Top of the Falls at Murchison
At the top, the Victoria Nile is forced through a rock gorge about 8 m wide and then drops about 45 m. From above you see the river narrow, speed up and disappear over the edge. From the boat below you see the same water from the bottom. Many visitors do both, on different days or on the same day.
UWA charges for the viewpoint and the hike separately. A free view is not part of the offer, so do not assume the top is included with park entry. Combine it with a Murchison Falls boat cruise if you want to see the falls from both ends.
Our pick: a visit to the top of the falls
A short guided visit starting in Masindi, for anyone who mainly wants to stand at the top of the falls.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Murchison Falls tours with the falls
Boat trips, safaris and tours that include the falls, with live prices and availability.
Murchison Falls hike: how it works
Two ways to reach the top.
By boat and on foot
Some trips drop you at the Fajao Gorge, below the falls. You climb to the top on foot, and a vehicle collects you by prior arrangement. You can use your own vehicle or one the operator organises. The drop-off depends on the arrangement, so book the whole plan in advance.
By vehicle
You can also drive to the top, and operators run vehicle transfers there. You pay for the viewpoint, or for the hike if you walk the trail. The two are separate items in the tariff.
On the trail
Arrange the hike through the park or your boat operator, and ask about the current state of the path before you go. Wear closed shoes, take water and keep back from the edge.
Swimming and free climbing at the gorge are not part of any visitor offer. Do not enter the water, and stay with your guide. Plan the day around the weather, since heat and rain change the hike.
Fees for the top in 2026
Under the UWA tariff for July 2024 to December 2026. Park entry is charged separately.
| Activity | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viewing Top of the Falls | $10 | $10 | UGX 10,000 |
| Top of Falls Hike | $15 | $10 | UGX 10,000 |
Student groups pay less for the viewpoint: university groups UGX 5,000, secondary students UGX 2,000, and wildlife clubs and pupils enter free. This is the fee for the viewpoint, not for park entry. Check the current amount before you book, and ask whether a tour includes it. The park fees page shows the full tariff.
For most visitors who only want the view, the viewpoint at $10 is the simple choice. The hike suits people who want to walk the edge of the gorge.
Uhuru Falls: the second channel
North of the main fall.
What the Uhuru Falls are
The Uhuru Falls are a northern side channel of the main fall. The channel had been dry for a long time and carried water again after exceptionally heavy rain in 1962. Ask your guide whether you can see them from your viewpoint on the day, since the view depends on the water level and the spray.
Do not confuse the Murchison Falls with other Nile sites. The falls lie on the Victoria Nile, and the river runs on to Lake Albert. The source of the Nile and white-water rafting are around Jinja, covered by the Jinja guide. Karuma Falls are a different place, on the northern road. Read more about the history of the falls and about the nearby Lake Albert.
Top of the Falls: frequently asked questions
How high are the Murchison Falls?
The drop is about 43 to 45 m, through a gorge about 7 to 8 m wide. Treat the numbers as close estimates.
How much does the Top of the Falls cost?
The viewpoint costs $10 and the hike $15 for foreign non-residents. Park entry is separate. Check the current amount before you book.
Can I reach the top without the boat?
Yes. Vehicle transfers run to the top, and you can combine a visit with a safari. The boat route is only one option.
Can I swim at the falls?
No. Swimming is not part of any visitor offer, and the water at the falls is powerful. Stay with your guide and keep back from the edge.
What are the Uhuru Falls?
A northern side channel of the main fall that carried water again after heavy rain in 1962. Ask your guide whether you can see them on your visit.