Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park. It covers a big area of savannah, cut through by the Nile River. The park is best known for the impressive Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gap and crashes down with great force.

The northern part of the park is where you’ll see most of the wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and lions. Along the Nile, look out for large groups of hippos and crocodiles. In the southeast, Budongo Forest is home to chimpanzees.

Tip: Depending on where you’re coming from or going next, pick the right entry gate. This helps you avoid paying extra entry fees for your first or last day in the park. 

Entry gates at Murchison Falls National Park:

• South: Kichumbanyobo Gate
• Southwest: Bugungu and Mubako Gates
• North: Chobe, Wangar, and Tangi Gates

If you are coming from the South and you don’t want to pay the park entrance fee for your first day, we would recommend driving via Biso. Via Biso, you can continue on a very new road onwards North, along Lake Albert. 

1. Things to do
2. To: Entebbe
3. To: Ziwa
4. To: Kidepo
5. To: Kibale Forest

• Game drives
  The main activity here! Consider hiring a UWA ranger at the gate (around USD 25 for half a day, plus tips). A ranger helps spot animals and shares interesting information about the park.
• Night game drive
  Murchison Falls is one of Uganda’s few parks that allows night drives. Join a driver-guide in an open safari vehicle to see animals after dark. Every accommodation can help you with a night game drive as you are not able doing this in your ‘own’ rental vehicle. 
• Boat safari to the falls
  Take a boat ride from the Paraa Lodge jetty to the bottom of the falls. At the end, you can either hike to the top of the falls (you’ll need a driver waiting there) or return by boat and drive up later. The view from the top is amazing!
• Birdwatching boat ride
  Wild Frontiers offers smaller boat trips downriver towards the Nile Delta. This is a great option for birders, you might even see a Shoebill stork!
• Relax at Paraa Lodge
  Enjoy a refreshing break with beautiful river views at Paraa Lodge, located right in the middle of the park.
• Chimp tracking in Budongo Forest
  Budongo Forest offers chimpanzee tracking, but sightings are less certain than in Kibale.
• Community or bush walks
  Arrange guided walks through your lodge to explore local communities or nearby nature.
• Fishing
  Murchison Falls is excellent for sport fishing. Try your luck catching catfish or Nile perch near Paraa Safari Lodge or Karuma Falls.

Approx. 8 hours | 337 km

Depending on your exit point from Murchison Falls, you’ll pass through either Masindi or Kigumba. Both routes have good roads leading directly to Entebbe.

To skip most of Kampala’s traffic, use the Northern Bypass, which connects to the Entebbe Express Highway. This is Uganda’s only toll road – remember to bring a 5,000 UGX note.

Suggested stops:

• Fuel up in Masindi or Kigumba.
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: The only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot. Treks last around 1–2 hours (available from 7 AM to 5 PM).
• Gators Cafe Migera (just after Ziwa): A good place to stop for lunch or coffee.

Arrival in Entebbe
The Roadtrip Uganda team will collect your car from your lodge. Enjoy your last evening relaxing, and looking back on an amazing trip!

Have extra time in Entebbe?
Check the Entebbe section for ideas on how to spend your last hours in Uganda. 

Approx. 4 hours | 177 km

Depending on your exit point from Murchison Falls, you’ll travel through either Masindi or Kigumba. Both routes have good roads and lead directly to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Fuel stop
Available in Masindi or Kigumba.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The Siwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot. The trek lasts around 1–2 hours, and you can do this activity between 7 AM and 5 PM.

Approx. 8 hours | 376 km

Leave early, you have a long driving day ahead!

Route overview
If you’re staying in northern Murchison, refuel at the Total Fuel Station in Pakwach before hitting the road.

Northern Uganda is very different from the green southwest. It’s less developed and has its own charm. Locals might shout “Muno!” at you (like “Mzungu” in other parts). Reply with “Kopango?” (“How are you?”), and they’ll respond “Kopêh!” (“Good!”).

Suggested stops

• Gulu: Great place for a coffee break and takeaway lunch at The Lookout or O Cafe.
• Kitgum: Refuel here before continuing to Kidepo.

Important navigation tip
After Gulu, Google Maps may suggest a shortcut around Kitgum town. Ignore this. Stick to the main asphalt road (Gulu–Kitgum–Kidepo road) through Kitgum.

Final stretch
You’ll enter Kidepo via Katurum Gate. From Kitgum to Katurum Gate (via Orom) is 140 km and takes about 3½ hours.

Approx. 8 hours | 415 km

You have a long drive ahead, so leave early. Bring a packed lunch or stop for lunch in Hoima.

Route overview
Your route out of Murchison Falls depends on where your lodge is located. If you stay near the northern gate, you’ll drive through a large part of the park. Crossing the Nile River is now easier thanks to the new bridge in the park.

Important navigation tip:
When you approach Kibale Forest, Google Maps might suggest a shortcut. Ignore this. Instead, first navigate to Fort Portal town, then continue from there to Kibale Forest.

Suggested stops along the way

• Masindi: Fuel up your car for the day.
• Hoima Cultural Lodge: Good spot for a lunch break.
• Fort Portal: Last fuel stop before entering Kibale Forest.

Road conditions
Road and weather conditions can change quickly. Always check with your accommodation for the latest updates on the best routes to take.