Hiking in Murchison Falls National Park: Top Trails, Wildlife, and Tips

Hiking in Murchison Falls: Murchison Falls National Park isn’t just a destination for game drives or boat cruises—it’s a haven for hikers and nature lovers.

From the thunderous roar of the falls to quiet forest trails teeming with birdlife and primates, the park offers some of Uganda’s most rewarding hiking experiences. Whether hiking to the Top of the Falls, walking under dense rainforest canopies in Rabongo Forest, or tracking chimpanzees in the Budongo ecosystem of Kaniyo Pabidi, every trail offers adventure, discovery, and connection to the wild.

Top of the Hiking in Murchison Falls

Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls is a thrilling and relatively short adventure that rewards you with one of the most dramatic sights in Africa. The trail ascends along a stairway with about 800 steps, gaining 90 meters in elevation. The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour and is manageable for anyone with moderate fitness.

• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep but short)
• Wildlife: Baboons, monkeys, birds of prey, bats
• Best time: Dry season (Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug)
• Essentials: Sturdy shoes, water, sun protection, insect repellent

Rabongo Forest Nature Walks

Rabongo Forest is a 4 km² tropical forest island surrounded by savannah. Guided walks through this peaceful and shaded forest last 2–3 hours and are ideal for birders, families, and anyone seeking quiet nature immersion. Expect monkeys, rare birds, and insights into traditional plant medicine along the trail.

• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Wildlife: Monkeys, forest birds, butterflies
• Best time: Year-round (dry season for better trail conditions)
• Essentials: Light long-sleeved clothing, water, insect repellent, binoculars

Kaniyo Pabidi Forest Hikes (Budongo Forest)

Located in the southern section of the park, Kaniyo Pabidi offers flat, shaded trails through old-growth rainforest. It’s best known for chimpanzee tracking, but also offers general nature walks with rich birdlife and towering trees. Chimpanzee trekking requires booking and may take up to 5 hours, depending on how far the chimps have moved.

• Duration: Nature walks (2 hours), Chimpanzee trekking (2–5 hours)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Wildlife: Chimps, monkeys, forest birds
• Best time: Dry seasons (Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug)
• Essentials: Waterproof boots, insect repellent, water, light rain jacket

What to Pack for Hiking in Murchison Falls

Whether you’re hiking to the falls or trekking through forests, preparation makes a big difference. Bring the following essentials:

• Sturdy hiking shoes with grip
• Water (at least 1 liter per person)
• Long sleeves and trousers for forest trails
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Insect repellent
• Binoculars for birding and primate viewing
• A camera or a smartphone for photos
• Snacks or energy bars
• Light rain jacket (especially in the wet season)

Best Time for Hiking in Murchison Falls

The park is open year-round, but the best hiking conditions are during the dry seasons: December to February and June to August. Trails are firmer, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Birding is excellent in the wetter months, especially from November to April, when migratory species arrive.

Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and greater chances to spot animals.

Explore with Confidence – Book a Guided Hike

A certified ranger guide must accompany all hikes in Murchison Falls National Park. These expert guides ensure safety, interpret the environment, and help maximize wildlife sightings.

Whether it’s the roar of the falls beneath your feet or the silence of a forest broken only by the call of a turaco, hiking in Murchison Falls is an unforgettable experience. Book your hiking adventure with Pamoja Safaris and explore Uganda’s wild heart on foot.