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.