Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area, first gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, where the Bunyoro escarpment drops into palm-dotted savanna. The Victoria Nile plunges 45 metres over the remnant rift valley wall at Murchison Falls, then flows quietly on to Lake Albert.

When to visit

UWA names December to late February and June to September as the best time for wildlife viewing, when animals gather around water points. January to March is its prime birdwatching period.

Things to do

What happens

The boat trip from Paraa to the foot of the falls through Fajao Gorge is the park’s most popular excursion. The Top of the Falls viewpoint looks down on the Nile forcing through a narrow gorge. In Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, guides lead forest walks, chimpanzee tracking and birding.

Getting there

About 305 km from Kampala; the drive to the southern entrance takes around 4 to 5 hours. From Fort Portal (280 km) allow at least 6 hours. Charter and scheduled flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi land at Pakuba Airfield, and the Chobe and Bugungu airstrips also serve the park.

Before you go

Practical requirements

Plan transfers around your actual lodge and booked activity. Murchison River Lodge is on the south bank outside the park boundary. Fort Murchison is outside the northern park boundary. An overnight stay at either does not by itself put you inside the park for a morning activity. Confirm the approach, entry arrangements, current visitor gate hours and pickup with your lodge or operator before fixing an early start. River-bank location alone does not confirm a boat pickup.

Official fees

Current official fees aren’t available. The only UWA tariff Pearl found covers July 2024 to June 2026 and has expired, so Pearl doesn’t show those amounts. Check the current tariff with UWA before you go.