Best Activities to Do in Murchison Falls National Park in 2025
The best activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest and largest protected area which offers a powerful blend of wildlife encounters, river adventures, and unforgettable landscapes. Known for the world’s strongest waterfall, this national park located in northwestern Uganda is a standout safari destination. If you’re planning a safari in 2025, here are the best activities to do in Murchison that should be on your radar.
Game Drives: Best Activities to Do in Murchison for Big Five Spotting
Game drives are among the most popular and thrilling activities in Murchison Falls National Park. They’re the best way to explore the sweeping savannahs, especially the northern section of the park where wildlife sightings are abundant.
Expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, buffalo, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, oribis, warthogs, and bushbucks. You might even catch a glimpse of hyenas, dik-diks, or the elusive leopard. Morning and afternoon game drives offer different lighting and activity levels, so many visitors choose to do both for a richer experience.
The best time for game drives is during the dry season, from June to October and again from December to February, when animals are more active and easy to spot.
Boat Safaris: One of the Best Activities to Do in Murchison on the Water
A boat safari along the Victoria Nile is another must-do experience in Murchison Falls National Park. Cruising towards the base of the falls, you’ll pass hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and a colorful array of birdlife along the riverbanks.
The standard boat trip begins at Paraa dock and typically includes a knowledgeable ranger guide. Private boat trips are also available, offering a more personalized and flexible experience. Whether you go in the morning or afternoon, the views and wildlife sightings are incredible.
The cost for a group boat safari to the bottom of the falls is around $30 USD, though it may vary depending on the operator.
Hiking to the Top of the Falls: Best Activities to Do in Murchison for Scenic Views
Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is a short yet exhilarating trek. The trail takes about 45 minutes to climb and is accessible to both experienced and novice hikers. At the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the park and feel the spray of the thunderous falls as the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge.
The walk can be done as a standalone activity or combined with a boat cruise for a full-day adventure. Entry fees for this experience are $15 USD for foreign non-residents, $10 USD for foreign residents, and 10,000 UGX for East African citizens.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest: Best Activity for Primate Encounters
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest offers a rare opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural environment. Tours usually start in the morning or afternoon, and you’ll also likely see other species like black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys.
The tracking experience lasts about four hours and requires a permit that costs $140 USD per person. The best months for chimp tracking are June through October and December through February, when the forest trails are easier to navigate.
Bird Watching: Best Activity for Bird Lovers
With more than 450 recorded species, Murchison Falls National Park is a haven for bird watchers. Whether you’re near the Nile Delta, around Budongo Forest, or along the savannah plains, birdlife is everywhere.
Highlights include the rare Shoebill stork, Giant Herons, Grey Crowned Cranes, Malachite Kingfishers, Red-throated Bee-eaters, and the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. Birding can be enjoyed year-round, although early mornings and late afternoons offer the best sightings.
Explore some of our safari trips to Murchison Falls National Park for a perfect blend of these activities.
Whether you’re after thrilling wildlife encounters, peaceful river cruises, scenic hikes, or rare primate and bird sightings, Murchison Falls National Park delivers a complete safari experience. The variety of safari activities available ensures that every visitor finds something unforgettable. For anyone planning a trip to Uganda in 2025, including the best activities to do in Murchison Falls National Park is a decision you won’t regret.
