Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees 2025- Top Guide

Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, spans 3,840 square kilometers in the northwestern region, offering a breathtaking blend of savannah, riverine forests, and the world’s most powerful waterfall, Murchison Falls.

Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the park is a top safari destination, home to 76 mammal species, including four of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo), over 450 bird species, and iconic activities like game drives and Nile River boat cruises.

Understanding the park’s entrance fees is essential for planning a visit, as costs vary by visitor status, age, and additional services like vehicles or boats.

Overview of Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees

The UWA sets entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park, which are reviewed biennially but subject to change based on conservation needs.

Fees are charged per person per 24 hours, covering access to the park but not specific activities like boat cruises or guided walks, which incur separate costs.

The fee structure distinguishes between foreign non-residents, foreign residents (with valid Ugandan work permits), and EAC citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC).

Children, students, and vehicles face distinct rates, and annual passes offer savings for frequent visitors. In 2025, fees remain consistent with 2024 rates, as no major revisions have been announced, reflecting stability post-COVID tourism recovery.

Fees fund critical conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols, ranger salaries, and community development (30% of revenue supports local villages).

Payments are cashless, using credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), mobile money (MTN, Airtel), or UWA bank transfers, with receipts required at entry gates like Kichumbanyobo or Bugungu. Tour operators like Buy Gold Bars Africa Limited can handle payments, simplifying logistics.

Detailed Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fees for 2025

The table below summarizes the 2025 entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park, based on UWA tariffs and recent sources. Fees are per person per 24 hours unless otherwise noted, with non-resident rates in USD and EAC rates in Ugandan Shillings (UGX), using 1 USD = 3,700 UGX (approximate May 2025 rate).

Category	Fee (Per 24 Hours)	Notes
Foreign Non-Resident Adult	$45	International visitors without Ugandan residency; ages 16+.
Foreign Non-Resident Child	$25	Ages 5–15; under 5 enter free.
Foreign Resident Adult	$35	Requires valid work permit (1+ year); ages 16+.
Foreign Resident Child	$15	Ages 5–15; under 5 free.
EAC Citizen Adult	UGX 25,000 ($6.76)	Requires National ID or passport; ages 16+.
EAC Citizen Child	UGX 10,000 ($2.70)	Ages 5–15; under 5 free.
Ugandan Student (Group)	UGX 3,000 ($0.81)	School groups; requires UWA pre-approval.
Ugandan Tertiary Student	UGX 5,000 ($1.35)	University students; requires ID.
Uganda Wildlife Club Member	UGX 2,000 ($0.54)	Requires club membership; typically school groups.

Annual Pass Fees

For frequent visitors, annual passes offer unlimited access (excluding activities):

Category	Annual Fee	Notes
Foreign Resident Individual	$350	Requires 1-year work permit.
EAC Citizen Individual	UGX 350,000 ($94.59)	Requires National ID/passport.
Foreign Resident Couple	$600	Two adults, same household.
EAC Citizen Couple	UGX 500,000 ($135.14)	Two adults, same household.
Foreign Resident Family	$800	Max 4 children under 16.
EAC Citizen Family	UGX 600,000 ($162.16)	Max 4 children under 16.
Corporate Group (Foreign)	$1,500	Business groups; requires registration.
Corporate Group (EAC)	UGX 2,500,000 ($675.68)	Business groups; requires registration.

Vehicle and Boat Fees

Vehicles and boats pay separate entry fees, valid for 24 hours unless noted:

Category	Foreign Registered	Uganda Registered	Notes
Saloon Car	$40	UGX 20,000 ($5.41)	Max 5 seats.
Minibus/Pickup	$50	UGX 30,000 ($8.11)	6–12 seats or light trucks.
Tour Company/4×4	$150	UGX 30,000 ($8.11)	Safari vehicles; concessionaires pay once per trip.
Bus/Lorry	$200	UGX 200,000 ($54.05)	13+ seats or heavy vehicles.
School Bus	N/A	UGX 50,000 ($13.51)	Ugandan-registered only.
Boat (≤15 seats)	$100	UGX 250,000 ($67.57)	Per day; excludes passenger entry fees.
Boat (>15 seats)	$200	UGX 350,000 ($94.59)	Per day; excludes passenger entry fees.

Notes:

• Verification: Foreign residents need a valid work permit; EAC citizens require a National ID or passport. Non-residents show passports.
• Free Entry: Registered Ugandan tour company drivers and children under 5.
• Prohibited Vehicles: Motorcycles, trailers, and vehicles carrying flammable goods or livestock are banned unless delivering park services.

