Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park, and the Nile is the reason to come. The river runs through the middle of it, and the best way to see the park is from the water and then from the savannah on either side.
The falls
Just before it reaches Lake Albert, the Nile is forced through a gap only a few metres wide and drops about 43 metres into a boiling pool below. The noise reaches you long before the view does. A launch from Paraa takes you up the river to the foot of the falls, passing hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and a surprising number of birds on the banks. If you want to see the falls from above, a short hike leads to the top, where the river narrows to a roar.
The delta cruise
A different cruise heads downstream to the delta, where the Nile enters Lake Albert through papyrus channels. This is where many visitors hope to see a shoebill, a tall grey bird with a bill like a clog. Go early, take a hat and let the boat drift. It is quiet, slow and very good for birdwatchers.
Game drives
On the north bank, the open savannah has Rothschild’s giraffe, Uganda kob, buffalo, hartebeest and elephants, with lions found regularly in the early morning. A dawn drive followed by a late breakfast back at the lodge is a good rhythm. Afternoons are for the river.
Getting there and where to stay
- By road it is about five to six hours from Kampala. You can break the journey at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and track rhinos on foot.
- You can also fly to an airstrip in the park, which saves a long day of driving.
- Stay near Paraa, at Nile Safari Lodge on the south bank for river views, or north of the river for shorter game drives.
Two nights is the minimum. Three lets you do both cruises and a full game drive without hurrying.
Explore Murchison Falls National Park, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way, or ask us to build the route.