
Why Is It Called Murchison Falls?
May 1, 2025
Red Chilli Rest Camp
May 1, 2025Are There Entrance Fees for Murchison Falls National Park?
Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Absolutely—and understanding these fees is key to planning your dream adventure in Uganda. At Renai Safaris, we offer immersive and affordable safari experiences, helping you navigate park fees and plan the perfect Murchison Falls Tours. Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area, is a gem for travelers seeking an unforgettable Uganda safari. From the thunderous falls of the Nile River to the sweeping savannahs teeming with elephants, lions, and giraffes, this park is the ultimate wildlife and nature destination.
As you consider your itinerary, it’s important to factor in park entrance fees, which are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). These fees vary depending on nationality, length of stay, and activities chosen. Whether you are on a day visit, part of a longer Uganda wildlife safari, or combining your adventure with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, understanding the fee structure ensures a smooth and well-prepared experience. Renai Safaris makes this easier by incorporating these fees transparently into your package options, allowing you to focus on the extraordinary adventure ahead.
Understanding Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) regulates entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park, categorizing them based on residency status:
- Foreign Non-Residents (FNR): Adults are charged USD 45 per day, while children aged 5–15 pay USD 25.
- Foreign Residents (FR): Adults pay USD 35, and children aged 5–15 are charged USD 15.
- East African Citizens (EAC): Adults are charged UGX 25,000, and children aged 5–15 pay UGX 10,000.
Children below 5 years of age enter free of charge. These fees grant access to the park for 24 hours and are separate from activity-specific charges such as game drives, boat cruises, and guided walks.
Activity Fees – Enhancing Your Murchison Falls Experience
- Game Drives: Day game drives cost USD 20 for FNRs, USD 15 for FRs, and UGX 20,000 for EACs. Night game drives are priced at USD 30 for FNRs, USD 20 for FRs, and UGX 30,000 for EACs.
- Boat Cruises: A launch trip to the bottom of the falls is USD 30 for both FNRs and FRs, and UGX 30,000 for EACs.
- Hiking to the Top of the Falls: This guided hike costs USD 15 for FNRs, USD 10 for FRs, and UGX 10,000 for EACs.
- Bird Watching: With over 450 bird species, birdwatching is USD 30 for FNRs, USD 25 for FRs, and UGX 20,000 for EACs.
- Sport Fishing: A permit costs USD 50 per day.
Vehicle and Aircraft Entry Fees
- Saloon Cars: USD 40 for foreign-registered vehicles, UGX 20,000 for Uganda-registered vehicles.
- 4×4 Vehicles: USD 150 for foreign-registered, UGX 30,000 for Uganda-registered.
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Mini Buses and Pick-Ups: USD 50 for foreign-registered, UGX 30,000 for Uganda-registered.
- Buses & Lorries: USD 150 for foreign-registered, UGX 150,000 for Uganda-registered.
- Motorcycles: USD 5 for foreign-registered, UGX 10,000 for Uganda-registered.
Aircraft landing fees vary based on the type and size of the aircraft, with charges ranging from USD 10 to USD 125.
Annual Passes – For Frequent Visitors
- Individual Annual Pass: USD 350 for FNRs, USD 300 for FRs, and UGX 150,000 for EACs.
- Family Annual Pass (up to 4 children): USD 700 for FNRs, UGX 300,000 for EACs.
- Corporate Annual Pass: USD 1,500 for foreign entities, UGX 2.5 million for EAC entities.
These passes provide cost-effective options for frequent visitors and support ongoing conservation efforts.
Understanding the Entrance Fees for Murchison Falls National Park
Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Yes, and they contribute directly to conservation efforts and maintenance of Uganda’s most iconic protected areas. For international tourists, the standard entrance fee is USD 45 per person per day, while East African citizens enjoy subsidized rates. Children, students, and researchers may also access discounted fees with proper documentation. These charges are payable at the park gate or can be included in your customized Murchison Falls Safaris itinerary organized by Renai Safaris.
These fees grant access to a wide range of experiences—sunrise and sunset game drives, breathtaking views of the falls, the Nile Delta boat cruise, and guided nature walks. Murchison Falls National Park is more than just its roaring waterfall; it’s a biodiversity haven. The entrance fee also allows you to explore Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way from Kampala or Entebbe, which is ideal for rhino tracking and rounds out the Big Five safari experience in Uganda.
For travelers looking to blend multiple adventures, we recommend combining this tour with Uganda Gorilla Trekking or Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest. Renai Safaris curates multi-destination tours that make your Uganda safari seamless and cost-effective. So, when asking Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park?, the answer is yes—but they are your ticket to an unforgettable wildlife experience that also supports conservation.
Wildlife Adventures Beyond the Falls: What to Expect Inside the Park
Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Certainly—and the value they provide becomes clear the moment you enter this enchanting landscape. Inside, you’re greeted by the thunder of the world’s most powerful waterfall, Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is squeezed through a narrow gorge before crashing down into the Albertine Rift Valley. The force and beauty of the falls are simply awe-inspiring.
