Activities & Things to Do at Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls is a popular tourist destination located in northwestern Uganda. It covers 3,840 square kilometers, making it the largest and oldest national park in the country. Book a safari at Murchison Falls to take part in a wide range of activities during your stay.

Game Drives

One of the main attractions is the game drive, done in safari vehicles. These drives fall into three categories. Morning game drives are usually done after breakfast and are considered the most rewarding, since animals are most active and easier to spot clearly. Afternoon game drives happen after lunch but are less rewarding, since many animals rest deep in the forest during the heat. Night game drives are also rewarding, especially for seeing nocturnal animals.

During the morning game drive, expect to see elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, lions, and leopards. On the night game drive, visitors may spot night animals such as lions, bush babies, and nightjars.

Boat Trips

Tourists can also enjoy a boat cruise, offered in two types: an upstream cruise to the bottom of the falls, or a downstream cruise to the delta area near Lake Albert. These cruises usually take 2 to 3 hours, running from morning to afternoon.

There is also a Nile Delta cruise, which lasts about 4 to 5 hours and begins at the Paraa Jetty. During the cruise, tourists often see water animals like hippos and crocodiles along the riverbanks.

Bird Watching

Murchison Falls National Park is also a great place for bird watching. The park has more than 450 bird species, including migratory birds, Albertine Rift endemics, savannah birds, and water birds. Many of these can also be seen during game drives, giving birders more than one chance to add species to their list.

For those who enjoy walking, nature walks are available and offer a peaceful way to explore the park’s natural beauty at a slower pace than a vehicle allows.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Visitors can also go chimpanzee trekking in small groups of six people after getting a permit. The trek involves spending one hour with a single chimpanzee family, giving tourists a close experience with these intelligent animals in their natural forest setting.

Community Tours

Another great activity is a community visit or village walk, where tourists learn about traditional African ways of life. These visits offer a chance to connect with local culture and nature side by side. Visitors can also try African art and crafts like basket weaving, mat making, wood carving, and local brewing, among other traditions passed down through the community.

Murchison Falls offers a wide range of activities, and every adventure adds to the full experience. Whether you’re on a game drive, cruise, walk, or cultural visit, each part of the park helps build a complete picture of African travel.

Book your Murchison Falls safari to combine game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, and community tours in one complete trip.