Additional Costs and Activities

Entrance fees grant park access but exclude activities, which enhance the Murchison Falls experience. Below are key activities and their 2025 costs (per person, unless noted):

Game Drives

• • Day Drive: $20 (foreign non-residents/residents), UGX 20,000 (EAC citizens); requires UWA ranger (UGX 30,000/half-day, UGX 50,000/full-day).
  • Night Drive: $30 (foreign), UGX 30,000 (EAC).
  • Spot lions, leopards, and nocturnal species like hyenas.
  • Boat Cruises
  • To Bottom of Falls: $30 (foreign non-residents), $25 (foreign residents), UGX 30,000 (EAC citizens).
  • Nile Delta Cruise: $35–$50, depending on operator.
  • See hippos, crocodiles, and shoebill storks.

Hike to Top of Falls

• • $15 (foreign non-residents/residents), UGX 15,000 (EAC citizens).
  • A 45-minute guided trek to witness the Nile’s thunderous plunge.

Chimpanzee Trekking (Budongo Forest)

• • $100 (foreign non-residents), $80 (foreign residents), UGX 80,000 (EAC citizens).
  • Includes park entry for the day.

Sport Fishing

• • $50/day or $150/4 days (foreign); annual permit $300. Excludes entry fees.
  • Catch Nile perch along the Nile.

Camping Fees

• • Public campsites: $10/person (foreign), UGX 40,000 (EAC).
  • Wilderness camping: $40/person (foreign), includes ranger and firewood.

Payment Methods and Logistics

Payment: Cashless only at entry gates (Kichumbanyobo, Bugungu, Tangi) via:

• Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard (preferred).
• Mobile Money: MTN or Airtel Uganda.
• UWA Bank Transfer: Pre-pay via UWA offices in Kampala or tour operators.
• Carry USD or UGX cash as a backup due to potential internet issues in remote areas.

Receipts: Present proof of payment (receipt or e-ticket) at gates. Tour operators like us manage payments, providing receipts.

Access:

Road: 5–6 hours from Kampala (305 km) via Masindi. 4×4 vehicles recommended ($250–$300/day rental).

Air: Chartered flights from Entebbe to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrips ($200–$500). Aircraft landing fees: $10–$40 (foreign), UGX 20,000–80,000 (EAC), based on seats.

Verification: Passports (non-residents), work permits (foreign residents), or National IDs (EAC citizens) are mandatory.

Park Rules and Cost-Saving Tips

To avoid fines and optimize costs, follow these UWA rules:

• Wildlife Safety: Maintain a 20-meter distance from animals; no feeding or littering.
• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM for day visitors. Overnight guests need camping/lodge bookings.
• Vehicle Restrictions: No speeding (max 40 km/h); prohibited vehicles face eviction.
• Activity Compliance: All activities require UWA guides/rangers.

Tips:

• Visit in wet seasons (March–May, October–November) for lower accommodation rates (e.g., Red Chilli Tented Camp, $200/night).
• Book through Buy Gold Bars Africa Limited for bundled fees and activities ($150–$300/person/day).
• Use UWA campsites (UGX 40,000/person) or dormitories (UGX 25,000) for budget stays.
• Combine with Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary ($50/person) en route for a Big Five experience.

Why Visit Murchison Falls with Us?

Murchison Falls National Park’s $45 (non-resident adult) or UGX 25,000 (EAC adult) entry fee unlocks a world of adventure, from the Nile’s roaring falls to vast savannahs teeming with wildlife. Here’s why you should choose Hails Tours Uganda for your 2025 visit:

• Affordable Packages: Our 3-day tours start at $450/person (group of 6), covering fees, 4×4 transport, lodging (e.g., Fort Murchison), meals, and activities like game drives and boat cruises. Save 10–20% compared to standalone bookings.
• Seamless Logistics: We secure permits, pay fees via eCitizen, and arrange pickups from Kampala or Kigali (8–10 hours), with optional Ziwa stops.
• Expert Guides: Our UWA-trained, English-speaking guides ensure safe, enriching game drives and hikes, sharing insights on the park’s 450 bird species and Big Four.
• Conservation Impact: Your fees and our tours support UWA’s anti-poaching and community projects, preserving Murchison’s biodiversity.
• Custom Itineraries: Add chimpanzee trekking, Nile Delta cruises, or Kampala city tours. We cater to solo travelers, families, or groups.
• Trusted Reputation: With 9+ years in eco-tourism and 5-star reviews, our Kampala base ensures deep regional expertise.