Question 1

How much does it cost to enter Murchison Falls National Park?

Accepted Answer

Under the official UWA tariff (July 2024–June 2026), foreign non-resident adults pay US$45 and children aged 5–15 pay US$25; East African citizens pay UGX 25,000 and UGX 10,000 respectively, and under-5s enter free. A day ticket is valid for 24 hours from entry, with extra time charged as an extra day. Budget for vehicle entry too — a foreign-registered saloon car pays US$40 plus a US$10 park surcharge.

Question 2

What are the opening hours of Murchison Falls National Park?

Accepted Answer

The park operates 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, and UWA enforces these hours with no exceptions — time your drives so you're out before the gates close. Launch trips depart in daylight windows, commonly around 8–9 AM and 2–3 PM.

Question 3

How far is Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala?

Accepted Answer

It's 305 km (190 mi) north of Kampala, a 4–5 hour drive to the southern entrance via Luweero, Nakasongola and Masindi to the Kichumbanyobo gate. Flying is faster: scheduled and charter flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi reach the Pakuba, Chobe or Bugungu airfields in about an hour, with charters from roughly US$284.45 per adult one way.

Question 4

What is the best month to visit Murchison Falls?

Accepted Answer

Aim for the dry seasons of June–September or December–February, when tracks stay passable and wildlife concentrates around the Nile and waterholes. Skip April, May, October and November if you can — heavy rain turns the murram roads muddy, the top-of-the-falls rocks get slippery, and animals disperse into thicker vegetation, though lodges are quieter and birding is good.

Question 5

What should I wear on safari in Murchison Falls?

Accepted Answer

Pack neutral earth tones — khaki, beige, olive — in long sleeves and full-length trousers, and avoid black and dark blue, which attract biting tsetse flies. Closed shoes, a wide-brimmed hat and a warm fleece for cold dawn drives in open vehicles will cover you. Insect repellent is essential; the area has high mosquito density and malaria is common in Uganda.

Question 6

How much does the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls cost?

Accepted Answer

The UWA launch trip from Paraa to Baker Point costs US$30 for foreign non-residents, US$25 for foreign residents and UGX 30,000 for East African citizens, and takes about 2 hours with a maximum of 45 passengers. Add US$15 for the 45-minute Top of the Falls hike, or US$10 to drive to the viewpoint instead — the hike is steep and needs moderate fitness.

Question 7

Do I need to book activities at Murchison Falls in advance?

Accepted Answer

Most fees — entry, launch trips, game drives, birding walks — can be paid at the park gates or reservations office via mobile money (Airtel Money/MTN MoMo), POS, bank transfer or the online portal, so keep every receipt. Chimpanzee tracking permits in Budongo/Kaniyo Pabidi must be arranged in advance, and night game drives require a UWA guide (US$40 per person) and are limited to guests sleeping inside the park.

Question 8

Is Murchison Falls National Park accessible for wheelchair users and elderly visitors?

Accepted Answer

There's no formal wheelchair-accessible trail infrastructure and the game-viewing tracks are rough dirt roads, but the 2-hour Nile launch cruise requires no walking and provides life jackets, making it the most practical experience. Some lodges near Paraa have wheelchair-friendly rooms — arrange an accessible vehicle and assistance with your lodge or operator in advance. For seniors, the Top of the Falls hike is steep, but you can drive to the viewpoint instead.

Murchison Falls National Park Guides

Murchison Falls National Park Lodges: Where to Stay, from Budget Camps to Nile-Side Luxury

Murchison Falls Safari: The Complete Guide to Wildlife, Costs and Itineraries

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