Hidden Fees to Watch Out For in Murchison Falls National Park

Hidden Fees to Watch Out For in Murchison Falls National Park

Visiting Uganda’s largest national park can be affordable, but unexpected costs can add up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of common hidden fees to budget for in advance.

1. Park Entry Fees (Beyond the Basics)

  • Foreign Adult: $80/day (standard)
  • Vehicle Entry: $50/day (even if self-driving)
  • Ferry Crossing (Paraa): 15–15–15–30 per vehicle (round trip)
  • Guided Nature Walks: $30+/person (not included in game drives)

Watch Out For: Some budget tours advertise “park fees included” but exclude vehicle/ferry costs.

2. Activity Add-Ons

  • Boat Cruise to the Falls: 30–30–30–50 (often sold separately from safaris)
  • Chimpanzee Tracking (Budongo Forest): $90 (outside standard park fees)
  • Night Game Drives: $50+/person (requires special permit)

Watch Out For: Lodges may list activities as “optional” but don’t clarify they’re essential for full wildlife viewing.

3. Accommodation Extras

  • Park-Approved Campsites: 5–5–5–15/night (but may charge extra for tent rental)
  • Hot Water Showers: 2–2–2–5 per use (common in budget camps)
  • Electricity Access: Some lodges charge to recharge devices.

Watch Out For: “Free Wi-Fi” often means limited bandwidth—premium speeds cost extra.

4. Transportation Traps

  • Fuel Surcharges: Remote lodges add 10–10–10–20 for fuel deliveries.
  • Ranger Escorts: Self-drivers may need a mandatory ranger (20–20–20–50/day).
  • Road Maintenance Fees: Unofficial “tips” demanded at checkpoints.

Watch Out For: Rental cars may have hidden insurance deductibles.

5. Community & Conservation Fees

  • Village Visits: 10–10–10–20 (sometimes pressured as “donations”)
  • Rhino Tracking (Ziwa Sanctuary): $50 (separate from Murchison fees)
  • Anti-Poaching Levies: Small fees added to bills (legit, but rarely mentioned upfront).

Watch Out For: Some guides inflate “community fees”—ask for receipts.

6. Payment Surprises

  • Credit Card Fees: 3–5% extra for card payments.
  • USD vs. UGX: Paying in shillings can save money (some places inflate USD rates).
  • Tipping Pressure: Guides expect 10–10–10–20/day (not mandatory but common).

Watch Out For: Exchanging money at lodges often has poor rates.

How to Avoid Hidden Costs?

✔ Book Through Reputable Operators (Get full cost breakdowns in writing).
✔ Confirm Ferry/Boat Fees in Advance (Prices change seasonally).
✔ Carry Small USD/UGX Bills (For tips and unexpected charges).
✔ Ask: “Are there any other fees not listed?”

Final Thought

A well-planned budget accounts for at least 20% extra beyond advertised rates. Always read the fine print—especially with budget safaris.