Murchison Falls National Park Location and How to Get There
Murchison Falls National Park Location: Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda, about 300 km (4–5 hours’ drive) north of Kampala, at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley.
It lies in Masindi, Buliisa, Nwoya and Kiryandongo districts, where the Victoria Nile flows west into Lake Albert. Covering about 3,840 square kilometres, it is Uganda’s largest national park. Most visitors reach it by road through Masindi, or by flying to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrips.
The park takes its name from Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a 7-metre-wide gap in the rocks and plunges about 43 metres into the “Devil’s Cauldron”. With elephants, lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and the rare shoebill stork, it is one of the top stops on any Uganda safari.
This guide explains where the park is, how to get there, what lies nearby and the best time to visit. Read more in our guide to the top 7 things to do in Murchison Falls.
Murchison Falls National Park at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
| Location | Northwestern Uganda, at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley |
| Districts | Masindi, Buliisa, Nwoya and Kiryandongo |
| Size | About 3,840 km², Uganda’s largest national park |
| Distance from Kampala | About 300 km, 4–5 hours by road to the southern gate |
| Main gates | Kichumbanyobo (from Masindi), Bugungu (from Buliisa), Wankwar and Tangi (from Pakwach), Chobe (from Karuma) |
| Airstrips | Pakuba, Bugungu and Chobe |
| Gazetted | Game reserve in 1926; national park in 1952 |
| Wildlife | 76+ mammal species, 450+ bird species |
| Managed by | Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) |
Where Is Murchison Falls National Park Located?
Murchison Falls National Park lies in northwestern Uganda, where the Albertine Rift Valley meets the savannahs of northern Uganda. The Victoria Nile flows east to west through the middle of the park, dividing it into two very different halves before entering Lake Albert on its western edge.
- North of the Nile:Open savannah grasslands with the park’s main game drive tracks, where you find elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes and antelopes.
- South of the Nile:Thicker woodland and forest, including the nearby Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests, which are home to chimpanzees.
The national park is the heart of the wider Murchison Falls Conservation Area, which also includes the Budongo, Bugungu and Karuma wildlife and forest reserves. Paraa, on the banks of the Nile, is the park’s main tourism centre. It has the ferry crossing, the starting point for boat cruises and several lodges. See our destinations in Uganda guide.
How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park
By Road from Kampala
Most travellers on a Uganda safari reach Murchison Falls by road. The drive from Kampala takes about 4–5 hours to the southern gates, plus 1–2 hours inside the park to reach Paraa.
- Via Masindi (most popular):Kampala → Luweero → Nakitoma → Masindi → Kichumbanyobo Gate. This route passes the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, so many safaris stop to track rhinos on the way.
- Via Hoima and Buliisa:Kampala → Hoima → Buliisa → Bugungu Gate. This route follows the Lake Albert escarpment, with views over the lake.
- Via Karuma:Kampala → Kiryandongo → Karuma → Chobe Gate. It’s best for staying in the park’s eastern section or continuing to northern Uganda.
From Entebbe International Airport
Visitors landing at Entebbe usually drive through Kampala, which adds about 1–2 hours. Most Uganda safari tour operators, including Uganda Wildlife Tours, offer direct airport pickups to the park. Check Uganda visa and entry requirements before you travel.
From Gulu and Northern Uganda
Gulu is about 2–3 hours from the park’s northern gates. You can drive in via Pakwach and the Tangi or Wankwar gates, or via Karuma to Chobe Gate.
By Air
Scheduled and charter flights run from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airfield to the park’s airstrips, taking about 1–1.5 hours.
- Pakuba Airstrip:North of the Nile, close to the main game drive areas.
- Bugungu Airstrip:South of the Nile, near Paraa and the top of the falls.
- Chobe Airstrip:In the east, serving the Chobe area.
Flying is ideal for luxury safaris and travellers with limited time. See our guide to luxury African safari costs.
Distances to Murchison Falls National Park
| From | Approximate distance | Driving time |
| Kampala | 300 km | 4–5 hours to the southern gates |
| Entebbe International Airport | 340 km | 5–6 hours |
| Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | 120 km | 2–3 hours |
| Masindi town | 85 km to Paraa | About 2 hours |
| Gulu | 100–150 km | 2–3 hours |
| Kibale Forest (Fort Portal) | 350 km | 6–7 hours |
Top Attractions Near and Inside Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls: The park’s centrepiece, where the entire Nile squeezes through a 7-metre gap and drops about 43 metres. You can see the falls from the bottom on a boat cruise, and from the top on a short hike from the viewpoint.
