The park's history dates back to 1926 when it was first established as a game reserve. It was later designated as a national park in 1952. Murchison Falls gained international fame when Winston Churchill visited in the early 1900s and dubbed Uganda the "Pearl of Africa" after witnessing the falls. The park also attracted explorers like Samuel Baker, who named the falls in honor of Roderick Murchison, then president of the Royal Geographical Society.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the park was one of Africa’s top safari destinations, but poaching and civil unrest in later decades took a toll on its wildlife. Thanks to conservation efforts in recent years, Murchison Falls National Park has made a remarkable recovery and once again thrives as a premier wildlife destination.

The park is bisected by the Nile River, which creates two distinct regions: the northern bank, where most of the game viewing takes place, and the southern bank, which is more forested. The diverse ecosystems include savannah, riverine forest, acacia woodland, and swamps.

Wildlife sightings are fairly good and include; Elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, giraffes (particularly the Rothschild’s subspecies), and Uganda kob. Nile crocodiles and large pods of hippos are common in the river while over 450 species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and Goliath heron can be found.

Game Drives are especially rewarding on the Buligi Peninsula, where open savannah makes wildlife viewing easier. Boat Safaris travel up the Nile to the base of the falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the way. You can also hike to the Top of the Falls, a short, steep trail leads to dramatic viewpoints over the crashing waters. Chimpanzee Trekking is available in Budongo Forest, located on the park’s southern edge. There is always magical birding in Uganda's parks, both riverine and forest birding are excellent.