Beyond the falls, Murchison is home to over 76 mammal species and 450 bird species, offering rich opportunities for game drives and wildlife safaris. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes roam the savannah, while the river banks host basking crocodiles and hippos. With professional guides from Renai Safaris, every game drive becomes a thrilling exploration of Africa’s raw beauty.
Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Yes—but once inside, the park offers more than just natural scenery; it delivers a true wildlife spectacle. If your adventure bucket list includes Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest, located within the southern sector of the park, your entrance fee helps support the conservation of these intelligent primates and their unique habitats. For those with more time, a Rwanda Tour or Gorilla Trekking Rwanda experience can be added to complement your East African safari circuit. Renai Safaris ensures every itinerary brings together the very best of Uganda and Rwanda, giving you a richer, cross-border wildlife journey.
Cultural Encounters Near Murchison Falls National Park
Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Yes, and your journey becomes even more enriching when paired with authentic cultural experiences near the park. Northern Uganda is rich in tribal heritage, and visitors to Murchison Falls can engage in cultural interactions with communities like the Alur, Acholi, and Banyoro. Traditional music, dance, storytelling, and craft-making experiences offer a heartfelt introduction to Uganda’s diverse cultural landscape.
At Renai Safaris, we prioritize responsible travel and authentic engagement. We arrange guided community visits where guests can learn about local customs, traditional medicinal plants, and cuisine. Part of your entrance fees and tour costs help fund these communities’ education and health programs, creating a positive impact beyond tourism. Visiting Boomu Women’s Group, located near the Kichumbanyobo Gate, offers a deeper appreciation of rural Ugandan life and sustainability efforts.
These cultural excursions can be seamlessly combined with a Uganda Gorilla Trekking adventure in Bwindi Forest, or even a Rwanda Safari with a stop in Kigali for a tour of the Genocide Memorial. Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Yes, but when combined with cultural and gorilla trekking extensions, your safari becomes an even more meaningful journey. With Renai Safaris, we take pride in connecting travelers not just to Uganda’s wildlife, but also to its people and heritage.
Combining Gorilla Trekking with Murchison Falls Safaris
Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Absolutely—and when you combine a visit to the park with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you unlock the ultimate Uganda safari experience. Renai Safaris specializes in designing multi-destination itineraries that take travelers from the roaring Nile at Murchison Falls to the misty mountain jungles of southwestern Uganda. Here, the endangered mountain gorillas await in one of the most intimate wildlife encounters on Earth.
Gorilla permits in Uganda currently cost USD 700 per person, and they allow for one precious hour with a habituated gorilla family. You can fly between parks or drive through Uganda’s scenic countryside, stopping at other major attractions such as Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions and Kibale Forest for Chimpanzee Tracking. This extended tour provides a rare chance to see a diversity of ecosystems and wildlife in a single trip.
Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Yes—and these fees are only one component of a much broader and more profound wildlife journey. Whether you’re planning a Rwanda Tour with an extension into Uganda or a Gorilla Trekking Rwanda experience to complement your time at Murchison Falls, Renai Safaris helps you navigate logistics, permits, and accommodations. From luxury lodges to budget-friendly camps, every detail is tailored to your comfort and adventure goals.
Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips for Murchison Falls
Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Yes, and knowing the best time to visit can enhance the value of your trip. The dry seasons—June to September and December to February—are ideal for wildlife viewing and photography, as animals gather around water sources. These months also provide clearer views of Murchison Falls and better road conditions within the park.
Travelers looking to combine their visit with Uganda Gorilla Trekking should consider the same dry months for optimal trekking conditions in Bwindi or Mgahinga. However, even in the wet season, the landscapes become lusher, and birdwatching opportunities increase dramatically. At Renai Safaris, we help travelers prepare with appropriate gear, travel insurance, and health tips for a smooth safari.
It’s also important to plan ahead when asking, Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Booking your entrance and activity permits in advance—especially during peak seasons—is essential. Renai Safaris ensures all permits, accommodations, and transportation are arranged for a seamless journey. Whether you’re coming for a wildlife safari, cultural immersion, or combining a Rwanda Safari with Uganda’s northern wonders, we provide reliable and professional service every step of the way.
Conclusion: Renai Safaris Makes It Easy
So, Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? Yes, and these modest charges provide access to one of Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations. From the thunder of the falls to the roar of a lion across the plains, Murchison Falls National Park offers a compelling blend of natural wonder and untamed wilderness. At Renai Safaris, we ensure you experience it all—comfortably, affordably, and ethically.
With our expertise, you can go beyond Murchison to include Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, and even cross-border adventures like a Rwanda Tour or Gorilla Trekking Rwanda. We integrate Murchison Falls Safaris into broader East African itineraries, ensuring a complete, immersive, and unforgettable journey. Our cultural experiences also add depth and meaning to your safari, allowing you to connect not just with wildlife, but also with the people of this beautiful region.
Contact Renai Safaris today to start planning your Uganda safari and discover why asking Are there entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park? is just the beginning of an incredible African adventure.