Visiting Murchison Falls National Park is a must for any travelers heading to Uganda. The country’s largest national park is located on the shores of Lake Albert and parts of it have been protected by the government for nearly a century.
There’s a ton to see and do here, but the main attraction in Murchison Falls is just that: the mighty waterfalls cascading down from the Nile River. This isn’t just any ordinary waterfall. Water from the Nile is pushed through a 7-meter wide rock opening in the earth before continuing on through the rest of Africa.
Of course you’d be crazy not to include the falls at the top of your list of things to do, but your Murchison Falls National Park itinerary should include more than just that. Here you can learn about the majestic falls as well as other popular activities throughout Murchison Falls National Park.
Fun Facts About Murchison Falls National Park
This history behind the Murchison Falls National Park is an interesting one. Although it was officially established as the largest national park in Uganda in the 1950s, parts of the park were dedicated by the government as a game reserve in 1926. Here are a few more fun facts about what the park has to offer:
- The falls were visited by Winston Churchill in 1907, and he described it as his favorite national wonder in all of Uganda.
- Scenes from “The African Queen” movie featuring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart were filmed at Murchison
- Earnest Hemingway survived a plane crash here (but not without a few serious injuries)
- The park is teeming with African wildlife, everything from elephants and hippos to snakes and crocodiles
- This is Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve, covering an impressive 3,840 square kilometers
- Today entry in Murchison falls national park costs $40 for foreigners, 25,000 shs for Ugandans. The Boat-ride to the bottom of the falls costs 30 USD per person
What to Do in the National Park
Obviously we recommend taking the short 45-minute hike to the top of the falls. As soon as you arrive you’ll be greeted with a powerful mist of water and a thunderous noise. It is in fact the world’s most powerful waterfall, which becomes apparent as soon as you set eyes (and ears) on the natural wonder.
You’ll be paired with a guide for your hike to the top; this is a park regulation and you won’t be allowed to make the journey on your own. Once at the top you’ll see another waterfall off in the distance. This one is called Freedom Falls – Uhuru Falls in the local language. It may not be as big and powerful as Murchison, but it’s still nice to look at.
We could continue talking about the falls at Murchison for days, but it is time to move on to other popular activities in the national park. In addition to hiking, here are a few more popular things to do at Murchison.
Nile River Boat Safari
Of course the water from the falls need to dump into somewhere, and that place is the Nile River. From the top as you look down, there is a good chance you’ll see a large boat or two exploring the waters of the Nile. These boats are typically offering Nile River boat safaris to tourists.
A boat cruise safari is fairly similar to a safari you would experience on land, only you’re in a boat instead of a jeep. During your boat safari, there’s a good chance you’ll see crocs sunning themselves on the riverbanks or ominously swimming towards you (don’t worry, you’ll be completely safe in the confines of the boat. You’re also likely to see herds of elephants, buffaloes, and antelope as you float along the Nile.
Wildlife Game Drive
During a wildlife game drive through Murchison, you’ll take a ride along with a park ranger to experience the wildlife unique to Uganda. The rangers here know the park like the back of their hands, so they know exactly where to go to find elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and warthogs just like Pumba in The Lion King.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit to Murchison
It goes without saying that the climate of Murchison is hot all year long. Since it is located near the equator, Uganda experiences tropical weather 24/7, 365 days a year. However, it isn’t too hot, so you’ll feel comfortable in terms of temperature no matter when you visit.
Typically tourists can visit Murchison falls on a 3 days Murchison falls national park tour plan and a good chance to explore all the attractions the park offers. Of course when you stay longer you get to explore more wildlife in the park but 3 days in the park is ideal for the best holiday.
The least ideal weather conditions are from April to May and September to October due to the heavier-than-average rainfall. The driest seasons with little chance of rain happen between December to February, which is also peak tourism season.
If you plan on climbing to the top of the falls, try to remember your waterproof gear, especially if you have a camera or phone that is not waterproof. Other than this, the only tip is to not miss out on Murchison National Park!
