Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fee & Activity Fee 2025
Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fee: Murchison Falls National Park, the largest national park in Uganda renowned for its spectacular Murchison Falls, the most powerful waterfall in the world, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and wildlife. Because of its incredible biodiversity, this park offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience including exciting game drives, birdwatching, nature walks, boat safaris, hikes to Murchison Falls, hot air balloon safaris, and chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest ensuring unforgettable African wildlife experience.
To access the park and enjoy these exciting adventures, a small fee set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority must be paid, based on your age and residency. When planning your visit to this spectacular park, it’s essential to understand these fees and what they cover. This comprehensive guide provides all the key details about the park’s entrance fees, activities, and important information to consider before booking your trip.
If you’re planning a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, it’s important to understand the entrance fees and what’s included in them. This guide provides all the essential information about the park’s entrance fees, activities, and what you need to know before booking your trip.
Murchison Falls National Park Overview
Before we delve into the Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee, it is important that you first understand some of the major details about this stunning destination found in Uganda. Murchison Falls National Park is situated in the northwestern regions of Uganda, approximately 305 kilometers from Kampala, a distance covered i about four to five hours by road.
This vast savannah park, part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, spans the districts of Buliisa, Kiryangongo, Masindi, and Nwoya, occupying an area of 3,893 square kilometers.
This area features a diverse of habitats ranging from open savannah grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, lakes, and rivers making it an ideal home for a variety of wildlife species including the Big Five of Uganda — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. This park is home to over 450 bird species making it a prime destination for birding in Uganda.
The park holds the strongest waterfall in the world, the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile dramatically plunges through a narrow gorge offering visitors a unique wildlife experience.
Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fee Breakdown
The Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and are used to support wildlife conservation programs in the park, maintain its infrastructures, and pay rangers working in the park.
This fee varies depending on the age and residency of the guests — foreign non-residents, foreign residents, nationals, or East African citizens. It again varies depending on the type of your visit, day or multiple data entry, and the activities you are planning to engage in.
Here is a breakdown of the Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees:
Visitor Category | Day Entry Fee (USD/UGX) | Annual Entry Fee (USD/UGX) |
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Foreign Non-Residents | $40 (Adults) / $20 (Children) | N/A |
Foreign Residents | $30 (Adults) / $10 (Children) | $350 |
East African Citizens | UGX 20,000 (Adults) / UGX 5,000 (Children) | UGX 150,000 |
Ugandan Residents | UGX 20,000 (Adults) / UGX 5,000 (Children) | N/A |
1. Foreign Non-Residents
According to the above table, you will that the park charges a high fee for international guests who come from out of East Africa compared to the national and East African Citizens. For day entry, adults are required to pay USD 40 and children USD 20. Children who are 5 years old and below are allowed free entry.
You can book your ticket through a licensed tour operator, the Uganda Wildlife Authority website, or directly at the park’s main entry point. We advise you to book your ticket in advance if planning to travel during the peak seasons.
2. Foreign Residents
Foreign residents are those individuals residing in East Africa but holding non-East African passports. These are offered a discounted rate reducing their fee from USD 40 to USD 30 for adults and children from USD 20 to USD 10.
3. East African Citizens
East African citizens are those reading in countries that are members of the East African community — Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. These are the most affordable tickets with adults paying UGX 20,000 and children, UGX 5,000.
Additional Activities and their Fees in Murchison Falls National Park
Apart from the Murchison Falls Park Entrance Fees, there are additional charges for specific activities offered by the park. These activities are priced differently not only depending on the residency of the visitor but also according to the experience they offer. Murchison Falls National Park activities include game drives, bird watching, boat safaris, hot air balloon safaris, nature walks, and hikes to the Murchison Falls.
1. Game Drives
Game drives are among the most popular activities in Murchison Falls National Park, topping the to-do lists of many tourists visiting this remarkable destination. They provide an exceptional opportunity to explore the park’s diverse habitats, which are rich in wildlife.
The game drive fee includes the services of an experienced and knowledgeable park ranger. The fee may vary depending on the time of the drive, whether you choose a day or night game drive. It also varies based on the visitor’s category and the type of vehicle being used.
Game Drive Type | Fee (UGX) |
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Day Game Drive (per vehicle) | $20–$30 per person (Foreign Non-Residents) / $15–$25 per person (Foreign Residents) / 20,000–30,000 UGX per person (East African Citizens) |
Night Game Drive (per vehicle) | $30 per person (Foreign Non-Residents) / $20–$35 per person(Foreign Residents) /50,000–40,000 UGX per person (East African Citizens) |
Please note that using your private vehicle is cheaper than using the UWA vehicle for game drives in Murchison Falls National Park.
2. Boat Safari
The boat safari on the Victoria Nile is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to view wildlife, especially the hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife along the river. The boat ride takes visitors to the base of Murchison Falls, where they can enjoy the breathtaking views of the waterfall.
Boat Safari Type | Fee (UGX) |
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Launch Cruise (per person) | $30 per person (Foreign Non-Residents) / $25 per person (Foreign Residents) / UGX 30,000 per person (East African Citizens) /UGX 15,000 per person ( School children in a group) |
Delta Cruise (per person) | A Nile Delta boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda costs between USD 30 and USD 56 depending on the type of cruise and the visitor category |
Please note that the boat safari fee does not include refreshments, all drinks are available at a fee and some cruises may provide their guests with a cup of tea or coffee.
3. Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest
Murchison Falls National Park is also home to chimpanzees in the nearby Budongo Forest. Chimpanzee trekking is a unique experience where you can hike through the forest in search of these fascinating primates.
Chimpanzee Trekking Fee | Fee (UGX) |
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Foreign Non-Residents | USD 130 |
Foreign Residents | USD 120 |
East African Citizens | USD 85 |
4. Cultural Visits
Visitors interested in learning about the culture of the local communities around Murchison Falls can take part in cultural tours. These tours include visits to the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom and meetings with local tribes like the Batoro and Bagungu.
Cultural Visit Fee | Fee (UGX) |
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Local Community Visits (per person) | 20,000 (Foreign Non-Residents) / 10,000 (Foreign Residents) / 5,000 (East African Citizens) |
Hiking to the top of the falls costs USD 15 per person.
Other Important Information About Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees
- Validity Period: The entrance fees are generally valid for a single day, but visitors wishing to stay longer will need to pay for additional days.
- Conservation Fees: A portion of the entrance fees is used to fund conservation efforts, such as anti-poaching patrols, park maintenance, and wildlife management.
- Payment Methods: Entrance fees can be paid at the park entrance gate using cash (Ugandan Shillings or US Dollars) or credit card, though it’s best to have cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases.
- Vehicle entry is charged based on the type, size, and time of exploration.
- Aircraft parking is charged uniformly for all airstrips.
Tips for Visiting Murchison Falls National Park
- Book in advance: Murchison Falls National Park can get crowded during peak seasons (June to September and December to February), so it’s recommended to book your entrance fees and activities in advance.
- Visit the park early: Mornings are the best time for game drives and birdwatching, as animals are more active during cooler hours.
- Respect park rules: To protect wildlife, follow all park rules and listen to your guides, especially during chimpanzee trekking or boat safaris.
- Stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing: Murchison Falls can get hot, so wear light clothing, a hat, and carry water to stay comfortable during your visits.
Murchison Falls National Park is undoubtedly one of Uganda’s most incredible destinations for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Understanding the entrance fees and various costs associated with the park will help you plan your visit accordingly. Whether you are embarking on game drives, enjoying a boat safari, or exploring the chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, Murchison