Murchison Falls Hike and Boat Trip to the Base of the Falls
See the Nile squeezed through a narrow gap and thunder into the gorge below.
At Murchison Falls the Nile forces its way through a narrow rock gap and plunges into a gorge. You can view it from the water on a boat trip from Paraa and from above on a short hike to the top of the falls. Together they give a complete sense of the power of the river.
The boat ride also shows hippos, crocodiles and birds.
At a glance
- Park: Murchison Falls National Park
- Boat trip: From Paraa to the base of the falls
- Hike: Short walk to the top
- Best time: Boat in the morning or afternoon
Boat Trip
The cruise lasts a few hours, with wildlife on both banks and a view of the falls at the end. Bring sun protection.
Hike to the Top
A short walk with steps and rocky sections leads to the top, where spray soaks the path. Wear shoes with grip. See boat cruises and shoebill tracking.
Sample Plan
Morning boat trip to the base of the falls, lunch, then the hike to the top in the afternoon or the next morning.
Practical Tips
Bring waterproof layers for spray, shoes with grip and sun protection. Keep cameras in dry bags. See Murchison Falls and boat cruises.
Best Time and Conditions
Boat trips are good morning or afternoon. The hike is best in cooler hours. Spray is heavy near the top, so bring a dry bag.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing slippery sandals.
- Leaving cameras exposed.
- Not drinking water.
- Assuming hike is flat.
Fees
The launch trip to the bottom of the falls is $30 (foreign non-residents), the hike to the top $15 and viewing the top of the falls $10, according to the UWA tariff.
About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.
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