How Much Is the Entrance Fee at Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park is one of Uganda‘s most iconic and breathtaking safari destinations. Located in the northwestern region of Uganda, this park is known for its dramatic landscape, diverse wildlife, and the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile River cascades through a narrow gorge with immense force. As one of the largest national parks in Uganda, Murchison Falls attracts thousands of tourists each year who come to experience its beauty and unique wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and a wide range of bird species.

For travelers planning a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, understanding the entrance fees is essential to budget your safari experience effectively. Entrance fees are crucial for securing access to the park, and they vary depending on the type of traveler, the activities you plan to participate in, and whether you are a foreign resident or a local visitor. Additionally, these fees contribute to the park’s conservation efforts, ensuring that the diverse wildlife and lush ecosystems are protected for future generations.

In this article, we will explore how much the entrance fees are at Murchison Falls National Park, break down the different fee categories, and provide useful information on additional costs that may come up during your visit. We will also offer insights into some of the must-do activities in the park, and discuss the broader experience of Uganda Safaris that includes visiting this incredible destination.

Entrance Fees at Murchison Falls National Park: A Breakdown

Standard Entrance Fees for Foreign Tourists

When planning your visit to Murchison Falls National Park, the first thing you’ll need to consider is the entrance fee. The cost for foreign tourists is typically higher than that for residents, but the experience and adventure you’ll gain are well worth it. As of the most recent update, the standard entrance fees for foreign visitors are:

• Foreign non-resident adults: $40 USD per person per day
• Foreign non-resident children (aged 5-15 years): $20 USD per child per day
• Foreign residents: $20 USD per adult per day, and $10 USD per child per day.

These entrance fees are for accessing the park, which allows visitors to explore the various attractions within its boundaries, including the famous Murchison Falls themselves, the game-rich savannah plains, and the Nile River. These fees are also applicable if you plan on doing a game drive, visiting the top of Murchison Falls, or participating in other activities such as boat cruises along the Nile.

Uganda Residents and East African Citizens Entrance Fees

For residents of Uganda and citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries, the entrance fees are considerably lower compared to those for foreign nationals. This reflects the effort to encourage local tourism and make it more accessible to East Africans. The fee for residents is:

• Ugandan residents: 20,000 UGX (Uganda Shillings) per adult per day
• Ugandan residents (children): 10,000 UGX per child per day
• EAC citizens: 30,000 UGX per adult per day and 15,000 UGX per child per day.

These fees make Murchison Falls National Park an affordable safari destination for locals and residents of neighboring countries. This pricing structure allows a broader range of people to experience the beauty and wildlife of the park while supporting the local economy.

Additional Costs: Activities, Safaris, and More

Safari Game Drives and Private Gorilla Trekking Options

One of the highlights of a visit to Murchison Falls National Park is the game drive. The park offers excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses. While the entrance fee covers the general access to the park, game drives often come at an additional cost. If you opt for a private safari experience, the cost will be higher, but it provides the benefit of more personalized attention and flexibility in terms of the itinerary.

• Game drive cost (shared): $30 to $50 USD per person for a half-day game drive
• Private game drive cost: $150 to $250 USD per vehicle, depending on the duration and the vehicle type.

Additionally, many visitors combine their trip to Murchison Falls with Uganda Gorilla Trekking in nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This combination allows travelers to experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife in both the savannah and forested environments. The cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda is separate from the park entrance fees. Currently, the cost for a Uganda Gorilla Trekking permit is $800 USD per person for foreign visitors.

Boat Cruise Along the Nile River

Another popular activity at Murchison Falls National Park is the boat cruise along the Nile River, which gives visitors a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife and scenic beauty. A boat cruise allows you to see the animals along the riverbanks, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

• Boat cruise cost: $30 to $60 USD per person, depending on the type of cruise (a standard or a private charter).

The boat ride also takes you close to the Murchison Falls, offering an awe-inspiring view of the water cascading through the narrow gorge. This activity is a must-do for any traveler visiting the park, and the added cost is well worth the experience.

Cultural Experiences and Additional Costs

Cultural Tours and Visits to Local Villages

While Murchison Falls National Park is primarily known for its wildlife, there are also opportunities to explore Uganda’s rich cultural heritage. Many safari operators offer cultural experiences that take you to local villages near the park, where you can interact with local communities, learn about their traditions, and witness firsthand how they live in harmony with the surrounding environment.

• Cultural tour cost: $30 to $50 USD per person.

These tours typically include visits to villages where you can experience local dances, music, and traditional ceremonies, or even participate in daily activities such as cooking, farming, and weaving.

The Cost for Rwanda Gorilla Permit and Combining Rwanda Safari with Uganda Tour

If you’re looking to extend your safari to Rwanda, a Rwanda safari is an excellent complement to your Uganda visit. Combining Rwanda Gorilla Trekking with a safari experience at Murchison Falls allows you to explore two of East Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations. The cost for a Rwanda gorilla permit is higher compared to Uganda, currently standing at $1,500 USD per person.

However, a private gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers an opportunity to track the famous mountain gorillas in the serene and lush environment of the Virunga Mountains. Combining Uganda gorilla trekking with a Rwanda safari provides a rich blend of culture, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. A multi-country safari such as this is ideal for those seeking a more diverse and comprehensive African safari experience.

Budget Gorilla Safaris: Affordable Options for Murchison Falls and Beyond

For budget-conscious travelers, budget gorilla safaris are a fantastic option. These tours often combine Murchison Falls National Park with other iconic destinations in Uganda, like Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, or Queen Elizabeth National Park for game viewing. By traveling in groups or booking with a budget-friendly operator, you can enjoy the wonders of Murchison Falls at a fraction of the cost.

The Ultimate Safari Experience: Combining Murchison Falls with Other Iconic Destinations

A visit to Murchison Falls National Park is often part of a larger Uganda safari that includes stops at other national parks and game reserves. After experiencing the beauty and wildlife of Murchison Falls, consider visiting other renowned spots such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, and Lake Mburo National Park. These parks provide diverse landscapes and offer the chance to track chimpanzees, see large herds of buffalo, or spot leopards and other big cats.

Murchison Falls can also be paired with a Trek Gorilla Safari, combining the game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls with the unique and life-changing experience of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild.

Conclusion: Planning Your Murchison Falls National Park Adventure

Understanding the entrance fees at Murchison Falls National Park is crucial for planning your safari adventure. Whether you’re a foreign tourist, a local resident, or a citizen of East Africa, there are different fee structures designed to make the park accessible to a wide range of travelers. While the fees for entrance vary, the opportunities for wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and adventure activities make Murchison Falls one of Uganda’s top destinations.

By combining your visit to Murchison Falls with other Ugandan highlights like Uganda Gorilla Trekking or even a Rwanda safari, you can create a memorable and diverse safari itinerary that will leave you with lasting memories of Africa’s majestic landscapes and wildlife. With budget gorilla safaris and other affordable options available, there’s no better time than the 2026 high season to book your trip to Murchison Falls National Park and explore Uganda’s breathtaking natural beauty.