ACCOMMODATION IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Red chili rest camp
Situated in the heart of the park at Paraa, Red Chili Rest Camp is beautifully positioned to explore Murchison National Park.
It is 500 m away from the bridge, where you can cross for an early morning game drive, or head straight out on a boat cruise.
The on-site bar is open until midnight, and there is a communal campfire and barbecuing area, which is great for socializing.
Murchison River Lodge
This stunning and friendly family-run lodge offers a very pleasant campsite for budget travelers. The lodge itself is mid-range, you can camp here on a budget and have access to showers, toilets, and cooking facilities.
Free afternoon tea and cake is a welcome bonus. This camp is one of the most beautiful budget options available.
Sambiya River Lodge
Sited 1.5 km from the top of the falls junction, Sambiya offers a fantastic location in the heart of the park.
It is best known for its peaceful atmosphere canopy walk and ziplining. Though most of their accommodation doesn’t fall into the low budget category, there are well-priced bandas overlooking a beautiful acacia woodland.
A swimming pool, restaurant and veranda are available to all guests.
Budongo Eco lodge
Hidden under a canopy of trees, Budongo Eco lodge is perfectly positioned to enjoy the wonders of both the Budongo Forest, where approximately 700 chimpanzees live.
They have several dormitory-style bedrooms in large wooden cabins, perfect for families and backpackers.
They also have many self-contained rooms, private cabins and a restaurant.
Mama Washindi Lodge
To the north of Murchison Falls, set in Pakwach, overlooking the White Nile. Guests can choose between self-contained rooms, furnished safari tents and a family bandas with a separate dining area.
All are equipped with double or twin beds, flushing toilets and a balcony.
Breakfast and WIFI are included
Boomu Women’s Group
Boomu, meaning ‘togetherness’, is a brilliant budget accommodation choice with a social purpose, on the edge of Murchison National Park by the southern gate.
It was formed by a group of women looking to improve their livelihood and give back to the community by creating a community tourism project.
Boomu is ideal for backpackers as they offer several dormitory-style rooms, they also have a restaurant on-site, and breakfast is included.
Shoebill Campsite
Named after the rare shoebill stork that visits the Albert Delta in Murchison National Park, this campsite is a great spot to relax.
Set up your tent overlooking the Nile, and enjoy a sundowner listening to the calls of the hippo and other creatures that visit the riverbank below.
Shoebill is ideal for camping so bring your tents and cooking facilities. However, if you do not fancy cooking yourself, the adjoining camp under the same management, has a restaurant available and welcomes Shoebill Campsite guests to use their swimming pool.
Masindi Hotel
Built in 1923, Masindi Hotel is one of Uganda’s oldest hotels and has some very interesting history.
Catherine Hepburn stayed here during the making of the ‘African Queen’ and behind the old colonial hotel is a beautiful campsite with fabulous hot showers.
Despite being close to town, the area is green and noiseless with abundant birdlife, and the nearby market is great to stock up on fruits and veggies.
New Court View Hotel
Located in Masindi town, New Court View Hotel is popular with many travelers on a budget.
They have various room sizes, which all have a private bathroom, electricity and Wi-Fi.
It is also a great option for families, as there is a swimming pool and playground to keep the children entertained.
MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION
Twiga Safari Lodge
A unique option for travelers who want to try a different style of accommodation. Twiga Safari Lodge provides a contemporary take on a tented camp, combining canvas with solid construction.
Twiga’s accommodation is a blend of safari camping tents and thatched African cottages. Its 8 private cottages are located on the bank of the river Nile in Mubaako Paraa, opposite to the Murchison Falls National Park. Twiga is a five-minute drive from the ferry crossing to Murchison.
The lodge has a great view of the treasures of Murchison. Monkeys, birds, and even grazing hippos are frequently seen around the grounds of the lodge. In addition to offering free high-speed Wi-Fi and parking, the lodge has its own restaurant, bar, and gift shop. The service is exceptional, and the lodge has a relaxed ambience.
