Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fee & Activity Fees 2026
Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee 2026: Foreign non-residents pay USD 45 per adult for 24 hours, foreign residents pay USD 35, and East African citizens pay UGX 25,000. Children aged 5–15 pay reduced rates, while children below 5 enter free.
Additional costs apply for activities such as game drives, Nile boat cruises, hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest, sport fishing and night game drives.
If you are planning a Murchison Falls safari in 2026, understanding the latest Murchison Falls National Park fees is essential. This guide explains the 2026 Murchison Falls entrance fee, activity costs, vehicle charges, what is included, how long the fees remain valid and how to budget for your Uganda safari.
2026 update: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has published a new 2026–2027 tariff cycle. The current Murchison Falls adult entrance rates remain USD 45 for foreign non-residents, USD 35 for foreign residents and UGX 25,000 for East African citizens. UWA’s official rates page provides the tariff information and updates.
Murchison Falls National Park Entrance Fee 2026
Murchison Falls is classified by UWA as a Category A+ national park, which means its entrance fee is slightly higher than that of several other Ugandan national parks.
The Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee is charged per person and is generally valid for 24 hours from the time of entry.
Murchison Falls Park Entrance Fees 2026/2027
| Visitor category | Adult / 24 hours | Child 5–15 years |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | USD 45 | USD 25 |
| Foreign Resident | USD 35 | USD 15 |
| Rest of Africa | USD 30 | USD 10 |
| East African Citizen | UGX 25,000 | UGX 10,000 |
| Ugandan pupils/students in groups | — | UGX 3,000 |
| Tertiary/university students | — | UGX 5,000 |
| Children below 5 years | Free | Free |
These rates are consistent with the current 2026/2027 information published by safari operators following the UWA tariff cycle, while UWA’s official rates page is the best place to check for subsequent tariff amendments.
For additional background about the destination, see our detailed guide to Murchison Falls National Park, including its location, wildlife, attractions and safari activities.
What Does the Murchison Falls Entrance Fee Include?
The Murchison Falls National Park entry fee gives you access to the protected area for the applicable validity period. It does not automatically include every safari activity.
For example, if you want to take a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls, hike to the Top of the Falls or participate in a guided game drive, those experiences can attract separate charges.
This distinction is important when calculating your Murchison Falls safari cost 2026. A traveler paying USD 45 for park entry should not assume that the boat cruise, ranger guide, accommodation, transportation or chimpanzee permit is included.
Murchison Falls National Park Activity Fees 2026
Beyond the Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee, visitors can choose from several activities. The most popular include game drives, boat safaris, hiking to the falls, birdwatching, sport fishing and chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest.
1. Murchison Falls Game Drive Fee 2026
A game drive in Murchison Falls National Park is one of the best ways to explore the northern savannah sector. You can encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeests, leopards and numerous antelope species.
The current UWA tariff lists the following charges:
| Game-drive option | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident | East African Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day game-drive guide | USD 25 | USD 20 | UGX 25,000 |
| Night game drive | USD 40/person | USD 35/person | UGX 40,000/person |
| Self-game drive | USD 10 | USD 10 | UGX 10,000 |
The day game-drive guide fee is charged for the guide rather than being a simple per-person park-entry charge. The UWA 2024–2026 tariff confirms the USD 25/20/UGX 25,000 rates, while current 2026 safari pricing continues to report these figures.
For travelers who want to see as much wildlife as possible, an early morning game drive is particularly rewarding because animals are often more active before the day becomes hot.
You can also read our Murchison Falls National Park distance from Kampala guide before deciding whether to travel by road or fly.
2. Murchison Falls Boat Safari Price 2026
The Murchison Falls boat safari is one of the signature experiences in the park. The launch cruise travels along the Victoria Nile toward the base of the falls, passing large concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and waterbirds.
2026 boat cruise prices
| Visitor category | Launch trip to the bottom of the falls |
|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident | USD 30 |
| Foreign Resident | USD 25 |
| East African Citizen | UGX 30,000 |
The UWA tariff lists the launch trip to the bottom of the falls at USD 30 for foreign non-residents, USD 25 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens.
The boat trip is particularly good for photographers because wildlife often gathers along the riverbanks. Birders should also watch for African fish eagles, herons, kingfishers and other Nile-associated species.
If you are interested in combining Murchison with other destinations, our 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari provides an example of how Murchison can fit into a longer Uganda wildlife itinerary.
3. Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls Fee 2026
The Top of Murchison Falls hike provides a completely different perspective of the waterfall. Instead of viewing the falls from the river, you stand above the narrow gorge and watch the powerful Victoria Nile squeeze through the rocks.
Top of the Falls 2026 prices
| Activity | Foreign Non-Resident | Foreign Resident | EAC Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking to Top of Falls | USD 15 | USD 10 | UGX 10,000 |
| Viewing Top of Falls | USD 10 | USD 10 | UGX 10,000 |
The UWA tariff separately lists hiking and top-of-the-falls viewing fees.
