Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park and one of its most spectacular wildlife destinations. The park straddles the Victoria Nile as it thunders through a narrow gorge to create Murchison Falls — one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls — before spreading across a vast floodplain to Lake Albert. This combination of river, savannah, and forest creates exceptional wildlife diversity that in 2027 makes Murchison one of East Africa’s premier safari destinations.
The park covers 3,840 square kilometres and contains a large diversity of mammal and bird species. This guide covers the key species you can expect to encounter on a standard Murchison Falls safari itinerary.
Elephant
Murchison Falls has one of Uganda’s largest elephant populations — estimated at over 1,200 animals. Herds of 20 to 50 elephants are commonly seen on both sides of the Nile, particularly in the Buligi circuit north of the river. Large bulls with impressive tusks are regularly encountered. The afternoon boat trip to the base of the falls passes through prime elephant habitat.
Buffalo
African buffalo are extremely abundant throughout Murchison. Herds of several hundred animals are regularly encountered on the Buligi circuit. The buffalo here are considered among the most impressive in Uganda — large herds with substantial bulls. Buffalo are present year-round and visible on virtually every game drive.
Lion
Murchison Falls is one of Uganda’s best parks for lion. The Buligi circuit north of the Nile has a significant lion population that is regularly seen. Lions frequently rest on termite mounds or in short grass where they are visible from game drive vehicles. Early morning and late afternoon drives give the best sighting opportunities.
Giraffe
Murchison Falls is the only Uganda national park where you can reliably see Rothschild’s giraffe — one of the world’s most endangered giraffe subspecies. A population of approximately 50 to 60 animals was successfully reintroduced and is growing. These giraffes are an extraordinary sight against the backdrop of the Nile floodplain and Rift Valley escarpment.
Hippopotamus and Crocodile
The Victoria Nile at Murchison Falls holds one of Africa’s largest hippopotamus concentrations. The afternoon boat trip from Paraa to the base of the falls routinely passes several hundred hippos hauled out on the riverbanks, plus enormous Nile crocodiles. This boat trip is one of the finest wildlife experiences in East Africa.
Other Mammals
Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, oribi, bushbuck, waterbuck, warthog, olive baboon, patas monkey, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, chimpanzee (Budongo Forest sector), spotted hyena, side-striped jackal, African civet, mongoose, serval, and leopard are all recorded. Oribi — the small, bouncing grassland antelope — is particularly common in the open grassland areas.
Birds
Murchison Falls has over 450 recorded bird species. The boat trip produces African fish eagle, goliath heron, saddle-billed stork, yellow-billed stork, African skimmer, and grey crowned crane among many others. The open savannah holds martial eagle, bateleur, secretary bird (occasional), and various raptors. Budongo Forest adjacent to the park adds over 300 forest species including chimpanzees’ avian neighbours.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from June to August and December to February is best for game drives as grass is shorter and animals concentrate around water. The Nile boat trip is excellent year-round. Budongo Forest birding is good throughout the year but the dry season gives more comfortable walking conditions.
Plan Your 2027 Murchison Falls Safari
The gorilla trekking permit costs $800 in 2027. Murchison Falls is most commonly combined with Bwindi gorilla trekking and the Kibale chimpanzee experience for a comprehensive Uganda wildlife safari. The contrast between the rainforest of the southwest and the open savannah of Murchison is one of Uganda’s great safari pleasures. Contact us to plan your 2027 Murchison Falls itinerary.
