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Photo: Yakov Fedorov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Uganda · East Africa · Safari

Murchison Falls National Park

The Nile forces through a seven-metre gap in one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls.

Best timeJun to Sep, Dec to Feb
Ideal stay2 to 3 nights
GatewayEntebbe
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary (good)
  3. MArch
  4. APril
  5. MAy
  6. JUne (good)
  7. JUly (good)
  8. AUgust (good)
  9. SEptember (good)
  10. OCtober
  11. NOvember
  12. DEcember (good)

Travel advice: some regions are off-limits. Check your government’s advice for the exact areas before you book.

Uganda’s largest park combines savanna game drives with a boat trip up the Nile to the foot of the falls, past hippos, crocodiles and elephants. The hike to the top of the falls is unforgettable.

Common hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius kiboko) SerengetiHippoNile crocodile in the ZambeziNile crocodileAfrican bush elephants (Loxodonta africana) female with six-week-old babyElephantMasai Mara GiraffeGiraffeShoebill (Balaeniceps rex), Uganda (52949464409)ShoebillMale lion on savannaLion

Highlights

  • Boat trip to the base of the falls
  • Hike to the top of the falls
  • Savanna game drives
  • Shoebill trips in the delta

Wildlife to look for

Where to stay

Lodges along the Nile, from campsites to comfortable riverfront lodges.

Getting there

About 5 to 6 hours’ drive from Kampala, often via the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Tips

  • Book the delta boat trip for a chance of seeing shoebill.
  • Combine with Kibale for chimpanzees.
  • Bring insect repellent for the river.

Best time to visit

Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb. See where to go in Africa in December and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Travel advice: Parts of the country are off-limits under most government travel advice. Check your government’s advice before booking.

Plan your stay

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park?

Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb. Book the delta boat trip for a chance of seeing shoebill.

How long should I spend at Murchison Falls National Park?

2 to 3 nights.

How do I get to Murchison Falls National Park?

About 5 to 6 hours’ drive from Kampala, often via the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

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