Murchison Falls Safari Guide
Updated 7 November 2026 · By the Mwema Safaris team
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's oldest and largest park, covering about 3,840 km². At its heart the Victoria Nile squeezes through a gorge about 8 metres wide and plunges some 45 metres (UWA figures). UWA records 144 mammal species and 556 bird species here, including elephant, Rothschild's giraffe, buffalo, Uganda kob, lion and the shoebill.
What to do
- Game drives on the northern bank (Buligi area) for giraffe, elephant, buffalo, kob and lion.
- Launch cruise upstream from Paraa to the foot of the falls, past hippos, crocodiles and riverbank wildlife.
- Top of the Falls hike for the view straight down into the gorge.
- Albert Delta boat trip for birders looking for the shoebill.
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa on the way from Kampala, the only place to see wild rhinos in Uganda.
Park fees (UWA, foreign non-resident)
| Fee | Price |
|---|---|
| Park entry, adult per 24 hrs | US$45 |
| Park entry, child 5–15 | US$25 |
| Launch cruise (Murchison) | US$30 |
| Top of the Falls hike | US$15 |
| Birding / nature walk | US$25 |
All park fees on our trips are included in the price.
Getting there
The park is about 305 km north of Kampala: 4 to 5 hours to the southern gate and another hour or two to most lodges around Paraa. Scheduled and charter flights land at Pakuba airfield. See Murchison Falls National Park.
When to go
Game viewing is easiest in the drier months, June to September and December to February. See the best time to visit Uganda.
Our Murchison Falls safaris
- 3-Day Murchison Falls & Ziwa Rhinos (from $1,272 pp)
- 7-Day Murchison & Kidepo Wilderness (from $3,933 pp)
- 10-Day Classic Uganda Safari (from $5,464 pp)
- 1-Day Ziwa Rhino Trek from Kampala (from $308 pp)
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority conservation tariff July 2024–Dec 2026 and circular TDO 93/04 of 26 Feb 2026, and UWA Murchison Falls park page. Checked 7 November 2026. These are government fees, not Mwema package prices, and can change; we confirm the rate for your dates in writing before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Murchison Falls?
Three days from Kampala is enough for a game drive, the launch cruise and the Top of the Falls hike. Add more days to combine it with Kibale or Kidepo.
How far is Murchison Falls from Kampala?
UWA puts the park about 305 km north of Kampala, 4 to 5 hours to the southern gate, plus an hour or two to most lodges.
What is the park entry fee?
For foreign non-residents, US$45 per person per 24 hours (2024–2026 UWA tariff). The launch cruise is US$30 and the Top of the Falls hike US$15.
Can I see the shoebill in Murchison?
Yes, the shoebill is regularly seen around the Albert Delta, usually on a boat trip from Paraa.