Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, is one of the most popular national parks in Uganda and it conducts several interesting activities such as; launch trips (boat cruises), excellent game viewing, birding, visiting the top of Murchison falls, and sport fishing. There are several accommodations in the park and these range from camps to lodges.
Some of the accommodations include;
Budget Lodge
- Budongo eco lodge
- Red Chilli Safari Camp
- Twiga Safari Lodge
Midrange Lodge
- Pakuba Lodge,
- Sambiya River lodge,
- Kabalega Wilderness Camp,
- Murchison River Lodge
Luxury safari Lodges
- Paraa Safari lodge,
- Chobe safari Lodge,
- Bakers Lodge
Uganda Wildlife Authority campsites exist at the top of the Falls, Rabongo forest and Delta Point. These sites provide pit latrines and in some cases, basic showers. Budget accommodation and camping is available at Red Chilli Rest Camp and Kaniyo Pabidi Camp. More upmarket accommodation is provided by Nile Safari Camp, Sambiya River and Paraa Safari Lodges. In Masindi, the Masindi Hotel and Court View Hotel are recommended.
There are upmarket lodges and a luxury tented camps. There are lots of places to stay in while on a safari in the Murchison Falls National Park,
Visitors to this Park will live comfortably in its fantastic accommodations:
Chobe Safari Lodge, Luxury
This 5-stars’ lodge offers breathtaking panoramic views, coupled with the sounds of the River Nile’s magnificent rapids, sets the scene for a Uganda safari adventure that will impress even the most discerning of visitors. The lodge provides a great opportunity to sample the wildlife, birds, flora and fauna; all in an area of the park that has yet to be discovered. This area of the Park is suitable for fishing, and will revive this newly refurbished lodge to become one of the best fishing destinations in Africa.
Chobe lodge boasts 36 elegant guestrooms, 21 luxury tents, 4 suites and a Presidential Cottage. The River Nile is the main focus from an architect’s perspective, and so all the rooms and luxury tents have balconies and terraces facing the magnificent sweeping views. The facilities at the lodge include; a unique swimming pool, Karuma restaurant & cuisine, gift shop, business centre, Karuma bar & terrace, conference facilities, and Chobe health club & spa. The lodge organizes various amazing activities, such as; sport fishing, bush breakfast, visiting the top of Murchison falls, nature walks, and safari drives.
Paraa Safari Lodge, Luxury
Paraa Safari Lodge is one of the best and highly recommended accommodations in Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge overlooks one of nature’s best kept secrets, the River Nile, on its journey from its source at Lake Victoria to join Lake Albert – here it is suddenly channeled into a gorge only six meters wide, and cataracts 43 meters below. Paraa Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure, and each of the rooms at Paraa is a haven of style and serenity, complete with balcony and private bathroom.
There are 54 rooms at Paraa Safari Lodge complete with balcony and en-suite private bathroom. The choice of accommodation at the lodge varies – a cottage, suites, double, twin and single. The lodge’s facilities include; an elegant outdoor pool, restaurant & cuisine, a business centre, gift shop, conference facilities, the explorer’s bar. Among the activities offered at the lodge, include; chimpanzee tracking, birding, safari drives, visiting the top of Uganda’s greatest waterfall (Murchison falls), boat trips to delta, bush breakfast, nature walks, and fishing.
Baker’s Lodge, Luxury
Baker’s Lodge is sits on the southern shores of the mighty Nile River which transects Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge derived its name from an English explorer Sir Samuel White Baker. This intimate, safari styled lodge is set within a large private area with direct river access, large shady trees and wetland areas hosting abundant birdlife along the water’s edge. The views onto the river are vast and just extraordinary with islands hosting nesting egret birds, elephants bathing and pods of hippos regularly viewed.
Baker’s lodge comprises of ten suites and each of them is raised from the ground on supporting pillars with its own deck overlooking the river. Much care has been taken to ensure each of the ten suites has privacy as well as superb views either up or down stream. The large, airy facilities are fan cooled, have netted windows with opening options, customized solid wooden furniture, and hanging mosquito nets and especially selected locally crafted items for the accessories. The en-suite bathrooms are open plan with solar hot water showers and baths with a view in some units. Solar lighting completes the services for this eco-friendly top quality establishment.
Enjoy the various fantastic activities in Murchison Falls National Park while basing in the amazing Baker’s Lodge. Among the activities to enjoy in the Park include; visiting the top of the falls, game drives and game viewing, birding, fishing, boat cruises, nature walks, hot air balloon safaris, and chimpanzee tracking.
Nile Safari Lodge
This luxurious eco-lodge is ideally located on the southern shores of River Nile amid the well-to-do papyrus forest. The lodge is designed to with beautiful wooden chalets along with lavishness tents that are located in a perfect area to conduct spectacular views of the park along with the African wilderness. The most exciting aspect about this lodge is that natural feel that you experience when you get close to the environment. Experience the beauty of Africa while staying in this eco-lodge which is well designed with ten spacious rooms, 5 wooden chalets as well as lavishness tents that are well equipped with en-suited washrooms along with air conditioned rooms that are very comfortable, and are equipped with luxury balconies that will offer a perfect view of the area. The lodge comprises of high quality facilities to provide you with an extraordinary stay in Murchison Falls National Park, and these include; a fully stocked bar, a restaurant serving international and local foods, and the lounge along with the beautiful wilderness. At the lodge, during the evening hours, guests will enjoy the camp fire along with traditional dancing. The swimming tools help you to cool off the heat of the day and after the long day’s activities at the lodge’s infinity swimming pool.
