MURCHISON FALLS NP

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, is a spectacular wilderness destination located in the northwestern part of the country. Covering approximately 3,840 square kilometers, the park is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls—the point where the mighty Nile River explodes through a narrow 7-meter gorge and tumbles 43 meters into the "Devil's Cauldron," creating the most powerful waterfall on earth.

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. On my recent visit, I stayed in a relatively new area, a low impact zone on the southern bank - which was amazing with practically no other vehicles there! Open grasslands, volumes of plains game - Uganda kob, buffalo, waterbuck, warthog, giraffe and those famous tree-climbing lions. In that zone, staying at Kulu Ora camp, we were allowed to drive off road which is a massive benefit.

Wildlife sightings are fairly good and include; Elephants, buffaloes, lions, occasionally 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. It is important to note that there are no zebra, impala or wildebeest that are common in most of southern and east Africa, they were separated out by the dense forest and rift valleys thousands of years ago. Elephants are also distributed in specific areas - some areas have no elephants due to human pressure and historic poaching.

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.

I stayed at two amazing camps in Murchison Falls, the first was Kulu Ora and the other was Nile Safari Lodge, there are many others. Kulu Ora is a brand new, luxury tented lodge in the semi-private, low impact zone in the centre of the park on the southern bank. Nile Safari Lodge is magical, one of my favourite lodges for design, also on the Nile River - from where you can do land and water safaris - you can visit the falls from either lodge and the two lodges make a great combination. I also visited the brand new Pabidi Lodge in the Budongo Forest region of the park, which is a super-stylish lodge and perfect entry point - where you can of course track chimpanzees and which would make up a phenomenal 6 night stay in Murchison Falls with the other two lodges.

Getting to Murchison Falls is a half day drive from Entebbe or a flight into the two airfields in or nearby the park.

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UGANDA SAFARI ITINERARIES
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CLASSIC UGANDA SAFARI

12 DAYS

USD 12 050.00

This classic Uganda journey weaves together the country’s most compelling wildlife regions, combining big game, primates and varied landscapes into one seamless overland adventure. Beginning in Entebbe, the route heads north to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary before following the Nile through dramatic scenery and quieter corners of the park. From here, the safari gradually works south through Kibale’s primate forests and Queen Elizabeth National Park, finishing in the mountainous rainforests of Bwindi for the ultimate highlight – gorilla trekking. It’s a well-paced itinerary that balances driving distances with immersive experiences, offering a real sense of Uganda’s diversity

ITINERARY ↗

FOREST AND PLAINS

10 DAYS

USD 8 570.00

This Uganda safari is a richly layered journey, done by road with a private guide, through some of the country’s most diverse and rewarding landscapes, combining primate encounters, classic savanna safari and the extraordinary experience of gorilla trekking. Travelling in a natural arc through western Uganda, the itinerary flows from the forests of Kibale to the open plains and waterways of Queen Elizabeth National Park, before culminating in the mist-covered mountains of Bwindi.

ITINERARY ↗

NILE EXPLORER

8 DAYS

USD 9 252.00

This Uganda safari is a richly varied journey through the country’s northern wilderness, combining primate encounters, classic savanna safari and the dramatic landscapes of the Nile. Beginning in Entebbe and travelling by road into the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, the itinerary unfolds at a comfortable pace, blending immersive forest experiences with high-end river lodges and excellent wildlife viewing. It is a well-balanced trip that showcases Uganda’s diversity, from rhino conservation to chimpanzee tracking and the powerful spectacle of the Nile at Murchison Falls.

ITINERARY ↗

EASY GORILLAS

3 DAYS

USD 2 770.00

This short Uganda safari is a streamlined gorilla trekking experience, designed for travellers wanting a short trip without unnecessary travel time - also works to combine it with a Tanzania or Kenya safari. By flying directly from Entebbe to Kihihi, the journey quickly transitions from international arrival to the lush, mountainous landscapes of southwestern Uganda, staying in a comfortable forest lodge.

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PURE APES SAFARI

6 DAYS

USD 5 085.00

A short and focused Uganda safari to two of the country’s most compelling experiences: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. With light aircraft connections to maximise time in the forest while maintaining a comfortable pace. It combines intimate lodges, rich primate encounters and a glimpse into local community life, all framed by Uganda’s lush, varied landscapes.

ITINERARY ↗

ACROSS UGANDA SAFARI

10 DAYS

USD 14 050.00

This itinerary is a beautifully paced Uganda journey that moves from the Nile and classic savannah in Murchison Falls, through remote and exclusive riverine wilderness, into the primate-rich forests of Kibale, and finally to the dense, mist-covered slopes of Bwindi for gorilla trekking. It combines varied landscapes and experiences—game drives, river safaris, chimpanzee tracking and gorilla encounters—while staying in a mix of intimate, characterful camps and high-quality lodges.

ITINERARY ↗

HIGHLIGHTS OF UGANDA SAFARI

8 DAYS

USD 7 850.00

This unforgettable Ugandan safari includes a night at The Boma Hotel Kampala, followed by a flight to Kisoro for three nights at Chameleon Hill Lodge with two gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Then transfer to Ishasha Wilderness Camp for three nights of game drives in search of tree-climbing lions. The journey ends with a scenic flight back to Entebbe.

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LUXURY GORILLAS, CHIMPS AND WILDLIFE OF UGANDA

8 DAYS

USD 9 075.00

A breathtaking journey through Uganda’s most iconic landscapes - fly to the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park, where game drives and cultural experiences await. Stay at the stylish Kyambura Gorge Lodge, nestled near the dramatic gorge known for its elusive chimpanzees. Explore the savannah and cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, trek through lush rainforest to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, and unwind at the serene Bwindi Lodge.