What is The Biggest National Park In Uganda. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park with approximately 3,893 km² (1,503 sq mi). The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile from east to west for a distance of about 115 km (71 mi).

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s oldest and conservation area, covering vast expanses of savanna, woodland, and riverine forests. Originally gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, the park was officially designated as one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. It lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the Bunyoro escarpment descends into rolling, palm-dotted plains, offering one of the most dramatic landscapes in East Africa.

The Majestic Murchison Falls – Nature’s Unstoppable Force

At the core of Uganda’s oldest and largest national park lies a dramatic spectacle: Murchison Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in Africa. This is where the mighty Victoria Nile is channeled through a mere 8-meter-wide rocky cleft, only to tumble 45 meters down into a swirling basin known as the Devil’s Cauldron. The result? A thunderous roar, an ever-present veil of mist, and a mesmerizing rainbow that lingers in the air. This epic plunge concludes an 80-kilometer journey of rapids, after which the Nile settles into a calm, wide flow as it winds its way toward Lake Albert.

This stretch of river, rich with aquatic life and surrounded by lush landscapes, is among the best wildlife viewing areas in Uganda. Towering elephants, graceful giraffes, and herds of buffalo gather at the water’s edge, while hippos wallow in the shallows and Nile crocodiles bask along the banks. The constant presence of birdlife only enhances the spectacle.

An Ecological Wonderland with Thriving Wildlife 🐘🦒🦜

Spanning diverse habitats and landscapes, Murchison Falls National Park boasts an impressive biodiversity. The northern region features open savannahs, dotted with Borassus palms and acacia trees, providing an ideal habitat for grazers and large mammals. In contrast, the southern section is more wooded, with patches of dense forest creating a refuge for forest-dwelling species.

🔸 Wildlife Riches:

• African Elephants: With an estimated population of over 900, these gentle giants are steadily increasing in number and are commonly seen during game drives.

• Rothschild’s Giraffes: Primarily found in the northern part of the park, these elegant creatures are a highlight of any safari.

• African Buffaloes: The park is home to more than 10,000 buffaloes, making them one of the most frequently encountered animals.

• Uganda Kobs: With a staggering population of around 35,000, these antelopes thrive across the open plains.

• Nile Crocodiles & Hippos: Both species are permanent residents of the Nile, especially abundant around the Albert Delta.

A Haven for Bird Lovers 🦩

For birdwatching enthusiasts, Murchison Falls offers an unrivaled experience. The park is a sanctuary for over 550 bird species, attracting birders from around the globe. The elusive shoebill stork, one of Africa’s most iconic and sought-after birds, is often spotted around the Albert Delta.

Other standout species include:

• White-crested Turaco – Often found in the wooded areas of the park

• Red-winged Grey Warbler – Mostly observed in the southern woodland zones

• Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork & African Fish Eagle – Frequently seen along the riverbanks and wetlands

A Place Steeped in History ✨

Murchison Falls isn’t just a haven for wildlife—it’s also a site of historical significance, having enchanted notable figures over the centuries. Its timeless landscapes have drawn explorers, leaders, and storytellers from across the world:

• Winston Churchill – Dubbed Uganda “the Pearl of Africa” after his visit

• President Theodore Roosevelt – Came on a grand safari and supported early conservation efforts

• Ernest Hemingway – Famously survived two near-fatal plane crashes while exploring the region

• British Royalty – Various members of the royal family have visited the park throughout the decades

A Star of the Silver Screen 🎬

In 1951, the enchanting wilderness of Murchison Falls took center stage in the classic film “The African Queen”, starring screen legends Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Filmed on Lake Albert and parts of the Nile, the movie introduced the world to Uganda’s untamed beauty, marking the park as a cinematic icon.

Why Murchison Falls National Park Should Be on Your Bucket List

✅ Witness the raw power of Africa’s most intense waterfall
✅ Explore Uganda’s largest and most diverse protected area
✅ Encounter iconic African wildlife in their natural environment
✅ Discover an unparalleled birdwatching destination
✅ Follow in the footsteps of world-famous explorers and dignitaries
✅ Take a memorable boat cruise along the historic Nile

Murchison Falls National Park offers an unforgettable blend of natural wonder, abundant wildlife, and rich heritage. Whether you’re cruising the Nile, spotting rare birds, marveling at the thunderous falls, or reliving tales of great adventurers, every moment in this park is filled with wonder. It’s not just a destination—it’s a journey into the wild heart of Africa.

