Nile Delta Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

The Nile Delta boat cruise is one of the highlights of a visit to Murchison Falls National Park. After Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls is Uganda’s most popular and diverse savannah safari destination. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing on game drives, with chances to see Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, and lions hunting the plentiful antelope on the plains.

The Nile River flows from Lake Kyoga into Lake Albert, splitting Murchison Falls National Park into northern and southern sections. This river attracts large numbers of animals to its banks. One of the best ways to see wildlife is by taking a boat cruise along the Nile.

There are two main boat trips in the park. The first goes from the Paraa jetty to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. From there, visitors can hike to the top of the falls via Baker’s Rock and Fajao Gorge. The second boat cruise travels from Paraa downstream to the Nile Delta, where the river meets Lake Albert. Both cruises offer excellent opportunities to view wildlife along the riverbanks.

About the Nile Delta Boat Cruise

The Nile Delta is located about 20 kilometers downstream from the Paraa jetty. It is an important habitat for aquatic bird species, including the rare shoebill stork—a major attraction on the cruise. The Nile Delta boat cruise lasts 4 to 5 hours, passing through the scenic Buligi area on the way to the Lake Albert Delta Point. Along the way, travelers may spot elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and other animals near the river.

This cruise offers a peaceful journey on the slow-moving Victoria Nile. The river winds through papyrus swamps and wetlands, where the shoebill and other bird species can be seen hunting. The shoebill, known for its large head and prehistoric appearance, is a top highlight for birdwatchers. Sunset cruises are also popular for their relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views.

The Victoria Nile becomes the Albert Nile as it flows into Lake Albert and then continues north into South Sudan. While in the delta, you may see hippos, crocodiles, and large mammals before returning to the Paraa jetty.

The Nile Delta boat cruise departs daily from the Paraa jetty on the south bank at 7:00 am. Wild Frontiers operates the trip, and a minimum of four people is required for the 3:00 pm sundowner cruise, which includes refreshments.

Other Boat Cruises in Murchison Falls National Park

Boat Cruise to the Base of Murchison Falls

This is the park’s most popular boat activity. The cruise starts at the Paraa jetty and travels upstream on the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, travelers can view hippos, crocodiles, and many birds and mammals along the riverbanks.

At the base of the falls, visitors may hike up to see the powerful waterfall from above. Here, the Nile forces about 300 cubic meters of water per second through a narrow gorge only 7 meters wide, creating dramatic sprays and rainbows. The round-trip cruise usually takes 2–3 hours and is available between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Private breakfast or sundowner cruises can also be arranged.

Cost of the Nile Delta Boat Cruise

Nile Delta boat cruise: USD 56 per person
Sundowner boat cruise: USD 45 per person

Best Time for a Nile Delta Boat Cruise

The Nile Delta boat cruise is available year-round. However, the best time to go is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to October. During these months, animals gather around the river to drink, and the chances of seeing wildlife are higher.

About Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park, covering 3,840 square kilometers. It is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge into the “Devil’s Cauldron.” This natural wonder was named in 1864 by explorer Samuel Baker.

Located about a 4-hour drive from Kampala, the park is rich in biodiversity. It features savannah, forest, riverine woodland, acacia trees, and Borassus palms. The park sits at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, offering sweeping views of the Victoria Nile and Lake Albert. The launch cruise on the Nile is a popular way to experience the park’s beauty, much like in the classic film “The African Queen.”

Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park

Mammals

The park is home to 76 mammal species, including four of the Big Five (excluding rhinos, which can be seen at the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary). Common animals include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, oribis, warthogs, and hartebeests. Lions and leopards are often seen on early morning game drives.

Primates

In the southern sector, especially in Budongo Forest’s Kaniyo Pabidi area, you can find chimpanzees, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Chimpanzee trekking and guided nature walks are available.

Birds

Murchison Falls National Park has over 450 bird species, including residents and migrants. The variety of habitats—rivers, wetlands, savannahs, and forests—makes birdwatching popular. Notable species include the shoebill, papyrus gonolek, goliath heron, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and red-throated bee-eater.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Viewing the Top of the Falls

A visit to the top of Murchison Falls offers stunning views. Here, the Nile crashes through a narrow cleft and drops 42 meters below, creating a mist and rainbows. There is a trail leading down to the river and the smaller Uhuru Falls nearby. “Crocodile Bar,” located at the base of the falls, is known for large crocodile sightings.

Game Drives

Game drives are the best way to see wildlife in the park. A guided drive with a ranger enhances the experience. Expect to see lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, warthogs, hippos, and more. Night game drives, lasting about two hours, increase your chances of spotting nocturnal predators like hyenas and serval cats.

Sport Fishing

Fishing is offered along the Nile, especially below the falls. You can catch Nile perch, catfish, and tiger fish. Fishing is done using lures, worms, or termites, either from the shore or from a boat.

Bird Watching

Bird watching can be done on foot or by vehicle. The park offers great birding opportunities in its savannah, wetlands, and along the Nile. Guides help spot species in the early morning or late afternoon.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Budongo Forest is home to about 820 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking begins at 8:00 am and lasts until around 2:00 pm. The forest also hosts over 460 plant and animal species.

Cultural Tours

Murchison Falls is surrounded by local communities like the Bunyoro, Acholi, and Alur. Cultural visits include traditional music and dance, handicraft demonstrations, and storytelling about local customs and history.

Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation ranges from luxury to budget options. Lodges and camps include:

Paraa Safari Lodge
Pakuba Safari Lodge
Nile Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge
Murchison Safari Lodge
Red Chilli Rest Camp
Parkside Safari Lodge
Yebo Safari Camp
Sambiya River Lodge
Shoebill Campsite (Geolodges)

How to Get to Murchison Falls National Park

By Road

Murchison Falls is about 4 to 5 hours by car from Kampala. Roads are paved until you reach the park’s access points, where dirt roads begin. Travelers may drive or book a safari with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.

By Air

Flights to the park are available through Aerolink and Bar Aviation. These depart from Entebbe or Kajjansi and land at Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu airstrips. Flights typically leave Entebbe at 12:05 pm and return from the park at 1:20 pm.