The oldest and largest national park in Uganda, Murchison Falls is home to about 76 mammals and over 400 bird species, with the historical mighty falls. It is a place that will make you appreciate nature and the beauty in the wilderness. It is a perfect choice for those who love unique wildlife-viewing experiences. Murchison Falls National Park can be accessed from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda by road and is approximately 300 km from Kampala.
Quick Directions
By road, the Nile River crossing at Paraa, in the center of the park, is approximately 5hrs drive from Kampala (305km). Paraa is 85km from Masindi town by the direct route. A longer (135km) alternative route passes through Budongo forest and enjoys spectacular views across Lake Albert from the rift valley escarpment above Butiaba. Paraa can also be approached from the north via Chobe Gate near Karuma Falls, Tangi Gate near Pakwach (25km to Paraa), and Wankwar Gate near Purongo.
By Air
Murchison Falls National Park can also be reached by air. Charter flights can land at airstrips north of the Nile at Pakuba (19kms from Paraa) and south at Bugungu (13kms from Paraa).
By Road
From Kampala, you pass through Luweero and Nakasongora area with a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongora. You then branch off from River Kafu and pass via Masindi, which is the nearest route. The other alternative is passing via Karuma and proceeding to Pakwach, entering through the Pakwach gate.
Apart from the road, there are also chattered flights into the park and regular flights that fly from Entebbe to Pakuba airstrip, from where you can be picked up and transferred to the booked accommodation.
By road, the Nile River crossing at Paraa, in the center of the park, is approximately 5hrs drive from Kampala (305km). Paraa is 85km from Masindi town by the direct route. A longer (135km) alternative route passes through Budongo forest and enjoys spectacular views across Lake Albert from the rift valley escarpment above Butiaba. Paraa can also be approached from the north via Chobe Gate near Karuma Falls, Tangi Gate near Pakwach (25km to Paraa), and Wankwar Gate near Purongo. Murchison can also be reached by air. Charter flights can land at airstrips north of the Nile at Pakuba (19kms from Paraa) and south at Bugungu (13kms from Paraa).
A long day’s drive from Kampala, with a possible overnight break at Masindi. There is only one public means of transport from Kampala to Masindi town.
You can easily travel to Murchison Falls National Park with a rental car from one of the car rental agencies listed on this website. You can rent a car with a driver or even opt for a self-drive safari in Uganda.
Travel to Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is found in northwestern Uganda. Getting there is very easy. The journey to Murchison Falls National Park takes around 5 hours on a road trip from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda about 312km. The shortest route is from Masindi town to Paraa, it covers a distance of about 85km.
To Enquire about Rental Cars, check the following agencies;
Car Rental Uganda
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Budget Car Rental Uganda
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Car Hire Uganda
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Self Drive Uganda
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Uganda Self Drive
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Email: info@ugandaselfdrive.com
Website: www.ugandaselfdrive.com
Accessibility to the Park
The longer route covers about 135km from the gate. Alternatively, you may decide to take the Budongo forest route that provides you with magnificent views overlooking Lake Albert from the position of the rift valley escarpment over Butiaba.
It is possible to access Paraa from the north of the park through Chobe gate, Karuma Falls along Tangi gate. The gate that is close to Pakwach covers an area of about 25km sq. to Paraa in addition to the Wankwar gate close to Purango.
Murchison Falls can be accessed by air. Pakuba is the landing site for chartered flights and takes about 19 km from Paraa. Bugungu covers an area of 13kms from Paraa.
The way to Murchison Falls National Park gives travelers a chance to experience the white rhinos at the Ziwa rhino sanctuary. The pearl of Africa was home to several rhinos but due to extensive poaching, the rhinos vanished.
Don’t Miss Ziwa Rhinos
However, Uganda got a second chance to host the rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a privately owned animal sanctuary. So a visit to Murchison Falls National Park will not only offer you a chance to spot the big five but also the variety of white rhinos in the wild.