The Victoria Nile divides the park, plunging 45m above the rift valley wall. This creates the Murchison Falls, the focal point of the park, and the last event in the 80km of rapids. The cascade takes out the last river energy and transforms it into a calm stream that flows peacefully across the rift valley floor to Lake Albert. This river is home to one of Uganda's most spectacular wildlife spectacles. The riverbanks are home to elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. However, permanent residents include hippos, Nile Crocodiles, and aquatic bird species.

Murchison Falls is notably blessed with over 144 mammals,556 Bird species,51 reptiles and 51 Amphibians.With a great number of African elephants Murchison falls is impressive all year round.Aerial survey noted over 900 individuals and 1,330 and is at an increase.Historically Giraffes exclusively inhabit the northern sector of the park.Buffalo populations have spiked to over 10,000 while Uganda kobs have leaped to more than 35,000.

The bird list includes the shoebill, which is the most common bird along the river stretch near the Albert delta, and other profuse bird species that occupy the park.