Pakuba Safari Lodge
Pakuba Safari Lodge is our favorite mid-range option. The three-star suburban lodge is situated on the east bank of the Albert Nile. The lodge is a modern incarnation of the former state lodge that was previously visited by Idi Amin, and its ruins can still be seen. Pakuba is a short distance from the Tangi Gate of Murchison Falls National Park.
After a fast-paced day at the park, you can cool off in its outdoor pool or take your favorite drink at the lodge’s bar. You may prefer to sit at your window and take in the scenic wilderness views. Fortunate guests may see beautiful animals such as buffaloes, or giraffes.
All rooms have excellent views of the Albert Nile and provides a refreshing evening breeze.
Budongo Eco lodge
Accommodation is available alongside the main road that runs between Masindi and Paraa. While these lodges do not have Nile frontage, they provide great access to the forests of Budongo, home to many birds and over 600 chimpanzees.
The Budongo Ecolodge, located 10 km north of the Kichambanyobo Gate.
Budongo offers five comfortable cabins and four large dormitory rooms for larger groups. Its on-site visitor center is very informative about the local area, and it showcases ancient fossils. The lodge’s craft shop sells handmade gifts to commemorate your stay.
Murchison River Lodge
Located across 30 acres on the southern bank of the River Nile, Murchison River Lodge is a family-run lodge which offers panoramic views of Murchison Falls National Park.
The lodge was established by Chris and Georgie, a couple who wanted to create an inclusive environment for travelers, regardless of their budget. The staff provide excellent service, and they are happy to share their knowledge of the local area.
The lodge is eco-friendly and runs off solar power, this includes solar water pumps for the swimming pool and solar lights. It offers a broad range of accommodation: thatched cottages, thatched safari tents, river tents, and a campsite.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Baker’s Lodge
Located on the south bank of the Nile, Baker’s Lodge offers luxury yet traditional African accommodation and has direct river access. Named after the English explorer Samuel Baker, the lodge provides high-quality food, drinks, lodging, and other facilities.
The lodge opened in 2015 and its rooms are generously proportioned and tasteful, combining canvas and thatch. Built on a raised platform, the lodge has unmissable views of the Nile.
Expect to see a broad range of animal and bird life along the edge of the Nile. Hippos and elephants are often VIP guests on the boundary of the lodge’s grounds.
Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge occupies a prime position on the north bank of the Nile. Each of its 54 rooms has a suite bathroom, a large window, and a private balcony with stunning views of the winding Nile. Guests receive complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, and a free breakfast at its restaurant.
The lodge was reconstructed in 1997 out of the shell of the original 1959 lodge and its decoration is inspired by a former era of exploration of the Nile.
The lodge is perfect for families or first-time visitors to Africa who want to experience safari adventures in comfort and style.
Nile Safari Lodge
Sited on the southern bank of the Nile, Nile Safari Lodge is an eco-friendly, family-owned lodge. Opened in 2017 with a dream of creating a unique experience in the Pearl of Africa, the lodge’s furniture and fittings are designed to blend the boundaries between inside and outside. The accommodation is at one with its stunning natural surroundings.
The lodge was built with natural materials by expert local craftsmen. Water is sourced from the Nile and filtered to drinking quality by a UV filtration system. Luxuries such as private fridges are solar-powered, making the lodge perfect for environmentally conscious travelers.
The lodge offers privacy without severing itself from its beautiful surroundings.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Situated on the north bank of the River Nile, Chobe Safari Lodge is designed to provide sweeping views of the magical river. The lodge offers a wide range of accommodation and guests can choose between 36 charming guest rooms, 21 luxury tents, 4 suites, and a Presidential Cottage.
Chobe’s outdoor pool is split into 3 stages, allowing its guests to soak up the scenery from different perspectives. The restaurant offers a delicious menu of local and international cuisines and its terrace provides a spectacular outdoors dining experience. The decoration of the Bar reflects a blend of modern and safari themes.
The Chobe Health Club and Spa is the perfect location to recover after an active day at Murchison.