The hike can easily be combined with a boat cruise, making it possible to experience Murchison Falls from both the river and the viewpoint above the gorge.
4. Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Murchison Falls is that your safari does not have to focus exclusively on savannah wildlife. Budongo Forest, located within the wider Murchison Falls Conservation Area, offers chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
Chimpanzee tracking gives visitors the opportunity to walk through an ancient tropical forest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities.
For comparison, travelers interested in Uganda’s best-known primate destination can also read our guide to facts about chimpanzees.
Is chimpanzee trekking included in the Murchison Falls entrance fee?
No. Chimpanzee trekking is a separate activity and its permit must be budgeted separately.
Current 2026 sources report Budongo chimpanzee trekking prices separately from Murchison park entry, so travelers should confirm the exact permit price and availability with their tour operator before payment.
This is especially important because Budongo chimpanzee permits 2026 can vary according to the specific forest operator, tracking program and experience selected.
5. Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is also one of Uganda’s premier destinations for sport fishing on the Nile. Anglers commonly target the famous Nile perch in the waters below the falls.
The UWA tariff lists sport fishing at USD 50 per day for foreign non-residents and foreign residents, with the applicable East African rate shown in the UWA tariff.
A Uganda fishing safari usually requires additional planning because fishing equipment, boats, guides, accommodation and transport may not be included in the conservation fee.
Murchison Falls Vehicle Entry Fees 2026
The cost of visiting Murchison Falls is not limited to the individual park entrance fee. Vehicle entry fees may also apply depending on the vehicle’s registration and type.
This matters particularly for self-drive Murchison Falls safaris and foreign-registered vehicles.
The 2026/2027 information available from Uganda safari sources reports a UGX 40,000 vehicle entry charge for Ugandan-registered tour vehicles at Murchison Falls, while foreign-registered vehicles can attract substantially higher charges depending on vehicle category.
If you are planning to drive yourself through Uganda, our Self Drive Uganda Safari guide explains routes, vehicle considerations and major safari destinations.
How Much Does a Murchison Falls Safari Cost in 2026?
The Murchison Falls safari cost 2026 depends on much more than the park entrance fee.
Your total budget normally includes:
- Murchison Falls National Park entrance fees
- Accommodation
- Safari vehicle and fuel
- Driver-guide
- Game-drive guide or ranger where applicable
- Boat cruise
- Top of the Falls hike
- Food and drinks
- Chimpanzee trekking, if selected
- Airport transfers
- Vehicle entry fees
- Optional cultural activities
For example, a traveler staying for two days should budget for park entry for the applicable number of 24-hour periods, plus accommodation and selected activities.
For accommodation planning, see our detailed guide to how much a night at Murchison Falls National Park costs.
Murchison Falls National Park Fees for Foreign Non-Residents
International travelers visiting Uganda on holiday fall into the foreign non-resident category unless they qualify for another UWA residency category.
For a foreign non-resident adult, the current Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee is USD 45 per 24 hours. A child aged 5–15 pays USD 25.
If you add the standard boat cruise at USD 30, the basic conservation and boat costs come to USD 75 per person, before accommodation, transportation and other safari expenses.
This makes Murchison Falls one of the most attractive destinations for an affordable Uganda wildlife safari.
Explore our Uganda safari packages to see how park fees can be incorporated into a complete safari itinerary.
Murchison Falls National Park Fees for Foreign Residents
Foreign residents receive lower rates when they meet UWA’s requirements for the applicable residency category.
The current adult Murchison Falls entrance fee for foreign residents is USD 35 per 24 hours, while children aged 5–15 pay USD 15.
The resident category is therefore useful for expatriates and other eligible residents planning regular wildlife trips in Uganda.
Murchison Falls Park Fees for East African Citizens
Citizens of the East African Community benefit from substantially lower conservation rates.
The current Murchison Falls entrance fee for East African citizens is UGX 25,000 per adult per 24 hours, while children aged 5–15 pay UGX 10,000.
This makes a Murchison Falls safari from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan or the wider East African region particularly accessible.
How Long Is the Murchison Falls Entrance Ticket Valid?
The Murchison Falls park entrance ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time of entry under the current tariff structure.
This means a traveler staying for several days should budget accordingly rather than assuming that one entrance payment covers the entire Uganda safari.
When planning a multi-day itinerary, a professional tour operator can structure the itinerary efficiently so you do not unnecessarily spend extra time entering and exiting the park.
How to Pay Murchison Falls National Park Fees
Park fees can be arranged through UWA systems, park entry points and licensed tour operators. Many travelers choose to have their Murchison Falls safari operator arrange the payments in advance so that their itinerary runs smoothly.
Because payment procedures and systems can change, travelers should confirm the current payment method before departure.
For the latest official information, check the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s rates and tariff page.
Uganda Wildlife Authority – official rates and tariffs
Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls National Park in 2026
Murchison Falls National Park can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit Murchison Falls for wildlife viewing is generally during the drier months of December to February and June to September.
During these periods, vegetation is often less dense and wildlife is easier to spot around water sources. Morning game drives can be particularly productive because temperatures are cooler and animals are more active.
