Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Murchison Falls National Park
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2 within 5 kms
See what travellers are saying
- KTP310Reading, United Kingdom1,191 contributionsBeautiful and vast National ParkI was blown away by the beauty of this National Park and the sheer amount of wildlife that can be seen. During two game drives we saw large groups of elephants, numerous giraffes, 2 groups of lions, a leopard as well as hyenas, kops, hartebeests, warthogs and oribis. You can drive for hours through this beautiful and varied landscape encountering different animals at every turn. Add to this the stunning Murchison Falls and boat trip on the Nile (for even more wildlife spotting), and Murchison National Park is most definitely a must-see when in Uganda.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 8 October 2023
- Khaleb F1 contributionBreath TakingThe views at the falls are just mind blowing. We had a couple of game drives where we saw a lot of animals including water bucks, giraffes, elephants, buffalos and lions. The 3 hour launch drive was also very refreshing and the views spectacular!!Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 9 January 2024
- stone city travel companyUganda5 contributionsA thrill of adventureWhen you come to Uganda and never visit murchision falls then you would have missed the most exciting, never disappointing national Park. It has a variety of animals, includes most of the activities like hiking, tracking, boat cruise and manay others. The park has an exciting and beautiful lodges to stay, camp areas and never worried about security. Am excited to host u as a guest at murchision falls national Park.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 3 February 2024
- Kidega CeaserKampala, Uganda8 contributionsBoat cruise to the falls and visit to top of falls..at Murchison falls national ParkI enjoyed my trip to Murchison falls national Park last week with friends. It's true that the falls at Murchison is the world's most powerful waterfall. I recommend everyone to witness the pearl thanks KODI PALYEC SAFARIS for the wonderful trips to Murchison falls national Park due to time saving,best services,Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 5 February 2024
- NancyMason, Ohio307 contributionsGreat first stop with our Prime Safari Tour11 friends and family members had just spent 4 days volunteering at Acres of Hope and then started our 9 day safari with Prime Safaris. This was our first stop- the top of the falls. What a way to start the adventure. Loved the spray and the rainbows. Later that evening we viewed the falls with a boat ride on the Nile.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
689 reviews
Excellent
525
Very good
133
Average
23
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Ed K
Seminole, FL19 contributions
Aug 2022
This was my second visit to Murchison Falls National Park (first in 2013) and we had a very pleasant two nights stay at Pakuba Lodge. Our excellent Driver / Tour Guide Emma (Whatsapp +256 782 545731) drove us from Entebbe via the Kampala By Pass Road. We entered via the South Gate near Masindi. UWA station is well organized with clean restrooms. UWA is cashless and we did not have any problems in using our USA issued credit cards. We paid the entrance fees ($45 per person per 24 hrs period) and fees for top of the falls ($10 per person) at the station. The drive to the top of the falls (a must) was approximately an hour. Lots of baboons on the road but do not waste time. After the top of the falls, we went to the North Side via bridge at Para. The bridge is recently built and replaced the ferry that we took in 2013. Just after the bridge we saw a herd of elephants, kobs, etc. We then went to the game drive circuit and saw a Leopard. Emma is excellent in spotting leopards. During the game drive we saw Giraffes, elephants, kobs, deer, etc. Checked into Pakuba Lodge at around 7 PM.
The next day we did an early morning game drive, saw another leopard (Emma has good eyes to spot leopards) and returned to the Lodge for Lunch. After lunch we went to Para foe a 3 hrs UWA Cruise to Murchison Falls. Again we paid $30 per person for the cruise at UWA office via credit card (Make sure charged in US $ not Ugx Shillings). The 3 hrs cruise (2-5PM) was magnificent. We saw Alligators and lots of Hippos, some standing in the water. Ofcourse, the highlight is a the end to see the magnificent Murchison Falls. It is very beautiful. Due to recent floods, the option to hike to the top was suspended. After the cruise, we returned back to Pakuba Lodge and departed the park the following morning at 6.30 am to our next destination, Queen Elizabeth National Park near Ft. Portal & Kasese.
The next day we did an early morning game drive, saw another leopard (Emma has good eyes to spot leopards) and returned to the Lodge for Lunch. After lunch we went to Para foe a 3 hrs UWA Cruise to Murchison Falls. Again we paid $30 per person for the cruise at UWA office via credit card (Make sure charged in US $ not Ugx Shillings). The 3 hrs cruise (2-5PM) was magnificent. We saw Alligators and lots of Hippos, some standing in the water. Ofcourse, the highlight is a the end to see the magnificent Murchison Falls. It is very beautiful. Due to recent floods, the option to hike to the top was suspended. After the cruise, we returned back to Pakuba Lodge and departed the park the following morning at 6.30 am to our next destination, Queen Elizabeth National Park near Ft. Portal & Kasese.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Israel Reiselei... U
Tel Aviv, Israel1,479 contributions
July 2021
With ranger Emanuel, called Emma, we had a top guide, very considering to photographing need, giving first class explanations about eco system and wildlife, very respectful towards the wildlife.
