Latest Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fee 2025/6
Murchison Falls National park entrance fee: Discover Murchison Falls National Park entrance fees for foreigners, residents, and East Africans. Updated 2025 park and activity charges by UWA.
Introduction
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and most popular safari destination, home to lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and the famous Nile waterfall.
Spanning over 3,840 square kilometers in the northwest of the country, this iconic protected area offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, dramatic landscapes, and thrilling activities like boat cruises along the Victoria Nile.
Before embarking on your adventure, it’s essential to understand the Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee and other Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) charges to help you plan your safari budget for 2025. These fees, set by UWA, support conservation efforts and ensure sustainable tourism in this biodiversity hotspot.
Whether you’re a foreign non-resident seeking a Big Five safari or an East African citizen exploring local gems, knowing the Murchison Falls park fees upfront avoids surprises at the gate. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the latest 2025 tariffs, including entry charges for foreigners, vehicle fees, activity costs, and tips for a seamless visit.
Updated as per UWA’s Conservation Tariff for July 2024 to June 2026, these rates reflect recent adjustments, such as the park’s “A Plus” category status, which positions Murchison Falls slightly higher than other Category A parks to fund infrastructure like the Paraa Bridge and anti-poaching initiatives.
With rising visitor numbers—over 100,000 annually—understanding Uganda national park entrance fees like these ensures your trip to Murchison Falls is both memorable and financially predictable. Let’s dive into the details.
Current Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees (2025)
The Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee is a per-person charge valid for 24 hours from the time of entry, allowing access to the park’s core areas. As one of Uganda’s premier attractions, Murchison Falls falls under UWA’s “A Plus” category, commanding slightly elevated rates compared to standard savanna parks like Queen Elizabeth.
This adjustment, effective from July 2024, aims to enhance conservation amid growing tourism pressures, including road improvements and wildlife monitoring.
Rates are quoted in USD for foreign visitors and Ugandan Shillings (UGX) for East Africans, with children (under 12) typically receiving a 50% discount on adult fares unless specified otherwise.
For clarity, here’s a breakdown of the Murchison Falls National Park charges:
|
Category |
Entrance Fee (Per Person, Per 24 Hours) |
|
Foreign Non-Residents (Adults) |
USD 45 |
|
Foreign Residents (Adults) |
USD 35 |
|
East African Citizens (Adults) |
UGX 25,000 |
|
Children (Foreigners, under 12) |
50% of adult rate |
|
Children (East Africans, under 12) |
UGX 10,000 |
These entrance fees to Murchison Falls National Park must be paid at entry points like Kichumbanyobo or Bugungu gates. Foreign non-residents—international tourists without Ugandan residency—pay the highest rate, reflecting UWA’s strategy to leverage high-value tourism for funding.
East African citizens benefit from subsidized fees to promote regional travel, aligning with the East African Community’s integration goals. Note that students and researchers may qualify for further reductions with valid documentation.
Always carry your passport for verification, as fees are non-refundable and tied to your entry timestamp. This structure ensures equitable access while channeling revenue back into habitat restoration and community projects around the park.
Vehicle and Aircraft Entry Fees
Beyond personal entry, bringing your own wheels adds excitement to your safari but incurs additional vehicle entrance fee Murchison Falls charges.
These are per-entry fees (valid for 24 hours) based on vehicle type, size, and registration status, designed to manage traffic and maintain roads in this vast park. Foreign-registered vehicles often face a premium to account for wear and tear on UWA infrastructure.
Here’s a structured overview of Murchison Falls park fees for vehicles and aircraft:
|
Vehicle Type |
Fee (UGX for Uganda-Registered / USD for Foreign-Registered) |
|
Saloon Car |
UGX 20,000 / USD 5 |
|
Minibus (up to 14 seats) |
UGX 30,000 / USD 10 |
|
4×4 Safari Vehicle |
UGX 30,000 / USD 10 |
|
Tour Company Bus (over 14 seats) |
UGX 50,000 / USD 20 |
|
Aircraft (per landing, up to 3 seater) |
USD 20 |
|
Parking (per day) |
UGX 10,000 |
For instance, a Uganda-registered 4×4—common for self-drive safaris—costs UGX 30,000, while foreign plates bump it to USD 10 to discourage overuse by tour operators. Aircraft fees apply to scenic flights landing at airstrips like Pakuba or Chobe, popular for fly-in safaris from Entebbe.
These Murchison Falls safari costs are payable alongside personal fees and help fund park maintenance, including the 71km electric fence installed in 2025 to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Pro tip: Pre-register your vehicle with UWA via their website or at the gate to avoid delays, especially during peak dry seasons (June–September) when game viewing peaks.
Murchison Falls National Park Activities and Their Fees
Murchison Falls isn’t just about entry—it’s a hub for immersive experiences that elevate your Uganda national park entrance fees investment. UWA mandates fees for guided activities to ensure safety and educational value, with recent 2024 updates making game drives compulsory for all visitors (self-guided or UWA-led) at a base rate.
