Murchison Falls in Uganda This park is located in northern Uganda and is suitable for self-driving. The entrance fee is USD 45 per day, plus USD 11 for the vehicle. We arrived around noon at the southern gate near Masindi. Inside the park, the speed limit is 60 km/h, and it takes more than an hour to drive from the gate to the falls. There is a guide available for USD 15 who will take you on a walk up to the top of the falls. The scene is truly breathtaking—it's said to be one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. We saw a rainbow, felt the immense force of the water, and even got completely soaked. Since northern Uganda is quite hot, getting drenched actually felt really refreshing. We stayed overnight at Red Chili Rest Camp. In both the park and the campsite, we encountered many warthogs wandering around and grazing right in front of us. After a night’s rest, we went on a game drive early the next morning. The safari here can’t really compare to Tanzania, but it makes up for it with affordability. There are still plenty of lovely wildlife moments. If you love nature and good value for money, Uganda is worth visiting. But if you haven’t done a safari in Tanzania, it’s hard to say you’ve truly experienced an African safari. Entrance ticket: USD 45 for 24 hours (USD 90 for two days). It’s recommended to stay inside the park, because it already takes about an hour to drive from the gate to the game drive tracks where you can spot animals. The park is absolutely huge! There are many accommodation options inside, ranging from budget to luxury. This time we stayed at Bamboo Village, which was quite good.
Murchison Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Murchison Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Murchison Falls famous?
Murchison Falls is famous as the world's most powerful waterfall by volume, where the entire Nile River forces through a 7-meter-wide rocky cleft with tremendous force, creating a thunderous spectacle. It was featured in the 1951 film 'The African Queen' starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.
Can you swim at Murchison Falls?
No — swimming is not permitted at Murchison Falls due to strong currents and wildlife (crocodiles, hippos). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Murchison Falls?
Pets are not allowed in Murchison Falls National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Murchison Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Park entry fees apply (foreign non-residents approximately USD 40-45 per person per day; rates subject to change). Vehicle fees also apply. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Murchison Falls?
Parking is available at the Top of the Falls viewpoint area within the national park; access requires park entry and vehicle fees. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Murchison Falls?
Top of the Falls viewpoint is accessible by vehicle with a short walk (approximately 100-200 meters) to the overlook. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Murchison Falls hike difficulty
Easy — short walk on relatively flat ground from parking to viewpoint, though surfaces may be uneven rock. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Murchison Falls?
Dry seasons (December–February and June–September) offer best access and visibility, though flow is strong year-round. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Murchison Falls
From the Top of the Falls parking area, follow the short path to the fenced viewpoint where the Nile River dramatically compresses through a narrow 7-meter-wide rocky gorge before plunging 43 meters. The viewpoint offers close views of the falls' spray and the gorge.
Murchison Falls official website
Attractions near Murchison Falls
- •Top of the Falls viewpoint — dramatic overlook where the Nile squeezes through a 7m gorge
- •Bottom of the Falls boat cruise — launch trip to view the falls from below on the Victoria Nile
- •Buligi Game Tracks — savanna wildlife viewing area with elephants, giraffes, and lions
- •Nile Delta — bird-rich wetland where the Victoria Nile enters Lake Albert
- •Rabongo Forest — tropical forest walk with chimpanzee tracking opportunities
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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