After beiing 3 weeks in Uganda, I rate this as no. 1 wildlpark.
However, I am highly worried about the future, as oil drilling by the Chinese starte.
There will be a tarmac road through the northern wildlife section. In the southern bushland it is completed, and cars, including tourist vehicles are racing at speed of 80 kmh and more, the road kill is visible. The 40 kmh speed limit is ignored by everyone. Several rangers shared my concern, but are hoping for the best.
After beiing 3 weeks in Uganda, I rate this as no. 1 wildlpark.
However, I am highly worried about the future, as oil drilling by the Chinese starte.
There will be a tarmac road through the northern wildlife section. In the southern bushland it is completed, and cars, including tourist vehicles are racing at speed of 80 kmh and more, the road kill is visible. The 40 kmh speed limit is ignored by everyone. Several rangers shared my concern, but are hoping for the best.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,948 contributions
Feb 2022
We visited both Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP. IMO Murchison offers much greater opportunities for game viewing and it also has the benefits of the Falls themselves.
I recommend taking the 3 hour return boat trip up the channel close to the Falls and also viewing the Falls separately from the top on a hike with a guide (mandatory). You are also likely to see a variety of interesting birds, elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
We took two day time game drives and spotted all the big animals, except a leopard, which we missed by about 20 seconds! We also saw hyena, mongoose, lions stalking, hippos grazing on land and a gennet cat on a night time drive.
The Pakuba Safari Lodge is a great place yo stay within the park and I've reviewed separately.
I recommend taking the 3 hour return boat trip up the channel close to the Falls and also viewing the Falls separately from the top on a hike with a guide (mandatory). You are also likely to see a variety of interesting birds, elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
We took two day time game drives and spotted all the big animals, except a leopard, which we missed by about 20 seconds! We also saw hyena, mongoose, lions stalking, hippos grazing on land and a gennet cat on a night time drive.
The Pakuba Safari Lodge is a great place yo stay within the park and I've reviewed separately.
Written 19 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michael w
Oklahoma City, OK1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
First off it was not made clear that you can only use U.S. dollars or a credit card for entry and not Uganda shillings. We called several times to verify and were told we could use shillings so we only exchanged for this. Second also you have to pay $55 every day you stay as an entry fee to the park which was not disclosed when we booked. How do not accept your own countries currency for entry??? Beware of hidden costs as this seems to be standard practice.
Written 1 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sanjeev G
New Delhi, India231 contributions
Dec 2019
wildlife viewing opportunities are exceptional
birds, hippo, and crocodiles along the river are plentiful
strongly recommend the boat ride and the hike on top of the falls.
The boat ride is the highlight of visiting Murchison Falls National Park
one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
one of our top visits in Uganda
birds, hippo, and crocodiles along the river are plentiful
strongly recommend the boat ride and the hike on top of the falls.
The boat ride is the highlight of visiting Murchison Falls National Park
one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
one of our top visits in Uganda
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob Oganga
Kampala, Uganda20 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
The thought of celebrating my birthday last year in the wild was an idea I always had and Murchison Falls National Park didn't disappoint.
Eddy the tour guide prepared us for the visit by giving us a brief in what to expect an how to behave while in the wild.
The site of the Lions, Giraffes, Elephant, Buffalo's, Rhinos and the so many bird species was breath taking. Talk of that beautiful sunset view.
Eddy new when to catch the action like animals hunting for prey at dusk. We hadn't planned to be there for long but the experience was amazing.
If you want to have a blast, plan for more days like a week or more and make sure Eddy Odong is your guide (+256704891370) He's very knowledgeable, a good time keeper, he's hospitable and very down to earth with a good sense of humor
Eddy the tour guide prepared us for the visit by giving us a brief in what to expect an how to behave while in the wild.
The site of the Lions, Giraffes, Elephant, Buffalo's, Rhinos and the so many bird species was breath taking. Talk of that beautiful sunset view.
Eddy new when to catch the action like animals hunting for prey at dusk. We hadn't planned to be there for long but the experience was amazing.
If you want to have a blast, plan for more days like a week or more and make sure Eddy Odong is your guide (+256704891370) He's very knowledgeable, a good time keeper, he's hospitable and very down to earth with a good sense of humor
Written 15 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JKH_GA_USA
Canton, GA154 contributions
June 2021
The wildlife is abundant: elephants, lions, giraffe, multiple species of antelope, hippos, Patas monkeys. If time is short, skip Queen Elizabeth NP and go to Murchison. The game drives here were the most productive, most exciting of any of our trip. Stay at Pakuba and you get a game drive enroute to your lodge.