However, the wetter months can also be rewarding for birdwatchers and photographers because the landscape becomes lush and migratory birds may be present.
Our Top Safari Destinations in Uganda guide can help you compare Murchison Falls with Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Kibale and other destinations.
What Animals Can You See in Murchison Falls National Park?
The park offers excellent opportunities to see:
- African elephants
- Lions
- Leopards
- Buffaloes
- Rothschild’s giraffes
- Uganda kob
- Jackson’s hartebeest
- Warthogs
- Hippos
- Nile crocodiles
- Oribi
- Waterbucks
- Numerous bird species
Murchison Falls is particularly famous for its large herds of elephants, giraffes and buffaloes, while the Victoria Nile provides outstanding opportunities for viewing hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
For a deeper look at the park’s wildlife, read our Murchison Falls National Park facts and wildlife guide.
Is Murchison Falls National Park Worth Visiting in 2026?
Absolutely. The combination of Murchison Falls, Nile boat safaris, savannah game drives, chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching and spectacular landscapes makes the park one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife destinations.
Unlike a safari focused on only one attraction, Murchison allows you to combine several experiences within the same conservation area.
You can spend the morning searching for lions and giraffes on a game drive, cruise along the Nile in the afternoon and stand above the roaring waterfall later in the day.
For travelers with more time, Murchison can also be combined with Kibale for chimpanzee trekking, Queen Elizabeth for classic savannah wildlife and Bwindi for mountain gorilla trekking.
Tips for Saving Money on a Murchison Falls Safari
If you are looking for a budget Murchison Falls safari, consider these practical tips:
Travel as a small group: Sharing the safari vehicle, fuel and guide costs among several travelers can significantly reduce the cost per person.
Choose budget accommodation: Murchison has campsites and affordable lodges alongside luxury safari lodges. Compare accommodation options before booking.
Combine activities: A two- or three-day itinerary can combine a game drive, boat cruise and Top of the Falls experience without requiring an excessively long stay.
Book through a local safari operator: A knowledgeable Uganda safari company can combine park fees, accommodation, transportation and activities into one itinerary, making it easier to understand the total Murchison Falls safari price before traveling.
Our 3 Days Murchison Falls Budget Safari is an example of a short itinerary designed for travelers who want to experience the park without spending too many days on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Murchison Falls National Park Fees 2026
How much is Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee in 2026?
The current adult entrance fee is USD 45 for foreign non-residents, USD 35 for foreign residents and UGX 25,000 for East African citizens. Children aged 5–15 pay reduced rates.
How much is a boat cruise at Murchison Falls?
The UWA tariff lists the launch cruise to the bottom of the falls at USD 30 for foreign non-residents, USD 25 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens.
How much is the Top of Murchison Falls hike?
The current UWA tariff lists the hike at USD 15 for foreign non-residents, USD 10 for foreign residents and UGX 10,000 for East African citizens.
Is the boat cruise included in the entrance fee? No. The Murchison Falls entrance fee and boat cruise are separate charges.
Is chimpanzee trekking included in the park entrance fee? No. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest requires a separate permit or activity payment.
Can I visit Murchison Falls on a self-drive safari?
Yes. Murchison Falls is accessible by self-drive, although a 4×4 vehicle is recommended for exploring the park’s safari tracks, particularly during wetter conditions.
How many days do I need in Murchison Falls?
A 2–3 day Murchison Falls safari is enough for the main highlights, including game drives, a boat cruise and the waterfall. Travelers interested in chimpanzee trekking, fishing or more extensive wildlife viewing should consider staying longer.
What is the best time for a Murchison Falls safari?
The dry seasons of December–February and June–September generally offer excellent wildlife-viewing conditions, although Murchison Falls remains a year-round destination.
Plan Your 2026 Murchison Falls Safari With Us
The Murchison Falls National Park entrance fee 2026 is only one part of the cost of experiencing this spectacular destination. The real value comes from combining the park’s powerful waterfall with thrilling game drives, Nile boat cruises, birdwatching and, if you have additional time, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest.
Rather than worrying about separate park fees, accommodation, transportation, permits and activity reservations, let Maranatha Tours and Travel build your safari around your budget and interests.
Whether you want a budget Murchison Falls safari, a private family trip, a luxury Uganda wildlife safari or a longer journey combining Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi, we can organize the logistics from start to finish.
Come and experience the roar of Murchison Falls, watch elephants and giraffes cross the savannah, cruise along the Victoria Nile and discover why this remains one of Uganda’s greatest safari destinations.
Contact us to plan your 2026 Murchison Falls safari and let us create a personalized itinerary for you.
Related Pages
- Murchison Falls National Park – Complete Guide
- Murchison Falls National Park Distance from Kampala
- How Much Is a Night at Murchison Falls National Park?
- Uganda Safari Packages 2026
- 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari
- Self-Drive Uganda Safari
- Top Safari Destinations in Uganda
- Facts About Chimpanzees
- East Africa Safari Packing List
- Contact Maranatha Tours and Travel