Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
March 30, 2026
Activities in Murchison Falls National Park
Activities in Murchison Falls National Park are what make your safari to Murchison worth taking. There are many activities in Murchison Falls National Park that range from the most powerful waterfalls and the big five wild animals inclusive of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary that is outside the park. Rhinos are found in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary hence completing the big five in addition to a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park.
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Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Uganda visited by international and domestic tourists each year. The Park is also crossed by the Nile River that forms the mighty Murchison falls.
Some of the activities that can be done in Murchison Falls National Park include game drives, boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, Chimpanzee trekking, sport fishing among others. Below is more information on all the activities;
Game drives
Game drives in Murchison is one of the top activities to do while on safari in Murchison. Game drives are done in the Northern part of the park, where the trails are and also follow the Victoria, Albert and Buligi tracks. During the game drive you can see a variety of wildlife up close and take as many photos and videos as you want. There are 76 mammal species including the Buffaloes, Elephants, Antelopes, Lions, Kobs, Giraffes, Hyenas, Bushbuck and Warthogs among others. This wildlife is widely spread all over the savannah grasslands, grazing or hunting for prey.
The park is home to big four which include; Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, and Elephants. The Rhino completes the big five and can be seen in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way to Murchison Falls National Park.
Depending on your schedule, you can do a morning game drive which is the most ideal as animals are highly active in the morning breeze and you get a chance to see predators like lion and leopards before they retreat from the midday heat. The afternoon/ Evening game drive is ideal for herds congregate at water sources and the night game drive is good for spotting nocturnal species like hyenas.
Boat cruise
A boat cruise is the highlight of a safari in Murchison Falls National Park. This boat cruise is the best way to experience the Nile departing from Paraa Jetty to the bottom of the mighty falls and hear the roaring sound of the falls. This cruise takes about 2 hours and can see several wildlife species like the hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife quenching their thirst at the shores of the River.
You also get to see several bird species while on the cruise, but a delta cruise is most preferable for birders. You can take a boat cruise as a group or book a private boat for your excursion.
Hike to the Top of the falls
A hike to the top of Murchison Falls is the best activity to explore and experience the flow of the Nile River through the 7 meter gorge. The hike starts below the falls after the boat cruise and usually lasts about 1 hour.
This hike/ walk takes you high up where the river squeezes through the 7 meter gorge with the most perfect view for photography options.
Sport Fishing
Sport fishing in Murchison is the best leisure activity one can engage in while on safari. This activity involves catching fish and releasing it back into the water when they're still alive. It is an eco-friendly activity and conserves nature as the fish is not killed for food or commercial benefits.
The fish species caught during sport fishing include Tilapia, Nile Perch, Mudfish, Tiger fish, Catfish, and many more.
Birding
Murchsion Falls National Park is one of Uganda’s best birding destinations with over 450 recorded bird species which include the Albertine rift endemic birds, savannah birds and water birds. There are many birds in the park of which some are common, rare or occasional such as the Giant Kingfisher, Gray crowned crane( Uganda’s National Bird), Shoebill stork, Nightjars, Giant Heron, Marabou Stork, Black headed Lapwing among others.
Birds in Murchison can be spotted while on game drives, nature walks, and boat cruise along the Nile and on Lake Albert Delta. Birds like the blue napped mouse birds, silver birds, among others can be spotted near Paraa and Red chilli in through the dry thorn-shrubs. Nocturnal birds like the nightjars can be seen along the Paraa road and while on the boat cruise on the Nile. On the boat still very many birds such as the shoebill, Gray crowned cranes, Goliath herons, black headed lapwings among others can be spotted.
Bottom of the Falls Cruise
Boat cruise at the bottom of the falls is one of the most exciting activities while on safari in Murchison Falls. The boat moves closer to the hippos and crocodile pool where you will be able to view hippos floating on water, water birds like white egrets, cattle egrets among others. The ride is terrific and even more interesting with a couple of cold drinks with friends.
The boat cruise gives you an opportunity to view the beautiful Nyamusika cliffs and you will be able to cruise near the bottom of the falls with the spectacular view of the devil’s cauldron though the boat doesn’t get close to the devil’s Cauldron. You will see Nyamusika cliff rugged with holes formed with force from the water droplets that hit the ground from the cliff forming holes to act as home bird species where you can be able to see a variety bird species in the nearby trees and best seen using binoculars.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is an exciting and unforgettable experience done on Budongo forest a home to mahogany tree species, birds and primates. Chimpanzee trekking starts in the morning with a ranger guide that leads you to the trekking trails in search of the chimpanzees, an activity that can last 30 to 6 hours depending on the pervious location of the chimpanzees. Upon finding the chimps, you will be give on e hour to observe them as they feed, play, groom each other, swinging on trees and of course take lots of pictures and videos of them. The chimpanzee trekking permits cost $130 for foreign non-residents, $120 for Foreign Residents and $85 For Ugandan Citizens.
Nature walks
Nature walks in Murchison Falls Park allow you to explore the diverse landscape of the park from tropical rainforests to the world’s most powerful waterfalls. All walks are always guided by a ranger guide for safety measures.
- Top of the falls hike is the most iconic as you get off the boat and follow a guided path to the top of the Falls.
- Kaniyo Pabidi (Budongo Forest): This is a flat shaded walk under the massive mahogany canopy and iron wood trees. On this walk, there is a high possibility of seeing primates like the black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkey and various forest birds.
- Rubongo Forest: A remote river forest in the southeast sector of the park, ideal for birders and those seeking a true jungle feel.
For more information, reach out to our team of experts at Encounter Africa Safaris.
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