It's a must that you take the short hike to the top of Murchison Falls for the best views. The power and massive quantity of water flow is incredible. If you're mobility is impaired, you still can see the massive falls with a little help along the mostly flat walk.
The river cruise to the base of the falls was also fun. You can drink a Nile beer on the Nile! We saw elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and lots of birds.
We also went fishing for Nile perch. It was exciting to fish within yards of hippos. We snagged two fish, but lost them both while trying to get the fish into the boat. Those fish are big.
Warning: soapbox follows: I suggest you go sooner rather than later. Unfortunately for those of us who love nature unspoiled and natural, oil was discovered in Lake Victoria. The Chinese in conjunction with the Ugandan government are now constructing a massive road through the park with plans to drill for the oil under the lake. At some point, there will be an oil spill and tragic deaths of those beautiful animals who live in or depend on the water. The highway is not being built on stilts so the animals will surely have to alter their migratory path.
But, best park for now
It's a must that you take the short hike to the top of Murchison Falls for the best views. The power and massive quantity of water flow is incredible. If you're mobility is impaired, you still can see the massive falls with a little help along the mostly flat walk.
The river cruise to the base of the falls was also fun. You can drink a Nile beer on the Nile! We saw elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and lots of birds.
We also went fishing for Nile perch. It was exciting to fish within yards of hippos. We snagged two fish, but lost them both while trying to get the fish into the boat. Those fish are big.
Warning: soapbox follows: I suggest you go sooner rather than later. Unfortunately for those of us who love nature unspoiled and natural, oil was discovered in Lake Victoria. The Chinese in conjunction with the Ugandan government are now constructing a massive road through the park with plans to drill for the oil under the lake. At some point, there will be an oil spill and tragic deaths of those beautiful animals who live in or depend on the water. The highway is not being built on stilts so the animals will surely have to alter their migratory path.
But, best park for now
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teopista N
Kampala, Uganda93 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
Murchison falls National Prak gives you that refreshing time for breathing . Everything stops to right there as you look and hear the sound of the thunderous waters .
After a long game drive a hike to the top of the falls is a must do .
After a long game drive a hike to the top of the falls is a must do .
Written 17 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ananjand
Mumbai, India138 contributions
Dec 2019
A boat cruise up the river Victoria Nile takes one to the base of the trail leading to the top of the Murchison Falls. The vehicle in which one is travelling crosses the river by the ferry system and meets one at the end of the hike. One can see the Falls by reaching the end of the hiking trail by car, however, it is not as exciting as walking the trail. The hike slowly unfolds the three Falls. From the boat only two Falls can be seen. The third one is visible only during the course of the hike.
The entire walk takes about an hour or less (depending on the fitness of the concerned person), is divided into three stages (according to our guide) and is not too difficult. The climb may be tiring but has a well defined trail and certain portion of the trail has hand rails also. I found that descending require to be negotiated with care as the path was quite slippery. Light clothes, a good pair of shoes suitable for hiking and sufficient water supply is suggested.
Seeing the mighty Nile squeeze itself though a narrow gap is a sight to behold and ought to be seen by all visiting the Murchison Falls National Park.
The entire walk takes about an hour or less (depending on the fitness of the concerned person), is divided into three stages (according to our guide) and is not too difficult. The climb may be tiring but has a well defined trail and certain portion of the trail has hand rails also. I found that descending require to be negotiated with care as the path was quite slippery. Light clothes, a good pair of shoes suitable for hiking and sufficient water supply is suggested.
Seeing the mighty Nile squeeze itself though a narrow gap is a sight to behold and ought to be seen by all visiting the Murchison Falls National Park.
Written 24 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristianne
33 contributions
Dec 2020
We visited Murchison Falls NP as part of our Uganda adventure and it was incredible. Our guide from Gorilla Trek Africa prepared us to high water levels everywhere due to a very intense rainy season this year. Crossing the "normal" bridges to cross the Nile was not possible, so our drive had to be longer that originally expected. Having an experienced guide along, though, meant we knew this and we're prepared. We stayed at the Pakuba Safari Lodge, right in the park, which was amazing. So we were able to do a little bit of a game drive towards the end of the day to get to the lodge, experience going to sleep and waking up to wildlife right outside our window, and enjoy the magnificent views of the Nile from the pool. In the morning, we headed on a game drive and saw a lot of animals, it is hard to describe the numbers, we kept trying to take pictures just to remember what it looked like to see so many giraffes, buffalos, elephants, Kobs, etc, all at once. We even saw two buffalos fighting!! IT was an incredible experience. WE also were able to do a cruise down the Nile to head to the Falls. Again, we saw first hand the high level of the water when we got to the place where boats leave from and saw the flooding, it reminds you pf the power of nature. We had the boat to ourselves but had a very friendly, knowledgeable captain, and were able to see hippos, and crocodiles, as well ad beautiful birds. The falls are really cool and powerful, we were not able to go vey close to them or see them from the top because of the water conditions, but it was still really worth it!
