Waterfall
The Top of the Falls
Murchison Falls National ParkThe whole Nile squeezed through a seven-metre gap and thundering 43 metres into the gorge below.
Uganda
Murchison Falls
Where the Nile throws itself through a rock.
01 Overview
About Murchison Falls
At Murchison Falls the mighty Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging into a churning pool, sending rainbows into the spray.
Above and below the falls the park is a classic safari landscape — giraffes, elephants, lions and buffalo on the northern plains, and hippos and crocodiles lining the river on a launch cruise to the base of the falls.
- 01
Nile launch cruise
Drift to the base of the falls past hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
- 02
Northern-bank game drives
Giraffe, elephant, lion and buffalo on open savannah.
- 03
Top-of-the-falls hike
Stand where the whole Nile pours through a gap in the rock.
02 Where you’ll go
Sites to visit, day by day
Scenic stops and their locations — mix and match them into days, or ask Davema to build the route for you.
Wildlife
Nile launch cruise to the falls
Paraa, Victoria NileHippos, crocodiles and elephants line the banks on the cruise upstream to the base of the falls.
Wildlife
Buligi game tracks
Northern bank savannahGame drives across open grassland for giraffe, lion, buffalo and Uganda kob.
Wildlife
Budongo Forest chimpanzees
Budongo Forest ReserveTrack chimpanzees through ancient mahogany forest on the southern edge of the park.
03 More in Uganda
Nearby places
Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
An ancient forest and one unforgettable hour.
Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree-climbing lions and a channel full of hippos.
Uganda
Kibale National Park
The primate capital of the world.
Uganda
Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda’s remote and wildly beautiful north-east.
Uganda
Jinja & the Nile
The adventure capital at the source of the Nile.
Uganda
Lake Bunyonyi
The place of little birds.
Uganda
Rwenzori Mountains
The Mountains of the Moon.
Uganda
Ssese Islands
Lake Victoria’s island escape.
Uganda
Kampala
The vibrant city on seven hills.
Uganda
Sipi Falls
Three waterfalls on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
04 When to visit
Month by month
JanBest
FebBest
MarGood
AprQuieter
MayQuieter
JunBest
JulBest
AugBest
SepGood
OctGood
NovGood
DecBest
Best time Good Less ideal / wetter
05 Itineraries
Journeys in Murchison Falls
07 Things to do
09 Before you go
Travel notes
Tips
- Game drives are best early morning or late afternoon.
- Combine with Kidepo or Kibale for a wider circuit.
Visa & entry
Most visitors need a visa for Uganda, which can be applied for online as an e-visa before travel. Requirements depend on nationality — see our visa guide in the Travel Journal and ask the Davema visa desk to confirm for your passport.
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