How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park on a Self-Drive Safari

How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park on a Self-Drive Safari: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest safari destination, is a must-visit for travelers seeking breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and the thunderous power of the Nile. Reaching the park on a self-drive safari is both exciting and rewarding. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop for photos, and experience Uganda’s countryside in its raw beauty.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Murchison Falls National Park on a self-drive — including routes, park gates, travel times, and road trip tips.

Where Murchison Falls National Park Is Located

Murchison Falls National Park lies in northwestern Uganda, about 305 kilometers (190 miles) from Kampala, the capital city. The park spreads across four districts — Masindi, Kiryandongo, Buliisa, and Nwoya — covering over 3,800 square kilometers.

It’s accessible via several main routes depending on your direction of travel and your starting point.

Main Routes to Murchison Falls National Park

Kampala – Masindi – Kichumbanyobo Gate (Southern Route)

This is the most direct and commonly used route. From Kampala, take the highway through Luweero and Kafu River Bridge to Masindi Town, then follow the signs toward Kichumbanyobo Gate. This southern route passes through the Budongo Forest Reserve, offering scenic views and a chance to spot colobus monkeys and forest birds. It’s the best route for travelers heading to Paara, the park’s central area where most lodges are located.

Distance: Approximately 305 km
Driving Time: 5–6 hours
Road Condition: Mostly tarmac with some gravel sections inside the park

Ideal For:
Travelers staying at lodges near Paara, Red Chilli Rest Camp, or Pakuba Safari Lodge.

Kampala – Hoima – Biiso – Buliisa (Western Route)

This route is slightly longer but scenic, passing through Hoima — the heart of Uganda’s oil region — and onto Buliisa near Lake Albert. It offers beautiful views of the Albertine Rift Valley and leads to the Wankwar or Bugungu Gates on the park’s western side.

Distance: About 340 km
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
Road Condition: Good tarmac up to Hoima; gravel thereafter but manageable for 4x4s

Ideal For:
Travelers coming from Fort Portal, Kibale, or Lake Albert region, or those who prefer scenic landscapes.

Gulu–Purongo–Tangi Gate (Northern Route)

For travelers coming from northern Uganda or Kidepo Valley National Park, this route connects easily to Murchison Falls. From Gulu, drive south through Purongo Town, then turn west toward the Tangi Gate near Paara.

It’s the best route for travelers connecting from northern circuits or those exploring Uganda’s northern wilderness.

Distance: About 115 km from Gulu to Tangi Gate
Driving Time: 2–3 hours
Road Condition: Mostly tarmac; well-maintained gravel near the gate

Ideal For:
Travelers combining Murchison Falls with northern Uganda safaris.

Park Entry Gates

Murchison Falls National Park has several entry gates, each suitable depending on your route:

Kichumbanyobo Gate – From Masindi (southern entry)
Bugungu Gate – From Hoima (western entry)
Wankwar Gate – From Purongo or Gulu (northern entry)
Tangi Gate – Near Paara Bridge, used by travelers from Gulu
Chobe Gate – Eastern side, ideal for travelers from Karuma

Each gate opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Driving Tips for a Self-Drive Safari

Use a Reliable 4×4 Vehicle

A 4×4 Land Cruiser or RAV4 is essential, especially during the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November). It ensures stability on gravel or muddy roads.

Start Early

Leave Kampala early to avoid city traffic and arrive at the park before evening. This gives you enough daylight to enjoy the scenic drive and check into your lodge on time.

Follow Road Signs & Park Rules

Murchison Falls has well-marked routes. Once inside the park, stick to designated roads, maintain low speeds, and never drive off-track.

Carry Enough Fuel & Supplies

Refuel in Masindi, Hoima, or Kigumba, as there are limited fuel stations near the park. Pack snacks, water, and essential tools for the road.

Expect Wildlife Along the Roads

Animals often cross the park’s internal roads — elephants, warthogs, or even giraffes — so drive slowly and enjoy the sightings safely.

Check Ferry Crossing Times (If Using Paara Ferry)

If you plan to cross the Nile River at Paara, note that the ferry operates daily between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Confirm times at the gate or with park authorities before arrival.

Best Time for a Self-Drive to Murchison Falls

The best time to drive to Murchison Falls is during the dry seasons — June to September and December to February. Roads remain firm, visibility is clear, and wildlife congregates around the riverbanks.

During the rainy months (March–May and October–November), the park is lush and scenic but some routes may become slippery. If traveling then, ensure your vehicle has good tires and 4×4 capacity.

Attractions You will See on the Way

A self-drive to Murchison Falls is full of highlights even before you reach the park:

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – stop near Nakitoma to track white rhinos on foot.
Budongo Forest Reserve – ideal for chimpanzee tracking or birdwatching.
Masindi Town – great for refueling and local snacks.

These stops make the journey as rewarding as the destination itself.

Conclusion

Driving to Murchison Falls National Park on a self-drive safari offers a true taste of adventure and freedom. The open road, scenic countryside, and flexibility to stop where you please make it one of Uganda’s most rewarding road trips. With good planning, a reliable 4×4, and the right route, your drive to Murchison Falls becomes more than just a transfer it becomes part of the safari experience itself.