Nile Boat Cruise: The boat cruise from Paraa to the bottom of the falls is one of the best activities on any Uganda safari. You pass hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and waterbirds, and some cruises head down the Nile delta instead to search for the shoebill. Read our Murchison Falls National Park boat cruise guide and learn about the Nile crocodile.
Game Drives North of the Nile: The Buligi tracks between the Nile and Lake Albert offer the park’s best game viewing. You can see elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffaloes, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest and oribi. See our guides to giraffes and what giraffes eat.
Budongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi: These forests south of the Nile are home to chimpanzees, monkeys and forest birds. Chimpanzee tracking here is a popular addition to a Murchison Falls safari.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Ziwa, on the Kampala–Masindi road, is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild and track them on foot. It is about 2–3 hours’ drive south of the park, so it makes an ideal stop on the way.
Lake Albert and the Nile Delta: Where the Victoria Nile enters Lake Albert, a papyrus-lined delta offers some of the best chances in Uganda to see the shoebill stork. Hear the shoebill stork sound.
Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is home to more than 76 mammal species and over 450 bird species.
- Mammals:Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, hippos, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, warthogs and chimpanzees.
- Reptiles:Large Nile crocodiles along the river.
- Birds:Shoebill stork, goliath heron, African fish eagle, Abyssinian ground hornbill and many waterbirds. See birdwatching hotspots in Uganda.
You can see four of the Big Five in the park: lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. Rhinos are found nearby at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Read our Big Five safari experience guide.
History of Murchison Falls National Park
The area was first protected as a game reserve in 1926 and became a national park in 1952. The falls were named after Sir Roderick Murchison, president of the Royal Geographical Society, by the explorer Samuel Baker in 1864. Famous visitors include Winston Churchill, who passed through in 1907, and Ernest Hemingway, who survived a plane crash near the falls in 1954.
Culture Around the Park
The park is surrounded by the Banyoro people to the south and the Acholi and Alur peoples to the north. Cultural tours let visitors enjoy traditional music and dance, local crafts and village life. These visits add a cultural side to a Uganda wildlife safari.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
You can visit Murchison Falls National Park year-round, but the best time for game viewing is during the dry seasons, from December to February and from June to September. Animals gather near the Nile and Lake Albert, the grass is shorter and roads are easier to drive.
The wet seasons, from March to May and from October to November, bring green landscapes, fewer visitors and excellent birding, though some tracks can be muddy. Read the best time to visit Rwanda and Uganda.
How Many Days Do You Need in Murchison Falls?
Two to three days is ideal. That gives you time for a game drive north of the Nile, the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, a hike to the top of the falls and, if you like, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo. Our 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari includes all the highlights, with a rhino tracking stop at Ziwa on the way.
FAQs: Murchison Falls National Park Location
Where is Murchison Falls National Park located? In northwestern Uganda, about 300 km north of Kampala, in Masindi, Buliisa, Nwoya and Kiryandongo districts, where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert.
How far is Murchison Falls from Kampala? About 300 km, or 4–5 hours’ drive to the southern gates, and 5–6 hours to Paraa.
How far is Murchison Falls from Entebbe? About 340 km, or 5–6 hours by road. A flight to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrip takes about 1–1.5 hours.
What is the nearest town to Murchison Falls National Park? Masindi, about 85 km (2 hours) from Paraa. Buliisa and Pakwach are also close to the park’s gates.
Which is bigger, Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park? Murchison Falls, at about 3,840 km², is almost twice the size of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Can you visit Murchison Falls in one day? It is possible but tiring. Two or three days lets you enjoy the game drives, boat cruise and falls properly.
Plan Your Murchison Falls Uganda Safari
Murchison Falls National Park’s location in northwestern Uganda makes it easy to reach from Kampala and Entebbe. It’s also easy to combine with rhino tracking at Ziwa and chimpanzee tracking in Budongo.
With the world’s most dramatic waterfall on the Nile, big game north of the river and shoebills in the delta, it belongs on every Uganda safari itinerary.
Ready to go? Book our 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari, or explore more Uganda safaris, current Uganda safari deals and our best Uganda safari tours. Planning your first trip? Read what to expect from a safari in Uganda, what to pack for an East African safari, is Uganda safe for tourists? and our Uganda travel guide.