Uganda’s largest and oldest safari park, Murchison Falls National Park spans an area of 3,840km2 (384,000 hectares). It’s a top spot for seeing incredible wildlife and soaking up the magic of the River Nile. There are many places to stay both inside and just outside the park, but we have picked our favorite lodges that offer the best value. These spots combine stunning views, great wildlife sightings, and unforgettable safari experiences.
1. Murchison River Lodge
Murchison River Lodge is a peaceful and friendly place to stay on the southern side of the River Nile. It has amazing views of Murchison Falls National Park and is a great place to enjoy nature.
The lodge was started by a couple, Chris and Georgie, who wanted to create a place where everyone feels welcome. Whether you are traveling on a big or small budget, you’ll find something that suits you here. There are different places to stay at the lodge.
The large thatched cottages are great for families or groups and even have hammocks where you can relax and enjoy the view.
The safari tents are set between trees and give you the feeling of camping, but with comfort. The river tents are very close to the Nile, so you can fall asleep listening to the water. If you bring your own tent, the campsite is perfect for a real adventure close to wildlife.
After a day out in the park, you can enjoy tasty food at the restaurant and relax with free afternoon tea from 4 to 6 pm. The bar has all your favorite drinks, and the swimming pool has a shady part to cool off from the hot sun.
2. Nile Safari lodge
Situated on the southern bank of the Nile River, Nile Safari Lodge is one of the best luxury lodges in Uganda, perfect for people who want to enjoy nature in comfort. The lodge has only eight private bandas, so it feels quiet and special — a great choice for couples or anyone looking for a romantic and relaxing time. The rooms are big and made with lovely wooden designs.
Each has a large bed, a bathroom, and a private deck with amazing views of the river. You can even take a shower outside and look up at the stars! This lodge has something for everyone. The Mzezi honeymoon banda is perfect for couples.
It has a small private pool and a star bed where you can sleep outside under the night sky. For families or bigger groups, the Dunia suite is a great choice. It can fit up to eight people and has its own pool, a big living room, and beautiful views of the Shoebill peninsula.
3. Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge is a lovely place to stay on the north side of the River Nile. It’s a perfect starting point for your safari in Murchison Falls National Park. From the lodge, you can see the beautiful river, hear the sounds of hippos, and enjoy the feeling of being close to nature. There are different types of rooms for every kind of guest.
The standard rooms are cozy and simple, with big beds, private bathrooms, and balconies that look out over the river. If you want more space, the suites come with a comfy living room and a minibar, where you can enjoy a cold drink after a long day.
The Queen’s Cottage is the most luxurious option — it has a big king-size bed, a lovely living room, and a large balcony with amazing views of the Nile and green trees all around. If you like a bit of adventure, you can stay in one of the lodge’s safari tents. These tents are decorated in a stylish way, mixing modern comfort with a classic safari feel.
They give you the fun of camping, but with soft beds and private bathrooms.
4. Pakuba Safari Lodge
Pakuba Safari Lodge is located on the east side of the Albert Nile. It was once a famous state lodge visited by Idi Amin but is now a modern and comfortable place, perfect for families visiting Murchison Falls National Park.
The lodge has lovely views of the river and is a great place to relax after a day of adventure. The rooms are big, clean, and come with a private veranda where you can enjoy the breeze and watch the river. There are double, twin, and special family rooms with two connected bedrooms — great for parents and kids.
All rooms have free Wi-Fi, room service, mosquito nets, charging spots, and a small reading area to help you feel at home. You can cool off in the swimming pool on hot days. For something truly special, try the bush dinner.
5. Fort Murchison Lodge
Fort Murchison Lodge has beautiful Arabic and Swahili-style buildings that remind you of old times when traders explored Africa. It is a quiet and peaceful place on the east side of the Albert Nile, inside the Aswa Lolim Game Reserve. This makes it a great spot for game drives and exploring Murchison Falls National Park.
You can choose from 12 comfy rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers, or stay in safari tents that are simple but nice. The tents have two single beds, mosquito nets, and a small veranda overlooking the green gardens. The tents share bathrooms nearby and have power outlets to charge your devices. One of the best things about Fort Murchison is the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the Nile and the savannah.
6. Papa's Camp
Papa’s Camp sits hidden among big fig trees on the quiet south bank of the River Nile. It is named after Ernest “Papa” Hemingway, who once survived two plane crashes in this very area.
This is true wilderness. Lions are often seen here — even the rare tree-climbing lions of Murchison. A nearby hyena den gives guests a chance to watch these animals up close. The drive to the top of Murchison Falls takes about 1.5 hours, with many chances to see lions, buffalo, giraffes, and antelope such as Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbuck, Ugandan kob, and oribi.
Papa’s Camp is in a special low-impact part of the park, so it feels private and untouched. The only other camp nearby is its sister property, Kulu Ora, opening in 2026. With just five tents on the riverbank, Papa’s Camp is quiet, small, and unforgettable — the perfect place to experience the wild beauty of Uganda.
7. Anyadwe House
Anyadwe House is a private guest villa on the south bank of the River Nile, next to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda. It is perfect for up to eight guests, whether you are traveling alone, as a group of friends, or as a family who want to enjoy the whole place together.
This small, eco-friendly safari-style house sits on a beautiful stretch of private grassland that runs down to the River Nile, offering stunning views both upstream and downstream.
The house has four comfortable en-suite bedrooms, each with its own balcony. There is a large lounge, as well as indoor and outdoor dining areas. Guests enjoy full board (all meals included) with a dedicated staff, but there is also a small kitchen area where you can prepare your own snacks or cocktails if you wish.
Outside, there is a swimming pool with space for sunbathing and relaxing, plus a BBQ area. A private jetty gives you direct access to the river, making the experience even more special.
The name Anyadwe comes from the Acholi language and means “daughter of the moon.” This name was given to Florence Baker, wife of explorer Samuel Baker, who explored this part of the Nile in the 1880s. The local tribes admired Florence for her pale skin and long fair hair, which they thought was as beautiful as the moon.
