Murchison Falls National Park is a national park in Uganda handled by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority found in north-western Uganda, it extends inland from the shores of Lake Albert around the Victoria Nile up to the Karuma Falls. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s biggest national park with about 3,893 km. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile from east to west for a distance of approximately 115 km. The park is the location of the Murchison Falls, where the waters of the Nile squeeze it’s self through a narrow gorge only 7 m (23 ft) wide before dropping 43 m (141 ft). Also, the park bordering the Masindi-Gulu Highway.

Together with the bordering 748 km Bugungu Wildlife Reserve and the 720 km Karuma Wildlife Reserve, the park forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. The park borders the Ugandan districts of Buliisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo, and Masindi. The driving distance from Masindi, the nearest big town, to the Kibanda area of the national park is about 72 km. This place is approximately 283 km, by road, north-west of Kampala, the capital and biggest city of Uganda.

The adventurers John Speke and James Grant were the first Europeans to visit the Murchison Falls National Park in 1862. It was more simply explored by Samuel and Florence Baker in 1863–4. Baker anointed the falls Murchison Falls after the geologist Roderick Murchison, then the president of the Royal Geographical Society. Between 1907 and 1912, the residents of an area of about 13,000 km were vacated due to sleeping sickness spread by tsetse flies. In 1910, the Bunyoro Game Reserve was made south of the River Nile. That area approximately corresponds to the part of the Murchison Falls National Park that is in the neighborhoods of Buliisa, Masindi, and Kiryandongo. In 1928, the borders were spread north of the river into the modern-day Nwoya District.

Since 2005, the protected area has been regarded as a Lion Conservation Unit. In 2010, it was assessed that just 250 giraffes were in the park. A population of 37 Rothschild’s giraffes was moved from the north side of the Nile River to the south side in 2016 and 2017 when the population was around 1,500. Murchison Falls National Park and the bordering Bugondo Forest Reserve host 76 animal species such as chimpanzees as well as Uganda’s largest Nile crocodile population. There are 450 recorded bird species including the shoe-billed stork, dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, white-thighed hornbill, and great blue turaco.

How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park

From Kampala

• Distance – Approximately 305 km
• Travel Time: 5-6 hours by road
• Route:
  • Take the Gulu Highway north of Kampala.
  • Pass through the towns of Bombo, Luweero, and Masindi.
  • Continue on the road to the park entrance at Kichumbanyobo Gate.

From Entebbe International Airport

• Distance – Approximately 325 km (202 miles)
• Travel Time – 6-7 hours by road
• Route:
  • Start on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway towards Kampala.
  • Follow the directions above from Kampala to Murchison Falls.

Alternative Transportation Options

• Public Transport – Buses and shared taxis are available from Kampala to Masindi, where you can arrange for a taxi to the park entrance.
• Guided Tours – Consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation.

Renting a Car with FK Car Rental Uganda

At FK Car Rental Uganda, we make your trip to Murchison Falls easy and enjoyable. Here’s what you need to know about renting a car with us:

Our Fleet

• Variety of Cars – Choose from 4×4 SUVs, saloon cars, and minibuses, all qualified for the various terrains of Uganda.
• Affordable Rates – We offer competitive pricing with no hidden fees.

Booking Process

1. Online Reservation – Visit our website and fill out the booking form to check car availability.
2. Customer Support – Our friendly reservations team is ready to assist you via phone or email with any questions or special requests.
3. Flexible Pickup/Drop-off – Conveniently pick up your vehicle at Entebbe International Airport or our Kampala office.

Additional Services

• GPS Navigation – Optional GPS units are available to help you navigate.
• Driver Services – If you prefer, we can provide a professional driver/guide who knows the area well.
• Insurance Coverage – Comprehensive insurance options for peace of mind during your travels.

Tips for Visiting Murchison Falls National Park

• Entry Fees – Ensure you have a VISA Card for park entry fees.
• Best Time to Visit – The dry seasons (December-February and June-September) are perfect for wildlife viewing.
• Pack Essentials – Bring binoculars, a good camera, and plenty of water for your adventures.

Contact Us

For more information or to book your vehicle today to rent a car with a driver, self-drive adventure, or book a Uganda car rental service today, simply contact us now at info@fkcarrentaluganda.com or call us now at Airtel;–  (+256-707457134 ), Whatsapp;–  (+256-774784213) to speak or chat with our team.