Distance From Kampala To Murchison Falls National Park
Distance Routes & Travel Options Getting from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park, Murchison Falls National Park lies approximately 341 kilometers from Kampala by road and around 252 kilometers away when traveling by air. Travelers using road transport can reach the park in 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and stopovers. For those choosing air travel, the journey is much quicker just about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This makes Murchison Falls one of the most easily accessible national parks in Uganda.
The park is found in the northwestern part of Uganda and spans across four districts—Masindi, Kiryandongo, Buliisa, and Nwoya. Covering over 3,893 square kilometers, Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest protected area. The government officially gazetted it in 1951 to protect its rich biodiversity, which includes more than 76 species of mammals, 13 types of primates, and over 451 species of birds.
Murchison Falls National Park is especially popular with tourists who want to go on game drives or experience the mighty Murchison Falls the world’s strongest waterfall. Whether you prefer traveling by road or flying, there are multiple options available to reach this amazing wildlife destination.
Traveling to Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala by Road
A road trip to Murchison Falls provides an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and natural scenery of Uganda’s countryside. The road distance from Kampala is around 341 kilometers and takes about 4 to 6 hours to drive. The time may vary depending on traffic, weather, and the number of stops made along the way.
A road trip to Murchison Falls is not just a journey it’s part of the adventure. You can stop at popular spots like the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can track white rhinos, and Karuma Falls, a great photo stop. Along the way, travelers enjoy views of beautiful landscapes, rivers, forests, and farmlands.
You Can Reach Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala Using Two Main Road Routes
- Southern Route: Drive from Kampala through Luwero, Nakasongola, and Masindi to enter the park using the Kichumbanyobo or Bugungu Gate. These gates lead into the southern section of the park.
- Northern Route: Travel from Kampala via Luwero, Nakasongola, Kiryandongo, and Pakwach to enter the park through the northern gates Tangi, Wankwar, or Chobe.
Both routes offer access to different parts of the park and take roughly the same amount of time—between 4 to 6 hours depending on the conditions. All the main roads leading to Murchison Falls are well maintained, making the drive relatively smooth.
Reaching Murchison Falls National Park by Air
If you want to avoid long hours on the road or prefer luxury travel, flying is the best option. Murchison Falls National Park has three airstrips inside the park: Chobe, Pakuba, and Bugungu. Each serves a different area of the park, giving visitors options based on their accommodation or safari plan.
Flights to the park depart from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip near Kampala and land directly at one of the three airstrips. flight usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Several airline companies operate flights to Murchison Falls, including:
Tourists interested in flying should contact their tour operator to arrange flight bookings in advance, especially during the peak travel season. Air travel is more expensive than road travel, but it saves time and offers aerial views of Uganda’s beautiful landscapes.
What Activities Can You Do in Murchison Falls National Park?
Once you reach the park from Kampala whether by road or air you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from. Murchison Falls is one of Uganda’s most exciting destinations, offering a mix of wildlife encounters, river experiences, and beautiful natural scenery.
- Game Drives: These are a must-do! Murchison Falls is home to many wild animals including elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, warthogs, antelopes, and more. Game drives are usually done in the morning or evening on well-marked tracks, especially in the northern section of the park.
- Boat Cruises: A boat ride on the River Nile offers a relaxing yet exciting way to view animals such as hippos, crocodiles, and birds. The cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is especially popular, allowing you to witness the power of the falls up close.
- Hike to the Top of the Falls: Adventure seekers hike to the top of Murchison Falls to observe wonderful views where the Nile water squeezing through a narrow gorge and crashes into the fast flowing river water below as it proceeds to the north.
- Bird Watching: With over 450 bird species, the park is a paradise for bird lovers. Look out for rare birds like the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, kingfishers, and many others.
- Sport Fishing: Anglers can try their luck at catching Nile perch and catfish on the Nile. A permit is required, and you may need to book in advance.
- Nature Walks and Chimpanzee Trekking: Explore the park on foot or go chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, which is located on the southern edge of the park.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: For a unique experience, take to the skies in a hot air balloon and enjoy panoramic views of the park and its wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park welcomes visitors throughout the entire year. However, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During this time, the roads are dry and easy to travel on, vegetation is less dense, and animals are easier to spot.
Game drives, hikes, and boat cruises are more enjoyable during the dry season since rain is unlikely to disrupt activities. Wildlife also tends to gather around water sources, making it easier to see a wide variety of animals in one place.
Tourists can still visit during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November. This time is best for budget travelers, as many lodges offer discounted rates. However, visitors should be prepared for muddy roads, thick vegetation, and occasional cancellations of activities due to heavy rains.
Final Thoughts
Whether you travel by road or air, Murchison Falls National Park is one of the top safari destinations in Uganda. From the powerful waterfalls to thrilling wildlife encounters, every moment spent here is unforgettable. With activities for every interest and travel style, Murchison Falls is a perfect safari stop for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.