Fort Murchison Lodge

Fort Murchison Lodge is one of the best mid-range and budget safari lodges near Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most famous park. It sits just outside the park’s northern boundary in the former Aswa Lolim Game Reserve, overlooking the slow-flowing Albert Nile. The lodge design is inspired by history — it looks like an old African fort from the time when Arab traders and European explorers searched for the source of the Nile. The tall watchtower, thick earth-coloured walls, and Swahili-style details give it a special charm.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time — but with all the comfort of today. Fort Murchison combines African tradition, warm hospitality, and great value, making it the perfect stop for travellers exploring Murchison Falls.

Access & Location

Fort Murchison is very easy to reach. It lies just 5 km from Tangi Gate, outside Murchison Falls National Park, along the Karuma–Pakwach road.

By Road: The drive from Kampala takes about 6 hours (305 km) via Karuma Bridge. Watch for the Fort Murchison sign a few kilometres before Pakwach Bridge.
By Air: Guests can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba Airstrip, which is about 25 minutes’ drive from the lodge.

Because the lodge sits just outside the park, guests don’t have to pay park entry fees unless they go in for game drives — this makes it one of the most affordable safari bases near Murchison Falls.

Accommodation & Facilities At Fort Murchison

Fort Murchison offers two main types of accommodation: en-suite rooms and non-self-contained tents — both comfortable and great value.

En-Suite Rooms

There are 12 spacious en-suite rooms, each designed in a mix of African and Swahili style. Every room has:

A large double or twin bed with a mosquito net
A private bathroom with hot showers (solar-powered)
A writing desk and seating area
A private balcony with a sofa and river views

These rooms are perfect for guests who want comfort, privacy, and beautiful views without paying luxury lodge prices.

Budget Safari Tents

For travellers on a smaller budget, Fort Murchison also offers 12 non-self-contained tents.
Each tent includes:

Two single beds with mosquito nets
A bedside table and power outlet
A grass-thatched roof for shade and a small veranda for relaxing
Access to a shared ablution block with clean showers and flushing toilets

All tents come with fresh bedding, towels, and daily housekeeping. They are simple, cozy, and ideal for backpackers or adventurous safari guests.

Dining & Bar At Fort Murchison Lodge

Fort Murchison’s rooftop terrace is one of the best spots in the area to enjoy a sundowner drink while watching the sun dip over the Albert Nile. After sunset, guests can head down to the restaurant, where a delicious four-course dinner awaits.

The restaurant and bar are decorated with Swahili touches, photos, and sketches of early explorers who once travelled through this region. Meals are freshly prepared using local ingredients. The lodge bakes its own bread and grows fruits and vegetables in its on-site garden — from mangoes and avocados to papayas and citrus trees.

Because supplies are brought in from Kampala, the lodge serves a fixed menu (not à la carte), but guests can share dietary preferences in advance. Meal times are flexible — breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be arranged around your safari schedule.

Swimming Pool & Lounge

After a long day of exploring, nothing feels better than a dip in the swimming pool overlooking the Nile. The pool area includes:

A baby pool for toddlers with a shade cloth for sun protection
A pool lounge and bar open from morning to evening
Sun loungers and umbrellas for relaxing or reading

If you prefer, simply sit back on the rooftop terrace with a cool drink and watch the golden sunset over the river — one of the most magical views in Uganda.

Activities at Fort Murchison Lodge

Staying here puts you close to all of Murchison Falls National Park’s main attractions.

Game Drives: Explore the park’s northern plains, home to elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, and many antelopes. Morning and evening game drives are best for photography and wildlife sightings.
Boat Trip to Murchison Falls: A highlight of any visit! Take a 3-hour boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. Watch as hippos and crocodiles fill the water while elephants and giraffes graze on the riverbanks. You can also hike to the top of the falls after the cruise for stunning views.
Delta Boat Cruise: Travel downstream toward Lake Albert, through quiet wetlands rich in birds. Look out for the rare shoebill stork and other papyrus-loving species.
Fishing: The Nile River near Murchison is one of the best spots in East Africa for sport fishing, especially for Nile perch and catfish.
Birdwatching

The park has over 450 bird species, including bee-eaters, fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. Bring your binoculars for a rewarding day!

Hiking & Nature Walks: Take a guided walk around the park or hike to the top of Murchison Falls for breathtaking views and photo moments.
Chimpanzee Trekking: In nearby Budongo Forest, you can track chimpanzees and other primates, including blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.

Why Choose Fort Murchison Lodge

Best mid-range and budget lodge near Murchison Falls
Owned by Nature Lodges Uganda, known for friendly service
Just 5 km from the park gate (no park fee unless entering)
Comfortable rooms and affordable tents for all travellers
Delicious meals and great views of the Albert Nile
Peaceful location away from crowds
Perfect for families, couples, and small groups

Final Thoughts

Fort Murchison Lodge is not just a place to stay — it’s an experience that takes you back in time while giving you comfort, good food, and great value. With its Swahili-style charm, friendly staff, and amazing river views, this is easily the best mid-range and budget lodge outside Murchison Falls National Park. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, watching the sunset from the tower, or exploring the wild plains nearby, Fort Murchison offers everything you need for a memorable and affordable safari in Uganda.