Can I Hike To the Top of Murchison Falls?

Can I hike to the top of the falls while in Murchison Falls National Park? A hike to the top of the falls in Murchison Falls National Park is a perfect addition to the unforgettable wildlife safaris or game viewing tours to see the big game. This is one of the activities that involve active participation, a perfect option for adventure seekers on Uganda safaris in Murchison Falls National Park.

Length of the hike to the top of the falls

A Normal hike to the top of the falls takes 45 minutes from the base. Before the trek starts, your journey begins from the Paraa with a departing boat taking you along the Victoria Nile till you get to the base area. In between, there are remarkable sights to enjoy including the basking Nile crocodiles, the hippos, and aquatic birds, and later, you dock at the Sir Samuel rock. This is the point where the falls were named Murchison Falls by Sir Samuel Baker.

The boat cruise on the Victoria Nile alone covers between 2 and 3 hours. 45 minutes actual trek then starts and at the top of the falls, you will be observing it while it squeezes itself into a narrow rock of about 8m. The boat cruise and hike to the top of the falls will be done in the company of an experienced guide.

From the base of the falls to the top, the journey comes with enriching sights of not only floral species, but also the colorful butterflies, the bird species, wildlife, the Uhuru waterfalls when you finally get the top. Uhuru waterfalls is a sister waterfall to Murchison Falls.

Uhuru Falls is a branch of Murchison Falls and boasts of its breathtaking sceneries. At the top, the key highlights include witnessing the powerful Murchison Falls squeeze itself into a 7-8m narrow rock and later plunging 42m down. A permanent rainbow is formed and powerful roar which will be heard even at a distance.

How hard is the hike to the top of the falls?

Hiking to the top of the falls is generally a moderate trek and this means, that anyone can be part of it. No need to engage in strenuous exercises prior to visiting Murchison Falls National Park. It is a short distance hike from the base to the top with less challenging altitude except for the very elderly or clients with leg injuries.

Preparing for the trek to the top of the falls

What do you need for a hike to the top of the falls? Closed shoes -comfortable enough when you are walking, bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellents, light clothes, waterproof daypack, etc.

However, considering heavy rains, hiking to the top of the falls has been cancellation of this adventure. The water levels began increasing from 2021 and the trail can not be accessed. The available option is driving up to the top of the falls and you can go down slope and return to the top of the waterfalls.

Combing hike to the top of the falls and other safari activities at Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National Park tours offer more than hikes to the top of the falls, you can also engage in a guided game drive, boat cruise, sport fishing, hot air balloon safaris, forest walks, chimpanzee tracking, primate tracking, birding, and more.

Accommodation in & around Murchison Falls National Park

The most popular lodging or accommodation facilities at Murchison Falls National Park include Bakers Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Fort Murchison, Red Chili Rest Camp, Paraa Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Budongo Eco-Lodge, and others.

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park- hiking safaris to the top of the falls

Murchison Falls National Park is found on the Northwestern side of Uganda, and it is reachable by road or air. By road, your journey to the far Albertine rift region takes 6-7 hours’ drive from Kampala via Gulu highway. By air, fly from Entebbe Airport and land at Bugungu/Pakuba airstrip.