Uganda's largest national park protects a chunk of untamed African savannah bisected by the mighty river Nile.

It is named for the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the world's longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. Wildlife populations have largely recovered from the poaching of the 1980s; in the lush borassus grassland to the north of the Nile, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a variety of antelope are regularly encountered on game drives, while lion are seen with increasing frequency.

In the southeast, Rabongo Forest is home to chimps and other rainforest creatures.

The Nile itself hosts one of Africa's densest hippo and crocodile populations, and a dazzling variety of waterbirds including the world's most accessible wild population of the rare shoebill stork.

SIZE:
3840 sq km

LOCATION:
In the northwest, approximately 90km from Masindi

(Uganda map)

GETTING THERE:
A long day's drive from Kampala, with a possible overnight break at Masindi. There is only public means of transport from Kampala to Masindi town.

WHAT TO DO:
Regular launch trips to the base of the falls offer fine game-viewing and birdwatching. Boat trips to the Lake Albert delta provide the best chance in Africa of sighting shoebills.
Chimp tracking at Rabongo Forest, and en route from Masindi in the Budongo Forest. Game drives on a good network of roads.

WHEN TO VISIT:
Any time of year.

WHERE TO STAY:
Two upmarket lodges and a luxury tented camp. Simple but comfortable chalets run by Red Chilli. Camping is permitted in designated locations