Things To Do in Murchison Falls National Park

Activities: Things To Do in Murchison Falls National Park

1. Nile River Cruises

There are several opportunities for tourists to this national park to explore the River Nile, from sunset cruises to boat tours upstream to see the Murchison Falls themselves. Daily boat cruises, for example, leave Paraa Safari Lodge at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of the river from Paraa, which is located above the falls. However, a private excursion with Baker’s Lodge on the Nile’s south bank is recommended for the best boating experiences.

Sunset cruises are a great way to kick off any visit to Murchison, especially for visitors arriving by road — what better way to ease into your safari than with a refreshing drink on the world’s longest river? Cruises to the waterfall reveal the Nile’s raw strength as it thunders through a 7-meter gap, the narrowest point on the entire length of this great river!

2. Game Drives

Murchison Falls National Park is home to 76 mammal species, including four of the Big Five, as well as a large number of primates and over 450 bird species. Game drives in this area offer a diverse and frequently one-of-a-kind experience!

Although rhinos are not found in the park, tourists can see large cats, Uganda cobs, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe, to mention a few of the species that live there. The savanna-dwelling Patas monkey, which is indigenous to Murchison and Kidepo Valley National Parks farther north, is another wonderful sighting when out on a drive, and keen birders are likely to see crowned crane, ground hornbills, and Goliath heron on their daily excursions.

3. Nature Walks and Hikes

Murchison Falls is a large and varied environment that may be explored on foot in some parts — a fantastic adventure for birders and the brave!

River cruises can include a 45-minute climb to the top of the falls through beautiful woodland, where hikers can observe a wide variety of birds and creatures, including primates, on routes through the Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests.

The strange-looking shoebill stork can be seen on guided swamp treks in the Nile and Lake Albert Delta, although this is only possible when water levels are low.

4. Birding

Uganda has long been known as a birding Mecca, drawing birders from all over the world to witness rare species like the shoebill stork and Green-breasted pitta. While Uganda as a whole has over a thousand different bird species, Murchison alone has over 450!

The park’s tremendously diversified topography supports an incredible variety of species. Over the course of a few days, birdwatchers can see a wide range of birds, from herons, ducks, terns, and cormorants that thrive in the Nile and its adjacent deltas to bustards and cranes that graze the broad plains, Murchison has it all!

5. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest Reserve

The Budongo Forest Reserve, while not technically part of Murchison Falls, is easily accessible to those lodging in the national park.

The area is currently home to 700 individual chimps and three habituated groups, one of which is very approachable. The Jane Goodall Institute has habituated members of the Kaniyo-Pabidi village.

While Kibale Forest has long been the go-to spot for chimp enthusiasts, Budongo offers a quieter experience in terms of visitor numbers, as well as less demanding terrain than Kibale!

Murchison Falls National Park Safaris

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park, offers premier safaris featuring boat cruises to the powerful falls, game drives for the “Big Four” (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes), and chimpanzee tracking. Popular 3–5 day tours often include Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Activities include Nile delta boat trips, hot air ballooning, and hiking to the top of the falls.