Written 27 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm planning a trip with about 30 kids.
So how much should I plan for inorder for them to have fun plus the meals served?
Written 26 September 2023
Murchison Falls National park is Uganda's oldest and largest protected area.
Mist travellers to Africa to to this park to see it's famous most powerful water fall .
Big game include Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Hippos, Bufallo and Giraffes , to mention a few.
Boat cruise to the base of the falls is so fascinating , it's the best time t see Nile crocodiles sun bathing .
For 30kids affordable accomodation and meals , you have to use and or book with PAARA hostels (UWA)
Better to book in advance for reservation .
Written 31 October 2023
mutegeki v
Kampala, Uganda
hi, how much of ugx do i need for two days(accomodation, meals, tour, photos)
at murchison including transport from fort portal kabarole district
Written 14 July 2022
You are looking at 3,678,000 ugx for standard comfortable 3 days, 2 nights safari to Murchison Falls national park
Written 1 August 2022
Yes, Murchison is an attraction and we make it happen, Reach out to us and we will craft that itinerary for you!
Since its valentines, We will care about your stay and experiences, Alert us a price friendly trip
Written 11 January 2019
I’m interested in how high the climb is to the top of the falls. How many steps? What’s the incline? How long does just that portion of the hike usually take? I’ll be there in a couple weekends and want to be sure I’m physically ready.
Written 3 June 2018
Hi
I dont know if you’ve been already. Sorry. It depends on the time of year, we went in March and it was very hot. It’s steep too, so take water and a fan. I thought I was going to die lol. Our driver went around in the jeep and I wished I’d gone with him.
Written 1 December 2018
Jolanda v
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
We would like to visit Murchison Falls park in July. What is the easiest way to get there from Kampala? Is it necessary to book a more day tour or is it easy to arrange different tours by ourself? We're thinking about to travel from Kampala to Masindi and from there to get to the park. Is that even doable?
Hopefully somebody can give us some advice.
Jolanda van Leeuwewn
Written 9 April 2018
Okey ohh tour trip to murchison will be great for murchison if get 2 nights there . If your flight to enttebe is early inthe morning then it will be easy from airport to murchison passing via masidi it will take like 6 to 7 hrs drive depends on how traffic is but mostly you can arrange your trip with travel/ tour operator any in kampala it will be easy for you .
Written 25 February 2019
Hi, Chris.
What would you like to know about this attraction?
Where does the walk start and finish? North or south bank of the river? Is a guide compulsory? I believe that the river boat journey starts on the north side is that correct?
Thanks
Chris
Written 20 March 2018
Hi Chris
Thanks so much for having showed interest in visiting Uganda, especially Murchison Falls National Park, about the walk is in both side, you can do a hike to the top of the falls, there is another route near paraa to the top of the falls about 2 hours walk. In the southern part you can talk a walk in Bundongo forest reserve, but all still remain a guided walk due to it being a national park having cats like lions, you can not be allowed to walk alone since the fee you pay is inclussive of a guide.
About the boat, several boats do exist and park at both side, you can be picked up from any side though most clients are picked from the northern side due to them boarding after safari ride.
Hope the information is helpful, in case you need a quotation, you can contact me
Thanks
Fred Odyek
Written 21 March 2018
Will the park be open during the festive season ? 26th to 27th of December 2017 to be precise ?
Written 2 December 2017
Yes, Fumi, Murchison Falls national park is open all year through. There are different type of accommodations. High budget, medium budget and low budget. For ease of booking, use a tour operator to organize your trip. I often use wild troopers for low budget bookings.
Written 7 December 2017
Having just returned home from Murchision Falls and the full on Safari staying outside the park, I am still suffering from an infestation of Teetse Flies in and outside of the park on the road to the Falls is worst..with flies filling our Safari Van and biting us through our clothes, and socks..I do react to bug bites but this was crazy bad, huge swellings and pain and itching for days..the biggest was a leg blown up to twice its size and pus coming out of the injection hole..antibiotics needed and had to cancel the game drives for fear of more bites that could be quite serious..Did anyone else have this serious problem ..sadly our driver did not alert us to not wear blue or black and also to close the windows as we entered Teetse Country. Why when he could have helped protect us did he hold back even when we were bitten no recommendatons for further protection. Very disappointed in this expensive mistake as all costs were already paid..
Written 8 November 2017
We didn't have any insect problems at all. None.
Written 3 December 2017
what is the size of murchison falls national park in uganda and can this attraction be accessed
by train
Written 4 June 2017
I don't know the exact size but its the biggest national park in Uganda. you can't access it by train but by road and chartered flights to pakuba air strip. let me know if you need any help including planning tour for you.
Written 5 June 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 24
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing