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Uganda

Masindi

Western Uganda, gateway to Murchison Falls · Year-round; timing depends on destination, activity and weather.

A historic western Uganda town and the traditional northern gateway to Murchison Falls National Park, with roots as one of the country's oldest established settlements. Masindi sits close to Budongo Forest, known for chimpanzee tracking and exceptional birding along its Royal Mile.

Why visit Masindi

A historic western Uganda town and the traditional northern gateway to Murchison Falls National Park, with roots as one of the country’s oldest established settlements. Masindi sits close to Budongo Forest, known for chimpanzee tracking and exceptional birding along its Royal Mile. Offmap Safaris can build this destination into a private Uganda safari around the traveller’s interests and pace.

Things to do

Murchison Falls Gateway, Chimpanzee Tracking, Bird Watching, City Tours.

Travel planning

Access, permits, accommodation and activity availability can vary. Confirm current arrangements before travel and follow applicable conservation, safety and community guidance.

Best for

This destination can be combined with other Uganda tourist sites to create a multi-stop safari.

Experience this place

What you can do here

Explore the experiences available around this destination and open each one for its own detailed guide.

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01Bird Watching5 Countries · 86 Sites · 14 Safaris02Chimpanzee Tracking3 Countries · 13 Sites · 3 Safaris03City Tours5 Countries · 24 Sites · 4 Safaris04Murchison Falls Gateway1 Country · 1 Site · 0 Safaris

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Need to know?

Questions about Masindi

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Why is Masindi important for a Murchison Falls safari?

Masindi is the last substantial town before entering Murchison Falls National Park from the south, and many itineraries include an overnight stop here before continuing into the park.

What is Masindi's colonial history?

Masindi is one of Uganda’s oldest towns with sustained European contact, visited by explorers Samuel and Florence Baker in the early 1870s, and later home to a White Fathers mission established in the 1910s.

Did Masindi have a role in the Second World War?

Yes, Masindi hosted the second-largest camp for Polish refugees in East Africa during the Second World War, housing more than 3,600 people who had escaped Soviet-occupied Poland.

How far is Masindi from Kampala?

Masindi is about 211 km northwest of Kampala, roughly four to five hours by road, on the main route to Murchison Falls National Park.

What is Masindi's population?

Masindi has a population of about 97,781 at the 2024 census, and sits at an elevation of 1,227 metres in Uganda’s Bunyoro sub-region.