Murchison Falls Park is home to lions, giraffe, chimpanzees, hippos and more than 450 species of birds. You can enjoy a safari here by boat, car, on foot or traditional safari jeep.
The best time to visit is December to late February, and from June to September.
The Nile itself is packed with hippos and crocodiles. The bird life is also spectacular, with over 450 species including the magnificent shoebill stork.
Chimpanzees live in the southeastern part of the park in the hard wood Budongo Forest Reserve.
The Murchison Falls themselves are a highlight of any visit here, as well as the Karuma Falls. At the top of Murchison Falls you can visit bat caves, or see them all fly off at sunset.
Boat rides to the base of the Murchison Falls offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the force and beauty of the waterfall, as well as seeing hippos and crocodiles. Birders love the boat launch as well.
Chimpanzees can be tracked at Kaniyo Pabidi site in the Budongo Forest Reserve.
Fishing for Nile Perch, Tiger Fish and Catfish is also popular.
Safari drives and all the above can be arranged through tour operators listed below.
A less direct but more scenic route from Kampala to Murchison falls will take you through Budongo Forest (where the chimps live).
Public transport by local bus is available to the closest town, Masindi. But its' still a 90km stretch to the park gates from there.
Charter flights can land close to the Murchison Falls Park at two separate airstrips.
An excellent budget option is the Red Chilli Rest Camp, offers simple, clean accommodations ranging from tents to bandas; a bar and restaurant in the heart of the park.
The nearest town to Murchison Falls Park is Masindi and you can stay at the Masindi Hotel.
- EcoAfrica offers a 10 day Ugandan Safari that includes Murchison falls National Park.
- Red Chilli Rest Camp in the park offers an excellent 3 day safari, for under $250 -- perfect for anyone on a budget. Departures from Kampala.
- Ku Tunza, a local safari operator offers a 4 day Murchison Falls Camping Safari. Another good option for those on a budget.
- Gorilla safaris offers a 3 day private safari including chimp tracking.
- Murchison Falls Birding Tour from Uganda Safaris.
- Murchison Falls NP Information from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Information about Murchison Falls Park from Pearl of Africa Tours.
- Murchison Falls National Park information from the Uganda Travel Guide.
- Murchison Falls NP Travel Blogs
