Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest reserve at 3,840 square kilometers, sits in the northwest, where the Victoria Nile plunges through its namesake falls. Straddling Masindi, Kiryandongo, Buliisa, and Nwoya districts, this wildlife haven is accessible by road or air from Kampala, Entebbe, or Fort Portal. Here’s how to reach its heart at Paraa.
By Road from Kampala or Entebbe
From Kampala or Entebbe, 305 kilometers (190 miles) away, the drive to Paraa takes 4–6 hours via the Kampala-Masindi-Paraa route. The journey follows a paved highway through Luweero and Masindi, with the final 85 kilometers on a murram (gravel) road past tea estates and villages. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially in rainy seasons (March–May, September–November) when tracks get muddy. Public buses from Kampala to Masindi connect to private taxis or lodge transfers for the last leg. A southern route via Fort Portal (6–7 hours, 400 kilometers) offers a scenic detour through Kibale.
By Air
For speed, fly from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to one of three airstrips: Pakuba (10 kilometers from Paraa), Chobe (near northern lodges), or Bugungu (near southern gates). Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation run scheduled flights (1–1.5 hours, one way), departing Entebbe at 7:00 AM or 12:45 PM. From Pakuba, a 30–60-minute 4×4 transfer reaches Paraa or key lodges. Charters from Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala offer flexibility. Book early, especially for dry seasons.
Travel Tips
Dry seasons (June to August, December to February) ensure smoother roads and airstrip access, though travel is viable year-round. Fuel up in Kampala or Masindi stations near the park are limited. The Paraa ferry crosses the Nile to northern game drive areas.