Eco-lodge · Hoima
Zebi Ecolodge
Murchison Falls is about 125 km away, as published by the lodge
UTB licensed
- Wi-Fi
- Breakfast included
- Airport transfers
From US$54 per room per night, breakfast included
National park
Murchison Falls National Park
Where the Nile forces through an 8-metre gorge.
- Northwestern Uganda
- Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
- Entry from US$45
Overview
- Area
- 3,840 km²
- Game reserve since
- 1926
- National park since
- 1952
- Mammals
- 144 species
- Bird species
- 556
- Falls
- 45 m drop, 8 m gorge
Murchison Falls is Uganda's oldest and largest conservation area. It was gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 and became one of the country's first national parks in 1952, at the northern end of the Albertine Rift.
At its heart the Victoria Nile squeezes through a gorge about 8 m wide and plunges 45 m into the Devil's Cauldron. Below the falls the river slows towards Lake Albert, drawing elephants, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles to its banks.
The park records 144 mammal and 556 bird species. North of the river, open savanna with borassus palms holds giraffes, Uganda kobs and lions; the Albert Delta is one of the best places in Uganda to see the shoebill.
- Launch trip to the falls
A boat trip of about two hours upstream from Paraa past hippos and crocodiles.
- Top of the Falls
Stand above the gorge and feel the whole Nile thunder through it.
- Northern bank game drives
Giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, kobs and lions on the Buligi plains.
Things to do
- Launch trip to the bottom of the fallsFrom US$30
About two hours.
- Hike to the top of the fallsFrom US$15
Guided trail.
- Guided game driveFrom US$25
Per guide, per vehicle.
- Birding and nature walksFrom US$25
Including the delta.
- Sport fishingFrom US$50
Permit per day.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Game viewing is best in the dry months of December to February and June to September, when animals gather near water. The falls are fullest after the rains.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA Conservation Tariff, July 2024 – June 2026). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–15: US$25 / US$15 / US$10 / UGX 10,000. Under 5s enter free. | US$45 | US$35 | US$30 | UGX 25,000 |
| Launch trip to the bottom of the fallsper person | US$30 | US$25 | US$20 | UGX 30,000 |
| Hiking to the top of the fallsper person | US$15 | US$10 | — | UGX 10,000 |
| Guided game drive (day)per guide | US$25 | US$20 | — | UGX 25,000 |
| Birding and nature walksper person | US$25 | US$20 | — | UGX 20,000 |
| Sport fishingper person per day | US$50 | US$50 | — | UGX 20,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$45
- Foreign resident
- US$35
- Rest of Africa
- US$30
- East African citizen
- UGX 25,000
Children 5–15: US$25 / US$15 / US$10 / UGX 10,000. Under 5s enter free.
- Launch trip to the bottom of the fallsper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$30
- Foreign resident
- US$25
- Rest of Africa
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 30,000
- Hiking to the top of the fallsper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$15
- Foreign resident
- US$10
- East African citizen
- UGX 10,000
- Guided game drive (day)per guide
- Foreign non-resident
- US$25
- Foreign resident
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 25,000
- Birding and nature walksper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$25
- Foreign resident
- US$20
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
- Sport fishingper person per day
- Foreign non-resident
- US$50
- Foreign resident
- US$50
- East African citizen
- UGX 20,000
- Vehicles entering Murchison pay an extra US$10 (foreign-registered) or UGX 10,000 (Ugandan-registered) on top of the standard vehicle fee.
Getting there
- By roadFrom Kampala4–5 hours to the gate
About 305 km north via Masindi. Allow another 1–2 hours from the gate to most lodges.
- By airFrom Entebbe or KajjansiAbout 1 hour
Scheduled and charter flights to Pakuba airfield near Paraa; Chobe and Bugungu are alternatives.
- By roadFrom Ziwa Rhino SanctuaryAbout 2–3 hours
Many itineraries stop at Ziwa on the way north.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
UTB licensed
Where to stay near Murchison Falls National Park
Photos
Know before you go
- The Paraa ferry links the southern and northern banks; check crossing times with your lodge.
- Stay at least 24 hours: your entry ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time you enter.
- Night game drives are only for guests sleeping inside the park and need a UWA guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Murchison Falls?
Two to three nights lets you do the boat trip, the top of the falls and a morning game drive on the northern bank.
Can I see the shoebill here?
Yes. The shoebill is often seen around the Albert Delta, usually on a morning boat trip from Paraa.
How much is park entry?
US$45 for foreign non-resident adults, US$35 for foreign residents, US$30 for Rest-of-Africa visitors and UGX 25,000 for East African citizens, for 24 hours.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority park page
- UWA Conservation Tariff 2024–2026
- UWA tariff changes, 26 February 2026
Combine your trip
Places to pair with Murchison Falls National Park
Wildlife sanctuary
National parkWestern Uganda
Kibale National Park
East Africa's primate capital: 13 species and about 1,500 chimpanzees.
National parkNortheastern Uganda (Karamoja)
Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda's most remote and dramatic wilderness.