Costs vary by category, with foreigners paying in USD and East Africans in UGX. Here’s a table of popular Murchison Falls activities and fees:
|
Activity |
Cost (Foreign Non-Resident) |
Cost (East African Citizen) |
|
Game Drive (with guide, per vehicle, half-day) |
USD 20 |
UGX 30,000 |
|
Boat Cruise to the Falls (2 hours) |
USD 30 |
UGX 30,000 |
|
Top of the Falls Hike |
USD 15 |
UGX 10,000 |
|
Night Game Drive (with ranger, per person) |
USD 40 |
UGX 50,000 |
|
Birdwatching (guided walk) |
USD 30 |
UGX 30,000 |
|
Chimpanzee Tracking (Budongo Forest) |
USD 120 |
UGX 85,000 |
The boat cruise cost on the Nile is a standout, offering close encounters with hippos, crocs, and birds for just USD 30—often cited as the park’s top activity in traveler reviews. Game drive charges in Murchison Falls now include a mandatory USD 20 vehicle fee (equivalent to three persons minimum), ensuring ranger accompaniment for spotting tree-climbing lions or leopards.
For Murchison Falls entry fees for foreigners, bundle these into multi-day packages to maximize value. Budongo Forest, an extension of the park, adds primate magic with chimp permits at USD 120, bookable in advance via UWA. These fees fund ranger patrols and habitat protection, making your adventure contribute to Uganda’s wildlife legacy.
Payment and Validity Details
UWA streamlines payments for how to pay Murchison Falls National Park entrance fees, accepting Visa, MasterCard, and mobile money (e.g., MTN MoMo) at all major gates: Kichumbanyobo (southern access from Kampala), Bugungu (northern Nile entry), Mubako, and Tangi.
Cash is discouraged for security, though small UGX amounts may be handled at remote points—always exchange USD to UGX en route.
Tickets are digital or paper-stamped, valid strictly for 24 hours; overstays incur double fees. Pre-purchase online via ugandawildlife.org for groups, saving time during high season.
This efficient system reflects UWA’s digital push in 2025, reducing gate queues for smoother Uganda Wildlife Authority park entrance fees experiences.
Discounts and Annual Passes
Frequent explorers rejoice: UWA offers annual passes for Uganda national parks, ideal for residents or multi-park itineraries.
East African citizens snag an Individual Pass for UGX 150,000 (valid across all parks), Couples at UGX 200,000, Family (up to 5) at UGX 300,000, and Corporate (10 cards) at UGX 2,500,000—unchanged from prior tariffs for accessibility.
Foreign residents (with valid work permits) qualify similarly, while tourists can opt for a Multiple Park Pass (e.g., 4-park bundle at discounted rates). These waivers apply only to entry fees, not activities, and are purchasable at UWA HQ in Kampala.
Discounts for students (50% off with ID) and wildlife clubs (free top-of-falls viewing) further sweeten deals, promoting education and loyalty.
Accommodation Options Inside the Park
Stay immersed with lodges near key gates. Luxury seekers love Paraa Safari Lodge (riverside views, USD 300+/night), while mid-range picks like Pakuba Safari Lodge (USD 150–250) offer game-view balconies. Budget at Red Chilli Rest Camp (UGX 50,000 tents) or Murchison River Lodge (USD 100 cabins). UWA campsites run UGX 40,000/person. Internal link:
See our 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari Package for bundled stays.
Why Visit Murchison Falls National Park
Embark on a Murchison Falls wildlife safari to tick off Uganda’s Big Five, minus rhinos (visit Ziwa en route). The boat cruise on River Nile reveals hippo pods and crocs, while the top of the Falls hike stuns with 43-meter plunges.
Spot 450 bird species in the Victoria Nile delta birding hotspot, or track chimps in Budongo—pure Big Five safari Uganda magic.
How to Get There
Reaching Murchison is straightforward for how to get to Murchison Falls National Park. By road: 305 km north from Kampala (4–5 hours via Masindi, UGX 50,000 fuel). By air: Domestic flights from Entebbe to Pakuba Airstrip (USD 150, 1 hour). Chartered options suit luxury travelers.
FAQs
What is the Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee for foreigners? USD 45 for non-residents, USD 35 for residents (24 hours).
How much does it cost to enter Murchison Falls National Park in 2025? See the table above; rates hold through 2026.
Do East African citizens pay less for park entry? Yes, UGX 25,000 vs. USD rates.
Can I pay the park fee using a card? Yes, Visa/MasterCard or mobile money.
Is the park entrance fee included in safari packages? Often yes—check with operators like Car Hire Uganda.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a full wildlife safari, understanding the Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee helps you plan your adventure better.
With Murchison Falls safari costs totaling USD 100–200/day including activities, it’s a steal for the experiences.
Factor in Uganda park entry fees across itineraries for multi-park trips. Contact Car Hire Uganda or Go Silverback Safaris to book your safari vehicle, park permits, and accommodation at the best prices. Ready to roar?