Africa Classic Escapes

The national park is excellent for general game viewing safaris and for more specialist birding trips. An added attraction is the Kaniyo Pabidi Eco Tourism Site, which is home to about 700 chimpanzees. It lies within Budongo Forest – the largest mahogany forest in East Africa.  

The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which is squeezed into a narrow canyon of rapids for 80 km before toppling 40 metres to form the Murchison Falls. Downstream from the falls, the river becomes less agitated as it commences its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea.  As it flows through the park, the river provides a plentiful supply of water wildlife such as elephant, hippo, buffalo and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe, while the river bank is home to Uganda’s largest population of Nile crocodile.

For many tourists, the highlight of any visit to Murchison Falls National Park is a trip by launch to the foot of the falls. These excursions are held twice a day and the trip takes three hours. Another boat trip operates downstream from Paraa to the point where the river enters Lake Albert.

Quick Facts

SIZE:
3893 sq km

LOCATION:

In the northwest, approximately 90km from Masindi

GETTING THERE:

A long day's drive from Kampala, with a possible overnight break at Masindi. There is only public means of transport from Kampala to Masindi town.

WHAT TO DO:

Regular launch trips to the base of the falls offer fine game viewing and bird watching. Boat trips to the Lake Albert delta provide the best chance in Africa of sighting shoebills.
Chimp tracking at Rabongo Forest, and en route from Masindi in the Budongo Forest. Game drives on a good network of roads

WHEN TO VISIT:

Any time of year.

WHERE TO STAY:

Two up market lodges and a luxury tented camp. Simple but comfortable chalets run by Red Chilli. Camping is permitted in designated locations

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