Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park Safaris

Uganda's largest protected area, Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for the waterfall from which it takes its name and the rich biodiversity that populate its river banks, lush grassland and riverine woodland. Splitting the park in two is the Victoria Nile, which flows west between the sprawling Lake Albert and Lake Kyoga.

Murchison Falls is easily the park's most famous feature. The explosive outburst of water that cascades 43m to create the falls is the result of the wide Victoria Nile squeezing through a 7m wide rocky clef before outpouring over the western edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. It's an impressive sight and one unique to East Africa.

Hop aboard a boat from Paraa and meander down the river to the very base of the falls - it's a well-established and popular way to experience the spectacle. Boating safaris are also a good way to explore the local ecology; most of the park's 1200 or so hippos live downstream of the falls and line the shallows, while menacing Nile crocodile can be found basking on the sandy shelves.

Home to 76 mammal species, the park is awash with big game. Rolling grasslands, savannah and vast swamps along the river's stretch are populated by large herds of buffalo and elephant, around 15 - 20 prides of lion and some of the world's most unique birdlife. The legendary and elusive shoebill stork is the main sighting for any birder, with the prehistoric creature a sight to behold.

On holidays to Murchison Falls game drives, forest walks, fishing and boat trips are the best ways to explore and get in touch with the park, the chance to enjoy the views from the top of the falls is also recommended. Accommodation at Murchison Falls is excellent, with a range of luxury lodges to stay in, the majority of which take advantage of the area's natural beauty and are situated on the beautiful river banks.

How to get to Murchison Falls National Park

Unlike many of the other parks in Uganda, Murchison Falls doesn’t fit in a convenient circuit and is mostly visited as an add-on to a more standard safari package.

Murchison Falls National Park is located 305km/190mi north of Kampala. The drive takes about four hours. It is also possible to fly to Pakuba Airfield by chartered or scheduled aircraft service from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala.

When flying from abroad, you’ll arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). It is located 46km/29mi from the capital (Kampala). Silverback Safaris will usually arrange for you to be picked up at the airport and will take care of all further transportation as part of your safari package.

Wildlife viewing should always be done with caution and respect for the animals . Use your common sense and remember that the behavior of wild animals can be unpredictable. Limiting dangers is easily done by following the expert directions of your guide. And please take note of the wildlife viewing safety precautions below.

Please note: by reading the advice below you may get the impression that wildlife viewing is a dangerous activity. That is not the case. In our opinion, wildlife viewing can be considered very safe as long as you treat the animals with respect and use common sense. It is extremely rare for incidents to occur and your professional guide is there to ensure your safety. The advice below is solely intended to further decrease the already small risks.

• Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines.
• Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out of the car.
• Never walk off far to pee behind a bush – ask for advice from your guide about where to go
• Don't stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof.
• Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari. Back off if the animals seem disturbed.
• Don’t drive between elephants, especially females and their young. Never get too close to elephants, particularly lone males.
• Don't talk or laugh too loud.
• Stay close to your guide and group on a walking safari and always walk in single file.
• Watch where you put your feet while walking in the bush.
• Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack. For the same reason, never run away from a predator when confronted. Instead ask your guide for help and instructions or slowly walk backwards while facing the predator.
• Never walk between a hippo and water. It may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked.
• While on a canoe safari, stay in the shallows, to avoid hippos. Keep enough distance from animals on river banks.
• While camping, or in a tented camp, never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife.
• Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes. The repellant should contain at least 20-30% DEET.
• Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
• Don't wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume. This is especially true for walking safaris and, to a lesser extent, for other wildlife viewing activities. In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies. Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles during the cold months of June, July and August.