Murchison Falls National Park Uganda
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Location: Northwestern Uganda
Size: 3,893 km² – Uganda’s largest national park
Established: 1952, making it the country’s oldest national park
Murchison Falls National Park is a land where the mighty Nile explodes through a narrow gorge, thunders down a 45-meter drop, and spreads out into wildlife-rich plains teeming with adventure.
Part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which also includes Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves, this park is one of the most breathtaking wilderness destinations in East Africa.
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💦 The Murchison Falls
At the heart of the park lies its crown jewel: Murchison Falls – where the world’s longest river is forced through a 7-meter-wide cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment.
Stand at the top of the falls and feel the ground tremble beneath your feet. Take a boat cruise to the base and witness the spray catching rainbows in the sunlight. It’s not just a sight to see – it’s a force to feel.
Fun Fact: Murchison Falls is also known as Kabalega Falls, honoring the legendary Bunyoro king.
🐘 Wildlife Encounters in the African Wild
Murchison is home to over 76 mammal species and 450+ bird species. Whether by boat, game drive, or guided walk, the encounters here are unforgettable.
🐾 What You Can See:
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Elephants, Buffaloes, and Lions roaming the savannah
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Leopards lounging in fig trees
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Giraffes striding gracefully across the plains
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Hippos and crocodiles lining the Nile banks
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Rare birds like the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and Goliath heron
🚤 Nile River Cruise: A Safari from the Water

Face to face with Nile hippos on a Murchison Falls boat safari.
No visit is complete without a boat safari on the Nile – arguably the best in East Africa.
Cruise slowly upstream toward Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, elephants, and crocodiles while birds swoop low over the water. The views are unmatched, and the wildlife comes to you.
Optional: Take the Delta Boat Safari to spot the elusive shoebill and explore the tranquil Nile-Albert Delta.
🧗♂️ Adventure Awaits: Hikes, Views & Thrills
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline or serenity, Murchison delivers:
🥾 Hike to the Top of the Falls
A guided climb brings you face-to-face with the roaring power of the falls – a thrilling and scenic trek.
🌄 Scenic Game Drives
Explore the park’s northern sector in a custom safari vehicle with your expert guide. Sunrise and sunset drives are especially magical.
🛶 Optional Adventure Add-Ons:
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White-water rafting (downstream from the park)
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Fishing for Nile Perch and Cat fish
🔥 Add Adventure to Your Itinerary
🐦 Birding in a Biodiversity Hotspot
With over 450 species, Murchison Falls is a birder’s paradise. From savannah dwellers to waterbirds and forest rarities, the diversity is exceptional.
Notable Species:
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Shoebill Stork
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Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
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Giant Kingfisher
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African Jacana
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Silverbird
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Secretary Bird
🏡 Where to Stay: Handpicked Safari Lodges
From luxury riverside lodges to intimate bush camps, Murchison caters to every traveler. Outback Adventure Safaris partners with the best properties to suit your style and budget.
Recommended Lodges:
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Paraa Safari Lodge – iconic and luxurious, with pool and Nile views
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Baker’s Lodge – tranquil, eco-friendly, and exclusive
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Murchison River Lodge – mid-range charm with fantastic river access
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Pakuba Safari Lodge – great value, with wildlife often on-site
🛏️ Let Us Handle Your Accommodation
📅 Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls
Murchison is open year-round, but the best wildlife viewing happens during the dry seasons:
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December to February
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June to September
During these months, animals gather at water sources and the trails are more accessible.
🚗 Getting to Murchison Falls
By Road:
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5–6 hour scenic drive from Kampala or Entebbe
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Routes pass through rural villages, tea plantations, and forest reserves
By Air:
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Scheduled flights from Entebbe to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu Airstrips
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Outback Adventure Safaris will arrange seamless transfers and park entry
✈️ Inquire About Fly-in Safaris
🌟 Discover the Soul of Wild Uganda
At Outback Adventure Safaris, we don’t just take you to Murchison Falls – we immerse you in it. Every safari is handcrafted to blend luxury, excitement, and authentic connection with nature.
So, let us make it a reality, whether you’re dreaming of lion sightings, sunset boat rides, or standing at the edge of Africa’s most powerful waterfall.
🎒 Start Planning Your Murchison Falls Safari Now
📞 Talk to a Safari Specialist Today
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