Tour Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area is an extraordinary destination that combines dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Located in northwestern Uganda, the park covers approximately 3,893 square kilometers, traversed by the world-famous River Nile, which bisects it into the northern and southern sectors. The park derives its name from the Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River is squeezed through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters into the “Devil’s Cauldron,” creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Visitors to Murchison Falls National Park can enjoy a wide range of safari and adventure activities that reveal the park’s incredible biodiversity, scenic beauty, and unique cultural experiences.

1. Game Drives – Exploring the Savannah Wilderness

Game drives are the highlight of any visit to Murchison Falls National Park, offering visitors a chance to explore the vast savannah plains teeming with wildlife. The most popular game drive areas are found on the northern banks of the River Nile, particularly along the Buligi, Albert, and Victoria Tracks.

Early morning game drives (6:00–10:00 am) and late afternoon drives (4:00–6:30 pm) are ideal for wildlife sightings when animals are most active. Expect to encounter herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s hartebeests, oribis, and waterbucks grazing freely across the plains. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas are also commonly sighted, especially near the Nyamsika Cliffs and open savannahs.

Night game drives are available in some areas under ranger escort, offering opportunities to spot nocturnal species such as genets, civets, bushbabies, and serval cats.
For photography lovers, the golden light during sunrise and sunset creates breathtaking images of animals silhouetted against the Nile and open Savannah.

2. Boat Cruise to the Bottom of Murchison Falls

The launch cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences. Departing from the Paraa jetty, the 17-kilometer journey takes about three hours (round trip) along the calm stretch of the Nile River.

As the boat meanders upstream, travelers witness an incredible display of aquatic wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes coming to drink at the riverbank. The riverbanks are also lined with colorful birdlife such as African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, bee-eaters, cormorants, and herons.

The highlight of the cruise is the spectacular view of the thundering Murchison Falls. As the boat nears the base, you can feel the vibration of the ground from the roaring water and see mist rising through the gorge a truly unforgettable sight.
The launch cruise can be arranged either in the morning (9:00 am) or afternoon (2:00 pm), and private boats are available for small groups seeking personalised experiences.

3. Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls

For travellers seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery, the hike to the top of the falls is a must. After reaching the base of the falls by boat, visitors can disembark and take a guided hike to the top.
The trail winds through lush vegetation, rocky outcrops, and several viewpoints offering dramatic views of the river as it squeezes through the narrow gorge.

At the top, you can stand on the rocks near the roaring waterfall and witness the full force of the Nile plunging down into the Devil’s Cauldron. The hike takes between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on fitness level, and is guided by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers to ensure safety.
For photography lovers, the top of Murchison Falls provides a perfect vantage point for panoramic shots and mesmerizing views of the Nile’s journey below.

4. Nile Delta Boat Cruise (Albert Delta Excursion)

The Nile Delta cruise offers a completely different experience from the upstream launch. This serene journey follows the Victoria Nile downstream toward Lake Albert, through papyrus-lined channels and wetlands that are prime habitats for rare bird species especially the shoebill stork.

Birders are often rewarded with sightings of African jacanas, goliath herons, malachite kingfishers, open-billed storks, and African skimmers. The delta region is also frequented by hippos, crocodiles, and elephants that graze along the shorelines.
This cruise is best done in the early morning when the light is soft, birdlife is active, and the waters are calm. The experience combines tranquility, photography, and exceptional bird watching.

5. Bird Watching – A Paradise for Ornithologists

With over 450 recorded bird species, Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s best birding destinations. The park’s diverse habitats ranging from riverine forests and savannahs to wetlands and woodlands support a wide range of avian life.

Common sightings include the grey-crowned crane, Abyssinian ground hornbill, giant kingfisher, black-headed gonolek, red-throated bee-eater, African fish eagle, and white-backed vulture. The riverbanks are excellent for viewing African skimmers, while the delta area remains the most reliable place in Uganda to spot the elusive shoebill stork.

Birding safaris can be done during game drives, boat cruises, or dedicated guided walks around Paraa, Budongo, and Kaniyo Pabidi Forests.

6. Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest

Located on the southern edge of the park, Budongo Forest Reserve is Uganda’s largest natural mahogany forest and a renowned chimpanzee sanctuary.
Chimpanzee tracking here provides visitors with a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, often swinging through the trees or foraging on the forest floor.

The activity is led by experienced guides from the Budongo Conservation Field Station, who also share insights into forest ecology, conservation, and behavior of the chimps.
Tracking usually takes 2–4 hours depending on the chimpanzee movements, and morning or afternoon sessions are available. Besides chimps, visitors may encounter olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and several forest bird species.

7. Nature Walks and Forest Hikes

Guided nature walks in Kaniyo Pabidi, Rabongo, or along the Nile corridor offer an intimate way to experience Murchison Falls National Park on foot. These walks reveal smaller wonders often missed during vehicle safaris medicinal plants, butterflies, birds, insects, and the sounds of the forest.

At Rabongo Forest, visitors can explore a scenic island of forest surrounded by savannah, ideal for picnics and bird watching.
In Kaniyo Pabidi, you may encounter primates such as chimpanzees, monkeys, and duikers while learning about traditional forest uses and conservation efforts from local guides.
Night walks can also be arranged to look for nocturnal creatures like bushbabies, nightjars, and owls.

8. Cultural Encounters and Community Tourism

Cultural experiences around Murchison Falls offer deep insights into local life. The Boomu Women’s Group near Kichumbanyobo Gate invites visitors to experience traditional Bunyoro culture through village tours, storytelling, crafts, and local cuisine.
Other nearby communities, such as the Alur and Acholi people, welcome guests to experience traditional dances, music, and homestays that support local livelihoods.

Purchasing handmade crafts or participating in local cooking demonstrations not only provides memorable experiences but also supports sustainable tourism and women’s empowerment initiatives in the region.

9. Sport Fishing on the Nile

For adventure seekers, sport fishing along the Nile River offers a thrilling challenge. The stretch of river below Murchison Falls is known for its large Nile perch, with record catches exceeding 100 kilograms.
Anglers can also catch catfish, tigerfish, and tilapia, among others. Fishing is done under the guidance of professional local guides who provide equipment and ensure compliance with conservation guidelines.

The activity requires a special fishing permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and is best enjoyed during the dry seasons (December–February and June–September) when water levels are lower and fish are more active.

10. Hot Air Balloon Safari

A hot air balloon safari provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife from above. Operated by Dream Balloons Uganda, this early morning experience takes off from the northern bank near Paraa.

As the balloon rises with the sunrise, guests enjoy spectacular aerial views of herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes moving gracefully across the plains. The flight concludes with a champagne bush breakfast a perfect way to celebrate the experience.
It’s a romantic and exclusive adventure ideal for couples, honeymooners, and photographers.

11. Visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (En Route)

Located about 180 kilometers from Kampala, on the road to Murchison Falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to Uganda’s only population of wild rhinos. Visitors can stop here for rhino tracking on foot, a thrilling and educational experience led by trained rangers.

This activity complements the Murchison safari by allowing travelers to see all members of the “Big Five” including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos within one trip.

12. Scenic Viewing and Photography

Murchison Falls National Park is a photographer’s paradise. From sunrise over the Nile River to sunset across the savannah plains, every moment offers breathtaking opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography. The top of Murchison Falls, Buligi tracks, and Nile banks are among the most scenic points for panoramic shots.

For cinematic travelers, the park’s diverse terrain rolling grasslands, riverine forests, and dramatic waterfalls provides an unmatched setting for creative photography and videography.

Murchison Falls National Park offers an unrivaled mix of wildlife adventure, breathtaking scenery, and cultural authenticity. Whether you’re exploring the thundering waterfalls, tracking chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, fishing along the Nile, or floating silently in a hot air balloon, every activity immerses you in Uganda’s natural splendor. It is a destination that rewards both thrill-seekers and nature lovers, making it one of the top highlights of any Uganda safari.