Murchison River Lodge, Mid-range
Murchison River Lodge sits on the southern shores of River Nile (Africa’s longest) overlooking the precious Murchison Falls National Park. In beautiful surroundings, the lodge offers comfortable and relaxing mid-range accommodation to suit all budgets; well appointed en-suite thatched cottages, thatched safari tents each with private facilities and comfortable camping tents already set up around the shaded campsite. If you would prefer to bring your own tent, the lodge has covered areas for self catering in the campsite, including a fire pit and excellent shower and toilet facilities. This beautiful place in the wilderness offers great nature, great service, and great food. It is an eco-friendly first-class accommodation without air condition, and mini bar but well-designed furniture and everything to make your stay pleasant. This is a favorite place to stay while in Murchison Falls National Park enjoying your game drives, balloon safaris, boat cruises, visiting the top of Murchison falls (Uganda’s waterfall) and many other activities. The lodge boasts a swimming pool, craft shop, bar and restaurant.
Bwana Tembo Safari Camp
Bwana Tembo Safari Camp is a very calm place thus being a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature while overlooking the White Nile. This charming family-run safari camp is about 10 kilometers from the park’s northern gate. The camp has been offering a friendly and laid back ambiance for travelers wishing to find the perfect getaway from the stress of everyday life ever since it opened its doors. Whether you are looking for a relaxing experience or something more adventurous, upon your arrival sit yourself to a cup of Italian espresso and organize your tour with Davide and Francesco, owners and managers of the camp, profoundly knowledgeable of the park and its surroundings.
The camp is a concoction of mid-range prices with best quality services. The fact being that it is owned and managed by Italians, yes what could you expect, of course Italian delicacies!! The fresh home-made Italian cuisine is prepared to the highest standards and is mouth-wateringly good. The chefs are all trained by mamma Nicoletta who is sometimes present to supervise meal preparations and give the final touches to the great three course menu served. From time to time she will also do some cooking herself and the dishes will have that something special that only she can give.
The camp, sprawled at just a kilometer from the White Nile, is comprised of both cottages and safari tents to suit the needs of a diverse clientele. All accommodation types are self contained with flushing toilets, hand basins and showers with hot and cold running water. Lights are set up inside and outside of the accommodations and each cottage or tent has its own veranda. The camp is entirely eco-friendly, with solar power systems ensuring that all accommodations have light throughout the day and night.
Fort Murchison Lodge, Mid-range
Perched on the Eastern shores of the slow flowing Albert Nile and boasting 12 en-suite units, Fort Murchison rescinds the idea of a well maintained isolated outpost from times where Arab traders frequented the African hinterlands and legendary explorers led expeditions in search of the source of the Nile. Built in the right spot and inspired by the historical background, Fort Murchison is unlike any other in Uganda. The massive tower, the earth colored walls, the touch of Swahili style… will impress you from your arrival up to your departure. The lodge comprises of various comfortable accommodations to suit budgets from the mid to lower market, be it in its beautiful rooms or the comfortable thatched tents a great value for money is guaranteed. Fort Murchison consists of various facilities, including; restaurant, bar, reception, extensive gardens, and rooftop gardens, among others.
Sambiya River Lodge, Mid-range
One of the best accommodations in MFNP, Sambiya River Lodge is within a close proximity to the top of the fantastic Murchison Falls. It is the perfect location for those who want to experience the tranquility of unspoiled Africa, untouched by mass tourism. The lodge’s unique charm is in the atmosphere of intimacy provided to the guests. Guests stay in any of the 26 double rooms designed as individual and family thatched cottages which have en suite bathrooms, fans, screened doors & windows, mosquito nets, and a veranda to relax and enjoy the commanding views of prototypical Africa. Twelve basic bandas are also available for guest accommodation. Sambiya River Lodge allows you to relax in luxury whilst experiencing the sights and sounds of Africa. There is wireless internet for the guests and often get Uganda Telecom reception on the lodge’s back veranda.
For clients seeking low-priced accommodation, Sambiya offers twelve thatched bandas some of which that share bathroom facility blocks and three self-contained bandas (one double and two triples). Guests take their meals in the lodge dining area (storage, preparation and consumption of food in or outside of the rooms is strictly prohibited since it entices “unwelcome visitors”). Those staying in the bandas are welcome to use the lodge swimming pool.
Red Chilli Rest Camp, Budget
Red Chilli provides the only low to mid budget accommodation in the park, in furnished safari tents and bandas (small individual houses) with public or private bathrooms, as well as the only camping facilities with modern showers, toilets, cooking area and security lighting. Red Chilli is superbly located to explore Murchison Falls National Park. The camp is at Paraa on the southern edge of River Nile in the heart of the park. The camp is also just 500 meters from the Paraa ferry, where all vehicles cross the Nile for game drives around the Nile Delta, and from where boats can be hired for game viewing and sport fishing on the Nile – either up to the base of the falls, or down to the Nile delta at Lake Albert.
A bonfire is lit most evenings (weather permitting!) for the full ‘safari’ experience. The camp’s modern toilets and showers have provision for disabled visitors and all its en-suite bandas are fitted with solar hot water systems, although the heat in Murchison means this isn’t always necessary! There is a fully stocked bar and restaurant below a large open thatched roof with commanding views towards the Nile. The bar serves drinks from 6.15am until midnight, well as breakfast and lunch are a la carte, whereas at dinner you are offered a choice of 3 different dishes daily: one red meat, one white meat/fish and one vegetarian option.
Therefore, come enjoy your wildlife safaris in the extraordinary Murchison Falls National Park while living comfortably in the Park’s various accommodations. Apart from the above accommodations, the Park also has many other accommodations that you can opt for, such as; Pakuba Safari Lodge (mid-range), Heritage Safari Lodge (budget), and Boomu Women’s Group Bandas, Shoebill Campsite (budget), and many others.