Embarking on a group safari to a destination like Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda is a perfect way to cut down the cost. A group safari can comprise a family, friends, colleagues, adventure seekers with similar travel interests, or students. Joining a group safari tour to Murchison Falls National Park makes it more affordable and is an ideal option, especially if you are on a tight budget.
But how much is a group safari to Murchison Falls NP? Here is a breakdown of what to expect for group safaris to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. As you plan your group safari, first understand the key factors that influence cost.
Cost of a group safari to Murchison Falls NP based on tour style
The 3 different tour styles most travelers often fall into include budget group, midrange, and luxury groups. Each of these group travel styles costs differently. The variation in cost depends on the accommodation type, activities, cost of transportation, and season, etc. Based on a 3-day group safari to Murchison Falls National Park, below are the estimated costs for each tour style.
A typical budget group safari to Murchison Falls National Park costs USD 500 to USD 650 per person. This tour style can include budget camps or lodges/dormitories, shared transportation like a safari van, game drives, park entry fees, and a standard launch trip.
Mid-range group safari can cost about USD 700 to USD 1,000 per person. This category can include a standard accommodation facility like Pakuba Lodge/Fort Murchison Lodge, a 4×4 Land Cruiser for road travel, a boat cruise, all park fees, and rhino tracking.
Luxury group style can cost about USD 1,200 and above per person. A luxury group safari cost on a 3-day programme in Murchison Falls National Park covers a high-end accommodation option like Paraa Safari Lodge, top-tier guides, and luxury amenities.
The major highlights that you should expect when organizing a memorable group safari to Murchison Falls National Park include park entrance fees, currently set at USD 45 per person. The park entry fees are valid for only 24 hours. The boat cruise experiences to the bottom of the Murchison Falls may vary depending on the boat you take. However, these can range from USD 30-40 per person.
Hike to the top of the falls and Ziwa Rhino tracking en route, but this can be optional. The car park entry fees are covered, and the cost varies depending on the car type.
Does the group size influence the cost of a safari?
The cost of a group safari tends to reduce depending on the size or how many travelers join the same trip. The higher the number of tourists, the less each person can pay. The car hire and fuel costs are shared amongst the group members. On average, a group of 2-3 pax can pay USD 800 to USD 1,000 per person; 4-5 pax pay USD 700-800 per person, while for a group of over 6 pax, the cost for car hire can reduce to about USD 500-650 per visitor.
Why join a group safari to Murchison Falls National Park?
Joining a group safari has multiple benefits, including;
- Reduced safari cost through shared expenses.
- Opportunity to create new friends.
- Shared cost of transportation.
- Suitable option for students, corporate teams, families, and friends.
- Shared experiences with ultimate fun, etc.
Why choose Murchison Falls National Park for a group safari?
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s iconic savannah park, home to abundant attractions and activities. Located in the northwestern circuit of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is one of the preferred destinations when it comes to group safaris. Here are some of the interesting reasons why you should choose Murchison Falls National Park for a group safari.
Game drives
Guided game drives are a major highlight when it comes to Murchison Falls National Park group safaris. A range of wildlife can be sighted during a game drive in Murchison Falls NP, including Uganda Kobs, hyenas, African bush elephants, lions, hartebeests, Rothschild giraffes, Cape buffaloes, and warthogs, etc.
Boat/Launch cruise
A boat cruise excursion can be enjoyed along the Victoria Nile to the bottom of the falls or towards the Albert Delta. While on a boat cruise, expect to see lots of hippos, water birds, Nile crocodiles, and other terrestrial animals as they relax along the river banks.
Chimpanzee tracking
Beyond savannah game viewing, there is also a chance to engage in guided chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest. The lush Budongo Forest Reserve lies in the Southern circuit of Murchison Falls National Park, with chimpanzee treks often conducted from the Kaniyo-Pabidi eco-tourism site.
About 600 chimpanzees survive in Budongo Forest, with a group of habituated communities present for tourists to trek. At Budongo Forest, visitors can participate in the morning chimp trek (from 7:00 am to 8:00 am) or the afternoon trek, starting around 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
A standard Budongo chimp permit costs USD 130 per person, and if you are interested in a chimpanzee habituation experience, the permit can be booked at USD 230 per person.
Bird watching
Murchison Falls National Park is an interesting destination to explore diverse birds in Uganda. Over 451 species of birds survive in Murchison alone, and you can expect to find the elusive shoebill storks, standard-winged nightjars, African fish eagles, grey crowned cranes, and the Abyssinian group hornbill, etc. Key birding spots to explore on a birding tour in Murchison Falls National Park include Buligi Circuit, Budongo Forest, Lake Albert Delta, and Victoria Nile.
Ziwa Rhino Tracking
Although Murchison Falls National Park does not host rhinos, there is a rhino sanctuary located on the route to the park. A group safari to Murchison allows you to engage in rhino tracking en route. The rhino trekking is conducted at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can embark on a guided walk to search for rhinos with an experienced guide. After a close encounter with rhinos in the wild, you can connect to Murchison Falls National Park.
Best time to visit
Seasonality can influence the cost of a safari. Peak season (dry months) is excellent for game drives, but it is during this period when most safari lodges keep their rates at standard. This is from June to September and December to February. Visitors have a chance to enjoy discounted offers during the off-peak/low season from March to May or October to November.
