Murchison Falls Park Fees & Safari Costs

Murchison Falls park fees are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are paid per person for each 24 hours you spend in the park, with separate fees for activities such as the launch trip to the falls. Knowing how the fees work helps you plan your days, your gates and your budget.

How park entry fees work

Entry is charged per person and is valid for 24 hours from the time you enter, so a two-night stay normally means paying for more than one day. Rates differ for foreign non-residents, foreign residents of East Africa and East African citizens, and children pay reduced rates, with the youngest children free. Choosing the gate closest to your route, and timing your arrival, can avoid paying for an unnecessary extra day.

Published rates for 2024–2026

Under the UWA tariff published for July 2024 to June 2026, Murchison Falls was placed in its own higher category, with entry widely listed at USD 45 per foreign non-resident adult per 24 hours, USD 35 for foreign residents and UGX 25,000 for East African citizens. Tariffs are reviewed regularly, so always check the current rates with UWA or your operator before you travel; the itineraries on this site include park fees in each quote.

Activity fees

Activities are charged on top of entry. The launch trip to the foot of the falls and the delta cruise for shoebills are paid per person, and published figures for the launch trip sit at around USD 30–40. Chimpanzee tracking in the Budongo Forest is a separate permit, commonly listed at around USD 130 for non-residents. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, outside the park, charges its own fee that includes rhino tracking. Sport fishing on the Nile needs a UWA fishing permit. See chimpanzee tracking in Budongo and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for details.

Vehicles and the Paraa ferry

Vehicles entering the park pay a separate fee that depends on their size and registration, and the Paraa ferry across the Nile charges per crossing according to vehicle type. Ferry times change and the ferry can stop for maintenance or high water, so check the schedule locally.

How to pay

Uganda has been moving park payments away from cash. Travellers report card and mobile-money payments at the gates, so carry a working card and confirm the current payment methods before you set off. On a booked safari your operator normally pays the fees for you.

What a Murchison Falls safari costs

The total cost of a safari depends on the number of days, the lodges, the size of your group and whether you drive or fly in. The main parts are the vehicle and guide per day, accommodation per night, park entry per 24 hours and activity fees. Short trips such as our two-day and three-day Murchison Falls safaris are quoted individually; ask us for a price for your dates.