animals. The grass is short, and the water holes are dry. Animals gather around the Nile to drink. This makes them easy to find. The skies are usually clear, which is good for photography. You will get bright, sharp photos of the lions and giraffes. The tracks are also dry and easy to drive on.
The wet seasons are from March to May and from October to November. During these months, the park turns very green. It is a beautiful time for landscape photography. Many animals give birth during this time, so you might see babies. The downside is that the grass grows tall. This makes it harder to spot cats like leopards. Some roads can become muddy and difficult. However, the park is much quieter, and there are fewer cars. You might also get lower rates at the lodges during the rainy months.
Official 2026 park fees and regulations
The Uganda Wildlife Authority sets the rules and fees for the park. For 2026, the entry fee for foreign non-residents is $40 per person for twenty-four hours. If you stay longer, you pay for more days. Foreign residents of Uganda pay 30 dollars. East African citizens pay twenty-five thousand shillings. You must also pay for your vehicle. A foreign-registered car costs 40 dollars, while a local car is much cheaper. These fees help pay for the rangers who protect the animals from poachers.
There are strict rules you must follow. You are not allowed to drive off the marked tracks. This protects the grass and the small animals. You must not exceed forty kilometers per hour. Speeding is dangerous for the animals and for you. Littering is strictly forbidden. You should bring all your trash back to your lodge. Most importantly, you must stay in your vehicle at all times during the game drive. You can only get out at designated picnic spots or at the top of the falls. Following these rules ensures the park stays wild for the future.
Popular Murchison trips
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Common questions about Murchison Falls safaris
What is the best month to visit Murchison Falls?
The dry months from June to September are best. The animals are easy to find near the river. The weather is hot, but the roads are in good condition. You will have the best chance of seeing lions and leopards during this time.
How much does a Murchison Falls safari cost?
A mid-range three-day trip costs between six hundred and nine hundred dollars per person. This includes transport, park fees, and lodging. Luxury trips can cost over fifteen hundred dollars. Budget options are available for around four hundred dollars if you camp and use public transport.
Can I see the Big Five in Murchison Falls?
You can see four of the Big Five inside the park. These are lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. To see the rhinos, you must visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way to the park. Most tour companies include this stop in their plans.
Is it safe to visit the park?
Yes, the park is very safe. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has many armed rangers on patrol. They protect both the animals and the tourists. You should always listen to your local expert and follow the park rules. Do not walk alone outside your lodge at night.
What should I pack for my trip?
Bring light clothing in neutral colors like tan or green. Avoid bright colors and dark blue, which attract flies. You need a good pair of walking shoes for the hike. Do not forget a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A pair of binoculars will help you see the birds and distant animals.
How long should I stay in Murchison Falls?
Three days is the standard time for a visit. This allows for one game drive and one boat cruise. If you are a bird watcher or want to relax, four days is better. This gives you time for the Nile Delta trip and more than one game drive.
Citations and References
The information in this article is based on the latest guidelines from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Data regarding rhino populations and conservation efforts comes from the Ziwa Rhino Fund. Travel logistics and flight information are provided by AeroLink Uganda and local tourism associations. For the most accurate current pricing, always check the official UWA tariff sheets for the 2024-2026 period.
