Overview
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest park, where the mighty Nile crashes through a narrow gorge and plains teem with elephants, giraffes, lions, and hippos. Accommodations here range from luxurious riverfront lodges and eco-friendly camps to family cottages, backpacker hostels, and wilderness campsites. Most properties sit along the southern Nile riverbank, with others north of the river or near park gates for easy access to game drives, boat trips, and falls viewing.
1. Luxury Lodges & Upscale Safari Camps
For those seeking comfort, service, and memorable Nile views, these are the top choices:
- Baker’s Lodge (Nile River, south bank): Intimate, luxurious cottages on raised decks, private river views, gourmet dining, swimming pool, eco-conscious, top guiding.
- Chobe Safari Lodge (east bank, outside park): Iconic grand lodge, panoramic pool, spa, elegant rooms and suites, famous for river sunsets, conference facilities, family friendly.
- Paraa Safari Lodge (north bank, near Paraa ferry): Classic 1950s lodge, big pool, beautiful river views, historic charm, buffet restaurant, family rooms.
- Twiga Safari Lodge (near Paraa ferry): Luxury safari tents and chalets, riverside decks, pool, relaxed vibe, good food.
- Nile Safari Lodge (south bank): Eco-chic, spacious thatched bandas, infinity pool, yoga deck, solar-powered, family villas.
2. Mid-Range Lodges & Riverside Tented Camps
Great value and classic safari ambience for those who want comfort and authentic bush atmosphere:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge (north bank): Modern rooms, large pool, excellent wildlife viewing from lodge grounds, family friendly.
- Murchison River Lodge (south bank): Thatched cottages and comfortable safari tents, riverside pool, family units, relaxed, eco-friendly.
- Fort Murchison Lodge (near Tangi Gate, north): Unique Swahili-style architecture, rooftop terrace, spacious rooms and tents, good value, great for birders.
- Twiga Safari Lodge: (Also in luxury above; has more affordable rooms/tents).
- Sambiya River Lodge (near southern park gate): Cottages and rondavels, affordable, lush gardens, easy access to top birding spots.
- Red Chilli Rest Camp (near Paraa ferry): Classic overland camp, comfortable bandas and tents, budget restaurant/bar, great social atmosphere.
3. Eco-Lodges & Community-Run Camps
Stay with a purpose—supporting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel:
- Nile Safari Lodge: (Also luxury above; fully solar, community focused).
- Murchison River Lodge: (Eco-lodge credentials, locally sourced).
- Boomu Women’s Group Bandas (Kichumbanyobo Gate): Simple bandas and traditional huts, cultural tours, local cuisine, income supports women’s cooperative.
- Fort Murchison Lodge: Solar power, water conservation, local employment.
4. Family & Group-Friendly Options
Perfect for kids, groups, or longer stays—extra space, pools, family units, and flexible meals:
- Chobe Safari Lodge: Large family suites, playground, kids’ pool, activities desk.
- Murchison River Lodge: Family cottages, kids’ pool, safe grounds, babysitting.
- Pakuba Safari Lodge: Interconnecting rooms, group cottages, wildlife watching.
- Nile Safari Lodge: Family bandas, pool, flexible meals.
- Red Chilli Rest Camp: Group bandas, campfire, family tents.
- Boomu Women’s Group Bandas: Multi-bed huts, group meals, cultural activities.
5. Budget-Friendly Camps, Guesthouses & Backpacker Hostels
Affordable, adventurous, and welcoming for budget travelers:
- Red Chilli Rest Camp: Bandas, camping, affordable bar/restaurant, communal vibe.
- Boomu Women’s Group Bandas: Basic, local hospitality, cultural experience.
- Heritage Safari Lodge (Pakwach): Simple, budget rooms, riverside.
- Global Village Guest House (Masindi): Budget option if coming from Masindi town.
- Camping at lodges: Most offer bring-your-own tent camping at low cost, with use of lodge facilities.
6. Self-Catering Cottages & Private Villas
Ideal for families, groups, or independent travelers:
- Murchison River Lodge: Family cottages with kitchenettes, self-catering options.
- Pakuba Safari Lodge: Group/family suites for self-catering (by prior arrangement).
- Private Airbnb properties: In Pakwach, Paraa, and along the Nile for those preferring independent living.
7. Public & Private Campsites
For overlanders, backpackers, or wilderness seekers—basic but atmospheric:
- Red Chilli Rest Camp: Popular, safe, close to Paraa ferry.
- Shoe Bill Campsite (Paraa, north bank): Scenic, basic amenities.
- UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) Campsites: Basic, often at park gates or ranger posts, book via UWA.
- Boomu Women’s Camp: Simple, shaded, with access to cultural activities.
Murchison Falls Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Park Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker’s Lodge | Nile south bank | Luxury Lodge | $350–$650 | River views, pool, private, eco | Yes | Yes | Yes | Near Park |
| Chobe Safari Lodge | East of park | Luxury Resort | $250–$550 | Panoramic pool, spa, suites | Yes | Yes | Some | Near Park |
| Paraa Safari Lodge | Near Paraa ferry | Historic Lodge | $180–$400 | Pool, historic, family suites | Yes | Yes | Some | North Bank |
| Nile Safari Lodge | Nile south bank | Eco-Luxury | $400–$800 | Infinity pool, solar, family | Yes | Yes | Yes | South Bank |
| Pakuba Safari Lodge | North bank | Mid-Range Lodge | $120–$200 | Pool, wildlife, group rooms | Yes | Yes | Some | North Bank |
| Murchison River Lodge | South bank | Eco-Lodge | $100–$180 | Pool, tents/cottages, family | Yes | Yes | Yes | South Bank |
| Fort Murchison Lodge | North bank | Lodge/Tented | $80–$160 | Unique design, value, rooftop | Yes | No | Yes | Near Park |
| Red Chilli Rest Camp | South bank | Budget Camp | $10–$60 | Bandas, camping, social vibe | Yes | No | Some | Near Ferry |
| Boomu Women’s Group Bandas | Near K. Gate | Community Camp | $20–$45 | Cultural, basic, local impact | Yes | No | Yes | Near Gate |
| Heritage Safari Lodge | Pakwach | Guesthouse | $25–$60 | Simple, riverside, value | Yes | No | No | Pakwach |
| UWA Campsites | Park gates | Campsite | $5–$15 | Basic, wild, BYO gear | Yes | No | Some | Throughout Park |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and may vary by season or room type.
Conclusion
Murchison Falls offers a stay for every traveler—from iconic luxury lodges and eco-chic riverside camps to welcoming family cottages, social backpacker lodges, and wild campsites under the stars. Whether you want to sip sundowners overlooking the Nile, enjoy a bush breakfast after a dawn game drive, or immerse yourself in local culture, you’ll find a memorable base for exploring Uganda’s greatest wilderness.
Book early for high season (June–September, December–February) for best river views and availability.