Pakuba Safari Lodge Murchison Falls

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Pakuba Safari Lodge is a comfortable and friendly lodge located inside Murchison Falls National Park, along the banks of the Albert Nile. It is a wonderful place to relax, explore, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Uganda’s biggest national park.

The lodge is built on the site of an old safari hotel that once hosted famous explorers and guests in the 1970s. Today, it has been fully renovated to offer modern comfort with a touch of African style.

The large open lawns, warm staff, and peaceful views of the river make Pakuba a favourite for safari travellers looking for good value and comfort in the wild. Guests often spot giraffes, elephants, and antelopes right from the lodge lawns. It is also close to the best game tracks in the park, so early morning drives start just minutes away from your room.

Access & Location

Pakuba Safari Lodge is located on the northern side of Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife areas.

By Road: The lodge is about a 6-hour drive (305 km) from Kampala via Karuma Bridge. From there, it’s just 10 km (15 minutes) from the Tangi Gate.
By Air: Guests can also fly from Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba Airstrip, which is only 13 km (25 minutes) away. This makes it perfect for fly-in safaris.

The lodge’s riverside location offers peaceful views of the Albert Nile and easy access to northern game tracks, which are rich in wildlife and perfect for classic safari drives.

Accommodation & Facilities At Pakuba Safari Lodge

Pakuba Safari Lodge has 36 rooms in total:

32 Double/Twin Rooms
4 Family Suites (two bedrooms each)

All rooms are spacious, clean, and bright, with grass-thatched roofs and local Ugandan decor that create a cozy safari feeling.

Each room includes:

Private en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water
Mosquito nets
Ceiling fan
Power charging outlets
Private veranda with views of the river or savannah

The Family Suites are ideal for families or groups travelling together. They have two separate bedrooms, a shared living area, and large windows that open to the gardens.

The lodge’s main area includes:

A large restaurant serving local and international meals
A bar and lounge for relaxing after a game drive
A swimming pool surrounded by gardens
A meeting room for small groups or conferences
Free Wi-Fi and a small gift shop

Meals are served in the restaurant or on the open lawn, where guests can sometimes spot elephants or giraffes passing in the distance.

Dining at Pakuba Safari lodge

The chefs at Pakuba Safari Lodge prepare fresh, delicious meals each day. You can enjoy:

Breakfast with fruits, eggs, bread, and Ugandan coffee
Lunch with light dishes and salads
Dinner with a mix of African and international recipes

Guests can dine indoors or outdoors under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature. The bar serves cold drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails, perfect for relaxing after a busy day on safari.

Activities at Pakuba Safari Lodge

Staying at Pakuba gives guests access to some of the best wildlife experiences in Uganda. Here are some of the top things to do:

1. Game Drives

From the lodge, you can easily join morning and evening game drives on the northern savannah plains. You may see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, and many antelope species such as kob, waterbuck, and hartebeest. Popular tracks include the Pakuba, Queen’s, Te’bito, Chobe, Victoria, and Albert Tracks.

2. Boat Safaris to Murchison Falls

Take a three-hour boat trip along the Victoria Nile to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls. During the cruise, look out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes along the riverbanks. This trip is one of the highlights of the park.

3. Boat Trip to the Nile Delta

Enjoy a calm morning or sunset cruise downstream toward Lake Albert. This area is home to shoebill storks, papyrus gonoleks, and many other waterbirds. Breakfast or drinks can be served on board for a relaxing experience.

4. Chimpanzee Tracking

Visit Budongo Forest, about an hour away, to see chimpanzees in their natural home. The forest also shelters colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and many bird species.

5. Birdwatching

With over 450 bird species, Murchison Falls is a paradise for bird lovers. Common sightings include: African fish eagle, ground hornbill, bee-eaters, kingfishers, martial eagle, secretary bird, flamingos, and the famous shoebill stork.

6. Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch

On your way to or from the park, stop at the Ziwa to see Uganda’s only wild rhinos on a guided walk. It’s a wonderful conservation project worth visiting.

Who It Suits

Pakuba Safari Lodge is perfect for:

Families looking for safe and affordable comfort
Couples wanting a quiet riverside stay
Groups of friends on a Uganda safari
Travellers who want easy access to the northern game tracks

Why Choose Pakuba Safari Lodge

Excellent location inside the park
Affordable mid-range prices
Comfortable rooms with modern amenities
Friendly staff and good service
Beautiful pool with views of the Nile
Great access to game drives and boat safaris

Final Thoughts

Pakuba Safari Lodge is one of the best mid-range lodges in Murchison Falls National Park. It combines comfort, convenience, and adventure at a fair price. With its peaceful setting by the river, easy access to wildlife, and warm Ugandan hospitality, it’s a great choice for travellers who want to enjoy Murchison’s magic without breaking the bank. Whether you’re on a family trip, honeymoon, or safari holiday, Pakuba gives you everything you need — a cozy room, good food, wild nature, and unforgettable memories.