TourismMurchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, spanning 3,893 square kilometres in northwestern Uganda. Named after the dramatic waterfall where the mighty River Nile forces itself through a narrow 7-metre gap before plunging 43 metres below, this park is one of East Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.
Whether you’re a European traveller planning your first African safari or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, this guide covers everything you need — from current entry fees and permit costs to the best time to visit and must-do activities.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) sets the entry fees for all national parks. Here are the current rates for Murchison Falls National Park:
Foreign non-residents: $40 per person per day (adults), $20 for children aged 5-15. Foreign residents: UGX 35,000 per adult. East African citizens: UGX 25,000 per adult. Children under 5 enter free. These fees are valid for 24 hours from the time of entry.
If you’re visiting from the UK or Europe, budget approximately £32 / €37 per person per day for park entry alone. Most safari packages from Nature Nest Safaris include all park fees in the total price, so you won’t need to worry about paying separately.
Game drives: Included with park entry — no additional permit needed. Morning and afternoon drives along the northern bank offer the best wildlife sightings including lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes.
Launch cruise to the falls: $30 per person for the boat trip along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. This is the park’s signature experience and absolutely unmissable — you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and incredible birdlife along the way.
Top of the Falls hike: Free with park entry. A short 45-minute hike from the road to the top of the falls, where you can feel the raw power of the Nile squeezing through the narrow gorge.
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest: $50 per person. Budongo Forest, adjacent to the park, is home to around 800 chimpanzees. Tracking sessions last 2-3 hours and group sizes are limited to 6 visitors.
Sport fishing: $50 per person per session. The Nile below the falls is famous for its massive Nile perch — some weighing over 100 kg.
The dry seasons — December to February and June to September — are ideal. During these months, wildlife congregates around water sources, making game drives incredibly productive. The vegetation thins out, improving visibility.
The wet seasons (March-May and October-November) bring lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads become muddy and difficult to navigate. The launch cruise operates year-round and is spectacular in any season.
For European visitors, the June-September dry season aligns perfectly with summer holidays, making it an ideal time to combine a Murchison Falls safari with gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Murchison Falls is approximately 305 km (4-5 hours drive) from Kampala. The route passes through Masindi town, where many visitors stop for lunch. Alternatively, charter flights from Entebbe to Pakuba or Chobe airstrips take about 1.5 hours.
From London, you can fly direct to Entebbe International Airport (approximately 9 hours). Nature Nest Safaris arranges airport transfers and all ground transport as part of our safari packages.
Murchison Falls is home to 76 mammal species and 451 bird species. Highlights include Rothschild’s giraffes (one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies), elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, and the rare shoebill stork along the Nile delta.
The northern bank is the prime game-viewing area, while the southern bank offers excellent birdwatching and chimpanzee tracking in Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests.
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges like Paraa Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge (from $200-400 per night) to mid-range options like Red Chilli Rest Camp (from $30-80). Budget camping is also available at several designated sites within the park.
Most visitors combine Murchison Falls with other Uganda highlights — gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, or Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions. A typical 3-day Murchison Falls extension fits perfectly into a 7-10 day Uganda safari itinerary.
Ready to experience the power of Murchison Falls? Contact Nature Nest Safaris at book@naturenestsafaris.com or call +256 777 131 912 for a personalised itinerary and quote.
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