Murchison Falls is Uganda's largest and oldest national park, designated in 1952 and divided by the Nile. It combines the falls, river cruises and savannah game viewing north of the river.
- Country
- Uganda
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 3,840 km²
- Best time
- June to July and December to February
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
- Main gateway airport
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Murchison Falls
- Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge
- Nile boat trips among hippos and crocodiles
- Rothschild's giraffe in the northern sector
- Shoebill in the Albert Delta
- Chimpanzee tracking in neighbouring Budongo Forest
Best time to visit Murchison Falls
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Murchison Falls is June to July and December to February.
The driest and hottest season, and the best time for game drives north of the Nile.
Rainy months; Nile boat trips continue, but some tracks can be affected.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 19–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 19–31 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 19–29 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 18–28 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 18–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 17–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 17–28 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 17–29 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| October | 17–29 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| November | 18–29 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 18–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Murchison Falls includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, chimpanzees and birdlife.
Things to do
- game drives
- boat safaris
- hiking
- chimpanzee trekking
- birdwatching
Getting there
About 305 km north of Kampala; 4-5 hours to the southern gate plus 1-2 hours to most lodges. Flights from Entebbe serve Pakuba airfield.
Trips to Murchison Falls
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Murchison Falls for families
- Murchison Falls for a honeymoon
- Murchison Falls for photographers
- Murchison Falls for a first safari
- Murchison Falls on a budget
- Murchison Falls for luxury travel
Compare with
- Murchison Falls vs Queen Elizabeth
- Murchison Falls vs Bwindi
- Murchison Falls vs Akagera
- Murchison Falls vs Lake Nakuru
- Murchison Falls vs Nyerere
- Murchison Falls vs Tsavo West
Travelling to Murchison Falls from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Murchison Falls?
Generally June to July and December to February. The driest and hottest season, and the best time for game drives north of the Nile.
How many days do I need in Murchison Falls?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Murchison Falls?
About 305 km north of Kampala; 4-5 hours to the southern gate plus 1-2 hours to most lodges. Flights from Entebbe serve Pakuba airfield.
Is there malaria in Murchison Falls?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.