Where to See Elephants in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, known for its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Among the most iconic animals found in the park are the African elephants—majestic creatures that roam freely across its savannahs, forests, and riverbanks. If you’re hoping to witness elephants in their natural habitat, this guide highlights the best places and times to see them within the park.
1. Northern Sector (Para and Pakuba Area)
The northern sector of Murchison Falls, especially around Paraa and the Pakuba plains, is one of the most reliable places to spot elephants. This region features open savannah grasslands interspersed with acacia trees, providing an ideal environment for elephant herds to forage.
Elephants here are often seen in the early mornings and late afternoons, when they move between grazing areas and water sources. Large family groups, as well as solitary bulls, are commonly encountered on game drives in this area.
2. Along the Victoria Nile
The stretch of the Victoria Nile that flows through the park is another prime location for elephant sightings. Elephants are frequently seen near the riverbanks, especially during the dry season, when water sources become limited elsewhere in the park.
A boat cruise along the Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls offers a unique perspective to observe elephants as they drink, bathe, or cross the river. Watching these massive animals from the water is both thrilling and peaceful.
3. Nyamsika Cliffs
The Nyamsika Cliffs area, located near the delta point where the Nile flows into Lake Albert, is another hotspot for elephants. This region is rich in wildlife, and elephants are attracted by the water and fresh vegetation. Herds often descend from higher ground to the lowlands to drink and cool off.
This area is also excellent for viewing a wide variety of animals in the same location, offering a scenic and rewarding safari experience.
4. Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi Forests
For a more intimate and forested setting, the Rabongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi section (in the southern part of the park) provide a different type of elephant encounter. Though sightings here are less frequent than in the savannah, the forest elephants tend to be shy and elusive, making each encounter more special.
These areas are also known for chimpanzee tracking and birdwatching, so spotting elephants here is a bonus during nature walks and guided treks.
5. Best Time to See Elephants
The dry seasons—typically from December to February and June to August—are the best times to see elephants in Murchison Falls National Park. During these months, elephants gather near water sources, making them easier to locate and observe.
In the wetter months, elephants tend to disperse into thicker vegetation, making them harder to spot, though still present.