Other National Parts of Uganda

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – A Sanctuary for Mountain Gorillas

Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most biologically diverse forests. The park is most famous for its population of mountain gorillas, hosting nearly half of the world’s remaining individuals. Visitors from all over the globe come here for the life-changing experience of gorilla trekking, an activity that involves hiking through thick jungle terrain to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Beyond gorillas, Bwindi is home to over 120 mammal species, including forest elephants and chimpanzees, as well as more than 350 bird species—making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Cultural experiences are also part of the attraction, with visits to the nearby Batwa pygmy communities, where guests can learn about traditional forest life and customs.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda’s Most Iconic Savannah

Situated in western Uganda between Lake Edward and Lake George, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the country’s most visited national park. It features a rich blend of ecosystems, from savannahs and wetlands to forests and volcanic craters. The park is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, hippos, and the renowned tree-climbing lions of Ishasha—a rare phenomenon seen in only a few places worldwide.

One of the park’s highlights is the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects the two lakes. A boat cruise along the channel offers incredible opportunities to see large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and countless bird species up close. Queen Elizabeth is also an important birding area, with over 600 species recorded.

3. Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital of the World

Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda, is celebrated as one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee tracking. With a population of over 1,500 chimpanzees, visitors have a high chance of encountering these intelligent primates during guided forest treks. The park is also home to 13 other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and the rare Uganda mangabey.

The lush tropical rainforest provides excellent birding, with more than 375 species, and is part of a larger ecosystem that connects to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the wildlife corridor of the Kibale–Kasese–Fort Portal route.

4. Kidepo Valley National Park – Uganda’s Hidden Wilderness

Remote and rugged, Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the northeastern corner of Uganda near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. This untouched gem is often considered Uganda’s most scenic park, offering sweeping savannah plains, distant mountain ranges, and a sense of isolation rarely found elsewhere in East Africa.

Kidepo boasts an impressive range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, ostriches, elephants, giraffes, and over 475 bird species. Due to its remote location, the park is less visited, providing a tranquil and exclusive safari experience. Cultural encounters with the Karamojong and Ik people offer insights into some of Uganda’s most unique indigenous communities.

5. Lake Mburo National Park – A Compact Safari Gem

Located in western Uganda near Mbarara, Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks, but it packs a surprising diversity of wildlife and activities into its compact size. The park is known for its large herds of impalas, zebras, elands, and buffaloes, as well as hippos and crocodiles that inhabit Lake Mburo itself.

What sets this park apart is the variety of activities available: guided game drives, walking safaris, mountain biking, and boat rides are all on offer. Its close proximity to Kampala and Entebbe makes it a perfect stopover for travelers entering or leaving the country.

6. Semuliki National Park – A Realm of Swamps and Hot Springs

Nestled in the Albertine Rift Valley, Semuliki National Park is a unique lowland tropical forest that shares many characteristics with the Congo Basin. This park is best known for its hot springs, particularly the bubbling Sempaya Hot Springs, which are culturally significant to the local Bamaga people.

Semuliki’s biodiversity includes 441 recorded bird species—many of which are endemic to Central Africa—and 60 mammal species. The park’s remote rainforest setting is ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers seeking a less commercial, off-the-beaten-path experience.

7. Rwenzori Mountains National Park – The Mountains of the Moon

For adventure seekers, Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers some of the most dramatic alpine trekking in Africa. Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzoris are home to the third-highest peak on the continent—Margherita Peak (5,109 meters)—on Mount Stanley.

Treks through the park reveal breathtaking glaciers, waterfalls, and unique Afro-alpine vegetation. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and supports rare wildlife, including the Rwenzori turaco, bushbucks, and leopards. Multi-day hikes and climbing expeditions here are ideal for experienced hikers looking for a challenging but rewarding journey.

8. Mount Elgon National Park – Ancient Volcano Adventures

Located in eastern Uganda on the border with Kenya, Mount Elgon National Park features the massive, extinct volcano Mount Elgon, which boasts the largest volcanic base in the world. The park offers scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, caves, and hot springs, with the summit—Wagagai Peak (4,321 meters)—being a relatively accessible climb compared to Uganda’s other high peaks.

Wildlife in the park includes forest elephants, hyenas, duikers, and various primates. The Sipi Falls, located just outside the park, are a major highlight and popular with photographers, hikers, and those seeking tranquil nature escapes.

9. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Where Gold Meets Silver

Tucked in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park forms part of the Virunga Mountains and borders Rwanda and DR Congo. It is one of only two parks in Uganda where mountain gorilla trekking is possible. The park is also famous for being home to the golden monkey, a rare and endangered species.

Mgahinga offers excellent hiking, including the ascent of three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. Culturally, it’s a great place to explore the traditions of the Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants.

Booking a Uganda Safari to Murchison Falls with Kenlink Tours

Embark on an unforgettable safari to Murchison Falls National Park with Kenlink Tours and experience the raw beauty of Uganda’s wildlife, the mighty Nile, and one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls. Our expert-guided tours offer thrilling game drives, scenic boat cruises, and close encounters with elephants, giraffes, hippos, and more. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or group, we tailor every safari to your needs.

Book now for a lifetime adventure!
📧 Contact us at: kenlinktours@gmail.com
Let us turn your African safari dream into reality!