Where to stay in Murchison falls national park. Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest and largest protected area in Uganda at over 3,893km2, comprised of Murchison Falls National Park, Bungungu Wildlife Reserve at 501km2, Karuma Wildlife Reserve at 678km2 and Budongo Forest Reserve at 592km2 managed by both Uganda Wildlife Authority and National Forestry Authority as Murchison Falls Conservation Area.
Murchison Falls National Park, in the Albertine Rift Valley area, straddles districts of Masindi, Buliisa, Nwoya, and Kiryandongo with Murchison Falls as the main attraction at the park; the falls are also known as the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’ with the trademark rainbow as the waters of the Nile flow through a narrow gorge before the plunge of 43m creating quite the experience of the falls. It contains savanna, acacia trees, and riverine woodland.
Murchison Falls National Park is home to 76 mammals including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, bushbucks, waterbucks, and many more; over 450 bird species like Abyssinian ground hornbill, black-billed barbet, long-toed lapwing, Senegal thick-knee, African darter, rock pratincole, black-headed gonolek, piapiac, giant kingfisher, denham’s bustard, African grey woodpecker, eastern plantain-eater, white-crested turaco, and many more.
Murchison Falls National Park offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets and below are some options you might consider:
Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge is one of the most popular and luxurious accommodations in Murchison Falls National Park. Located on the northern bank of the Nile River, it offers stunning views and easy access to the park’s key attractions.
The lodge has 54 well-furnished rooms with private balconies overlooking the Nile with all amenities and visitors can choose from the different types of rooms; cottages, suites, double, twin, and single rooms; kids under 12 years old get a discount.
The lodge has an infinity pool, restaurant, bar, lounge, conference facilities, and gift shops on the ground for the full experience. While residing at the lodge, visitors can engage in activities like game drives, boat cruises, hikes, sunset relaxation, birding, cultural experiences, and many more.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is a five-star lodge in the eastern part of Murchison Falls National Park, along the Nile River. The lodge offers breathtaking river views, elegant accommodations, and world-class amenities, making it one of Uganda’s top safari lodges. Chobe Safari Lodge features a range of luxurious rooms, suites, and tents, including; standard rooms, deluxe tents, cottages, and presidential and royal cottages fully self-sustained.
Away from the accommodation, the lodge has a restaurant, bar, infinity swimming pool, spa, conference, and event facilities all ensuring that guests have nothing to complain however enjoy their stay in one of the most high-end lodges in the park. Activities like game drives, boar cruises, cultural tours, hiking, and fishing can be enjoyed by residents of the lodge.
Baker’s Lodge
Located on the southern bank of the Nile River, Baker’s Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge offering an intimate and tranquil safari experience. The lodge was named after Samuel Baker, one of the first European explorers to visit Murchison Falls. The lodge provides a blend of comfort, exclusivity, and sustainability in the heart of Uganda’s wilderness. The lodge has 10 spacious thatched cottages, each designed for privacy and relaxation, with all amenities, including private verandas to enjoy wildlife and river views.
Baker’s Lodge has facilities like a restaurant, bar, and Wi-Fi ensuring that while guests are residing over and enjoying activities like wildlife viewing, boat cruises, amazing sunsets or sunrises, and amazing views they have no complaints but relax and enjoy every minute of their stay.
Pakuba Safari Lodge
Located on the eastern bank of the Albert Nile, Pakuba Safari Lodge is a mid-range lodge offering stunning views of the Albert Nile and the surrounding savannah. Built on the site of the former Pakuba lodge, once a favorite retreat for Ugandan President Idi Amin in the 1970’s, the lodge is both comfortable and affordable making it ideal for travelers looking for proximity to wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Pakuba safari lodge has 46 rooms including deluxe rooms and family suites, all self-contained with bathrooms, beddings, solar-powered electricity, and private verandas for some. The lodge has facilities like a restaurant, bar, conference facilities, a swimming pool, and a gift shop on the ground. While residing at the lodge, guests get the opportunity to see nature and wildlife like elephants, hippos, antelopes, and leopards; and can engage in activities like game drives, boat safaris, bird watching, and nature walks.
Red Chilli Rest Camp
Is an exclusive lodge located on the southern bank of the Nile, near Paraa ferry crossing. Red Chilli Rest Camp is a budget-friendly lodge and campsite, perfect for backpackers, and budget-conscious safari-goers offering a relaxed and social atmosphere while providing easy access to Murchison Falls National Park’s major attractions. The lodge provides affordable options like en-suite bandas, basic bandas, camping grounds, and dormitories.
Onsite, Red Chilli Rest Camp has a restaurant, bar, campfire spot, and security for the residents, and the guests can engage in activities like game drives, boat safaris, guided nature walks, and community tours.
Budongo Eco Lodge
Budongo Eco Lodge is a peaceful and eco-friendly lodge located in the heart of Budongo Forest, one of Uganda’s largest and most biodiverse rainforests. The lodge offers a perfect blend of nature, conservation, and adventure, making it the ideal choice for chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and forest walks. The lodge features comfortable and environmentally friendly cabins that are self-contained and dormitories with communal facilities.
The lodge has a restaurant, bar, and educational center and while residing here, guests can engage in activities like birding, chimpanzee tracking, forest walks, hiking, and community tours.
Murchison Giraffe Camp
Murchison Giraffe Camp is a unique eco-friendly camp located 1km from Mubako Gate Murchison Falls National Park. Nestled along the Nile River, the camp offers an authentic experience in the wilderness with convenient access to the park. The camp has en-suite safari tents and bandas with beddings, bathrooms, and a personal veranda providing a unique blend of comfort, and a campsite.
The camp has a restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi, and campfire to be enjoyed by residents at their convenience, and can partake in activities like game drives, boat cruises, guided nature walks, and birding while at the camp.
