What to do in Murchison Falls

If there’s one thing that characterises a visit to Murchison Falls, it’s water. Not only is the park dissected by the mighty Victoria Nile, the namesake Falls are powerful, spectacular and a definite highlight. Most, if not all, lodges offer boat trips to the base to soak up the spray (literally), and if you’re feeling active, enquire about a guided hike to the top for the best views. Other water-based activities include cruises on the Nile itself, which should lead to a sighting or two of the magnificent shoebills in the reedy papyrus. This is one of only a handful of places to see them on the continent. Onto the traditional, there’s plenty of scope for game drives and lots of wildlife to keep your binos happy. North of the river are the savannah plains where lion and large herds of elephant and buffalo roam next to Ugandan kob, rare Rothschild’s giraffe and hartebeest. South is the Budongo Forest, prime chimpanzee habitat where trekking is possible. And in between is the Nile; if you’re not on the water, we highly recommend a game drive along the edge to spot pods of hippo and Jurassic crocodiles.