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Boschlech CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Murchison Falls

Waterfall

Murchison Falls on Uganda's Nile forces the river through a narrow gorge before plunging downstream; the falls, boat safaris and surrounding Murchison Falls National Park's game drives draw wildlife visitors.

Murchison Falls KampalaBwindi Impenetrable ForestJinjaMurchison Falls
In this guide

Murchison Falls essentials

Address: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Website: ugandawildlife.org
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About Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls is a waterfall on the Victoria Nile in northwestern Uganda where the river is forced through a narrow gorge and plunges downstream. The falls are a central feature of Murchison Falls National Park and a major scenic and wildlife attraction.

The river squeezes through a gap that is often cited as being only about 7 m wide before dropping in a powerful single fall of roughly 43 m into a downstream pool. Visitors commonly view the falls from cliff-side viewpoints and by boat trips on the Nile below the fall.

The falls were formed by the Victoria Nile cutting through a resistant rock band and have been integrated into a protected national park that combines savanna, woodland and riverine habitats for large mammals and birds.

Murchison Falls lies on the Nile in northwestern Uganda within Murchison Falls National Park, roughly 100-200 km by road from the nearest large towns depending on route; the park sits where the Nile flows west from Lake Kyoga and toward Lake Albert.

  • Narrow gap: At the narrowest point the Victoria Nile is forced through a gap about 7 m wide, creating powerful rapids and a dramatic single plunge.
  • Viewing points: Best views of the falls are from lookout points on both riverbanks and from boat trips on the Nile downstream of the plunge pool.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls

For Murchison Falls, visit in the dry windows (June-September or December-February) for the best wildlife viewing and more reliable road conditions.

Dry seasons (best for wildlife viewing)
June-September and December-February · 20-30°C
Reduced vegetation and water concentration at pools make wildlife easier to spot; roads and trails are generally more passable.
Long rains / wetter period
March-May · 22-30°C
Heavier rains can make some tracks muddy and disrupt game drives, though the landscape is lusher and waterfalls may be fuller.
Short rains
October-November · 22-30°C
Intermittent showers; wildlife is still visible but expect occasional rain interruptions to activities.

Weather & Climate near Murchison Falls

Climate

Murchison Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1139 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 80 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryDecemberFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 20° - 32° 26° 22 mm partly cloudy 43% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
February Excellent 20° - 33° 27° 34 mm partly cloudy 40% 1.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.9h
March Very Good 21° - 32° 26° 90 mm overcast 51% 2.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Good 21° - 31° 26° 143 mm overcast 65% 1.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
May Very Good 21° - 30° 26° 118 mm partly cloudy 74% 2.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.1h
June Very Good 20° - 30° 25° 82 mm partly cloudy 71% 2.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
July Very Good 19° - 29° 24° 98 mm partly cloudy 69% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.1h
August Very Good 19° - 29° 24° 121 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
September Very Good 19° - 30° 25° 133 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
October Good 18° - 28° 23° 145 mm overcast 74% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
November Very Good 20° - 31° 25° 112 mm partly cloudy 71% 2.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
December Excellent 19° - 31° 25° 41 mm partly cloudy 57% 2.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls is inside Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda). The park is reachable by road from Kampala (a several‑hours’ drive via Masindi) and by light aircraft charters or scheduled small-plane services into Pakuba or Bugungu airstrips; tour operators in Kampala and Masindi arrange transfers. Inside the park the falls are reached by park tracks with a short walk from the viewpoint, and boat safaris operate on the Nile upstream of the falls.

Tips for Visiting Murchison Falls

  • Book the Nile boat cruise from the Paraa/riverfront launch early in the day or the late-afternoon slot - these boat trips to the base of Murchison Falls are the best way to see hippos, crocodiles and riverine birdlife.
  • Combine the boat trip with a short walk up to the top viewpoint (the path above the falls) for the classic view of the Nile being forced through the narrow gorge; arrange entry and any guide at the park gate so timings line up.
  • Start your visit early from Masindi/Paraa to avoid the midday heat and to fit both a game drive in the northern park sectors and the boat/sightseeing at the falls into one day.