Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and most visited national park, making it one of the best choices for self-driving. Located in the northwest of the country, the park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffaloes. It’s also famous for the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges over a rocky cliff.
The roads in Murchison Falls are mostly good, especially near key attractions like the falls, and the park offers a mix of savannah and forest areas. Self-driving allows you to explore the park at your own pace, stopping to enjoy scenic views and wildlife sightings. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, as some parts of the park can be bumpy. Driving yourself gives you flexibility, and you can easily visit the top of the falls, the game tracks, or even take a boat cruise along the Nile River.
This is among the most visited parks in Uganda; it has the magnificent Murchison falls where it derived its name. Few visitors leave the park without exploring the falls and taking a boat cruise to the bottom.
Self Drive Routes
Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
Route Overview: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park, is located in the northwestern part of the country. The drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls covers approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles) and takes you through various landscapes, from urban to rural areas.
Key Highlights:
- Murchison Falls: The park’s main attraction is the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular waterfall. The falls are a must-see and offer opportunities for photography and sightseeing.
- Wildlife Viewing: Murchison Falls is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo. Game drives and boat safaris on the Nile River provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Boat Safaris: A boat safari on the Nile River offers a different perspective of the park’s wildlife and is an excellent way to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Driving Conditions:
- Kampala to Murchison Falls: The road is generally good, with a mix of paved and unpaved sections. Some areas may be under construction, so be prepared for occasional rough patches.
Here are recommended agencies;
- Car Rental Uganda
- Car Hire Uganda
- Budget Car Rental
- Self Drive Uganda
- 4X4 Uganda
- 4X4 Africa
- Self Drive Africa
Important Things to Know
Self-driving in Murchison falls is possible; clients hire cars and drive themselves to the park. The game drive is so rewarding, expect to see animals like lions, giraffe, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes different bird species and many more.
On boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, you may be able to see many crocodiles at the shores, different birds, the beauty of the falls its self and the cool environment around.
There are different Uganda car hire options which can fit family, solo, couple and group tours. Clients may decide to go with the driver to the park or others self-drive and opt to hire a park guide to go with on the game drives.
On your car rental trip, do not worry about where to sleep in the park. Here are some of the accommodations in and around the park. Murchison River lodge, Chobe, paraa safari lodge, Nile safari camp, Red Chilli hide away, Fort Murchison, and many more.
The park has different communities around you can visit on yourself drive trip. There is Boomu women group, they do crafts and accommodation. When you buy a craft from them, then you are directly supporting the local community.
The park is big, just drive your car and then head to Budongo Forest, here you will be able to do Chimpanzee tracking and also see the Unique mahogany trees and other species of plants and different monkeys.
From Murchison falls national park, you can drive and visit Kidepo National Park, Masindi Town, Kibale, Bwindi. And from there you can cross the border to Rwanda for more attractions.
The speed in national park has to be very low and the animals have the right of way. In case you find elephants crossing, stop and wait for them to cross. Failing to abide by the dos and don’ts in the park may lead you to get problems like animals charging at you or knocking the animal in the national park.