How Much is Entry to Murchison Falls National Park?

Murchison Falls National Park stands proudly as Uganda’s largest and most spectacular protected area, covering over 3,840 square kilometers of breathtaking landscapes. Known as the crown jewel of Uganda safaris, this park offers an unmatched combination of thrilling wildlife encounters, the majestic Nile River, and the world-famous Murchison Falls — the most powerful waterfall in the world. For travelers planning Uganda safaris, Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, or even Rwanda safaris, Murchison Falls is a must-visit destination that seamlessly combines adventure, scenery, and cultural richness.

Discovering the Jewel of Uganda’s Wilderness

When travelers ask, “How much is entry to Murchison Falls National Park?”, the answer is simple yet important for planning your wildlife safari. As of 2025, international visitors pay USD 45 per person per day, East African residents pay UGX 25,000, and foreign residents pay USD 35. This fee grants access to incredible game drives, boat cruises, guided nature walks, and photographic opportunities with some of Africa’s most iconic species.

Visitors can enhance their adventure by combining a Murchison Falls game drive with Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Such combined safari packages offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Uganda’s “Big Five” alongside the rare mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees, creating a truly immersive wildlife safari experience.

Entry Fees and Game Drive Pricing in Murchison Falls

A Uganda safari to Murchison Falls is affordable yet packed with unmatched adventure. The park entry fee remains one of the best-value wildlife experiences in Africa. The cost for international visitors at USD 45 is valid for 24 hours, giving guests plenty of time to explore different sections of the park. In addition to entry fees, travelers should budget for game drive costs, which typically range from USD 20 to USD 40 depending on whether you use a private vehicle or a shared tour vehicle provided by Murchison Falls Tours.

A game drive in Murchison Falls is not just about spotting wildlife — it’s about connecting with nature in its purest form. Lions lazing in the grasslands, herds of elephants moving through the savannah, giraffes silhouetted against the horizon, and hundreds of bird species make every moment memorable. For those seeking luxury, Murchison Falls safari lodges offer customized private game drives, ensuring maximum comfort, flexibility, and personalized guiding.

Many travelers combine their Murchison Falls safari with other East African adventures. You can enjoy a Kenya safari in the Masai Mara, a Tanzania safari in Serengeti National Park, or even extend your trip to Rwanda for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This combination maximizes your travel investment while offering a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife experiences.

How to Get Permits for Murchison Falls Activities

While park entry tickets are purchased at the main gates or through an authorized tour operator, certain activities inside Murchison Falls require separate permits. Boat cruises to the base of the falls or the Nile Delta, guided nature walks, and sport fishing trips must be booked in advance. Murchison Falls Tours helps visitors secure these permits alongside game drive arrangements, ensuring a hassle-free safari experience.

If you plan to combine Murchison Falls with Uganda gorilla trekking, a gorilla permit must be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a licensed tour operator. These permits cost USD 800 per person per trek and sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. By booking early, travelers can secure their spot for both experiences, creating an epic itinerary that blends savannah wildlife and forest primates.

The advantage of booking with a professional safari company like Murchison Falls Tours is the convenience of having all permits, accommodation, and transport arranged in one package. This allows travelers to focus on the adventure rather than administrative details, making it easier to enjoy the magic of Uganda’s wildlife safaris.

Age Limit for Game Drive Activities

Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are suitable for all age groups, but certain safety considerations apply. While there is no strict minimum age for general game drives, children should be accompanied by responsible adults. Private game drives are recommended for families with young children to allow flexibility and comfort.

In contrast, specialized activities like Uganda gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking have age restrictions. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga is only available to visitors aged 15 years and above, while chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest has a similar minimum age requirement. These limits ensure both the safety of visitors and the conservation of these endangered species.

For travelers with young children, Murchison Falls offers alternative activities such as cultural village visits, short nature walks, and educational wildlife talks. These activities provide enriching experiences without the physical demands of trekking or extended drives, ensuring the entire family enjoys the safari adventure.

Best Time to Do a Game Drive in Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park is a year-round destination, but the best time for a game drive is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September. During these months, animals gather around water sources, making wildlife sightings more predictable and frequent.

Morning game drives, which typically start at 6:30 am, offer the best chances of spotting predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas before they retreat from the sun. Evening drives, starting around 4:00 pm, are ideal for witnessing elephants, buffaloes, and antelope species in golden light — perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Travelers often pair a Murchison Falls safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda during these dry months, as trekking conditions in Bwindi’s mountainous forests are less muddy and more manageable. For those seeking a combined East African safari, the dry season also aligns with wildebeest migration safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, making it easy to plan a multi-country adventure.

What to Pack for a Game Drive Safari

Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable Murchison Falls game drive. Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing helps blend with the environment and stay cool in warm weather. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen protect against the strong equatorial sun. Binoculars and a quality camera ensure you capture every unforgettable moment.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for short nature walks, while a light jacket is useful for early morning and evening drives when temperatures can be cooler. For travelers combining Murchison Falls with gorilla trekking, sturdy hiking boots, gloves, and long-sleeved shirts are essential for navigating Bwindi’s dense forests.

Insect repellent is vital for both savannah and forest environments, as are reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the day. Travelers should also pack personal medications and a small first-aid kit for added safety.

Cultural Experiences Around Murchison Falls

A visit to Murchison Falls National Park is incomplete without exploring the cultural richness of the surrounding communities. The Boomu Women’s Group offers immersive cultural tours, including traditional cooking, basket weaving, and storytelling sessions that reveal the heritage of northern Uganda.

In nearby Masindi and Pakwach, visitors can enjoy performances of traditional dances, visit local markets, and sample authentic Ugandan cuisine. These cultural experiences complement wildlife safaris, offering deeper insights into the people who share the land with iconic African wildlife.

When paired with Uganda gorilla trekking, the cultural diversity becomes even richer, as visitors can interact with the Batwa people near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This combination of wildlife and cultural tourism creates a multi-layered safari experience that goes beyond photography to foster genuine connections with Uganda’s heritage.

Combining Murchison Falls with Uganda Gorilla Trekking

For adventurous travelers, combining a Murchison Falls safari with Uganda gorilla trekking is the ultimate African wildlife experience. The journey typically begins with game drives in Murchison Falls to see elephants, lions, and giraffes before traveling southwest to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a close encounter with mountain gorillas.

This itinerary offers a remarkable contrast between the open savannahs of Murchison Falls and the misty forests of Bwindi. It also allows travelers to enjoy chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park along the way.

Such a combination safari can be extended to include Kenya safaris in the Masai Mara or Tanzania safaris in the Serengeti, offering the most comprehensive East African wildlife experience possible.