Murchison Falls National Park entrance fees
Murchison Falls National Park entrance fees : Murchison Falls National Park, the biggest of Uganda’s national park and one of its most famous is one of the parks you must visit while on your Uganda safari. Greater Murchison Conservation Area spills over 3,800 square kilometers of savannahs, woodlands and wetlands all focused on Murchison Falls where River Nile is compressed into a narrow gorge then descend rapidly 43 meters below. Wildlife in the park features lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards and different species of antelopes as well as over 450 bird species.
So if it is your first time to visit Murchison Falls National Park or if you are a frequenter, it is important that you have sufficient information to possibly assist you know entrance fees and charges that may be encountered in the achievement of your safari. This article outlines all the costs that come with visiting the park and several additional highlights to help you have the best experience.
Entrance charges to Murchison Falls National Park
The Uganda Wildlife Authority which oversees the park has put down charges that have to be paid by individuals wishing to enter the park. The fees charged differ with the foreign tourist, resident within the East African region and Uganda citizen respectively. These charges are used to maintain the park, pay for conservation projects and support the people living around this park. Here’s a detailed look at the entrance fees;
Entrance Charges for Nonresidents
Adults: USD 45 per person per day
Children (5 to 15 years): USD 25 per child per day
These fees entitle you to be in the park only one day .One must understand that the mentioned entrance fees will not cover boat cruises, game drives as well as nature walks. These activities are reimbursable at costs though it’s executed at additional cost.
Foreign Residents
Foreign residents with valid passport and residence permit of Uganda or other East African countries qualify for a concessional price. For you to book for these rates you must be able to present a resident permit or a resident visa. The fees are;
Adults: USD 35 per person per day
Children (5 to 15 years): USD 15 per child per day
Entrance charges for East African communities and all Ugandan citizens
Local people of the East African region and Ugandans specifically will pay even less rates. These fees make the park accessible to locals and promote domestic tourism:
East African Citizens (including Ugandans) Adults: UGX 25,000 per person per day
East African Citizens Children (5 to 15 years): UGX 10,000 per child per day
Visiting the park is the best way for the Ugandans to embrace their natural feature. They charge you reasonable amounts of money during the day and night but to enjoy the price slash, you need to show identification of your nationality like national ID or passport at the entrance gate.
There is also a provision of package tariff for different categories of users such as schools, researchers, conservation groups, etc. Additionally, there are options for obtaining annual passes for frequent visitors;
Student Groups: Groups of students that are on educational visits can be charged a few shillings as compared to the Ugandan students who are charged the standard entry fees. Permits for the tours are obtained through prior contact with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Annual Park Passes: For those that visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority managed national parks often, an annual pass can be purchased for one year’s concessive visits to all parks. Prices for annual passes vary as follows;
Individual Pass: USD 350
Couple Pass: USD 600
Family Pass (two adults and up to four children): USD 800
Corporate Pass (for organizations): USD 1,500
Another benefit of annual pass is it can be availed by frequent visitors to multiple parks or any organization that want to visit many parks within certain year.
Vehicle Entry Fees
There are additional charges if you are to bring a car into the park area. These charges are based on the type and size of the vehicle;
Saloon Cars: UGX 20,000 per vehicle
4×4 Vehicles: UGX 30,000 per vehicle
Minibuses: 30,000 per vehicle
Tour Operator Vehicles: UGX 30,000 per vehicle
Over landers: UGX 100,000 each
These fees are charged at the entrance points and are used in road maintenance and construction of any facilities in the park. The resent charges do not bother with tourists who hire guided tours by tour operators in organizing safaris since the cost is contained in the charges of the safari package.
The Average Cost for Some Popular Activities
There are costs to enter the park through the various gates and costs for those activities that complement the Murchison Falls experience but are offered at an extra fee. Here are some of the top activities and their prices:
Game Drives: One of the biggest attractions of the park is the game drives. The cost of a guided game drive varies, depending on whether you are using private vehicle or hiring safari vehicle:
Day guided game drive (private): USD 20 for foreign nonresidents, USD 15 for foreign residents and East Africans at UGX 20,000
Night guided game drive (private): USD30 for foreign nonresidents, USD 20 for foreign residents and East Africans at UGX 30,000.
Please note that night game drives are restricted to tourists sleeping with in the park.
Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls: This guided hike is a great way to view the falls and the great Nile River. Hiking to the top of falls Fee;
USD 15 per person for foreign nonresidents.
USD 10 for foreign residents.
UGX 10,000 for East Africans.
Birdwatching: Currently, this park has over 450 bird species, so it is perfect for bird watching enthusiasts. Bird watching fees are as follows;
USD 30 for foreign non residents
USD 25 for foreign residents
UGX 20,000 for East Africans.
