Papa's Camp

Papa's Camp

Papa’s Camp Murchison Falls is a beautiful and quiet luxury camp set deep inside Murchison Falls National Park. It sits among giant fig trees on the south bank of the River Nile, where you can hear the river flow and watch wildlife pass by. The camp is named after Ernest ‘Papa’ Hemingway, the famous writer and explorer who once visited this area and survived two plane crashes near the Falls. 

Papa’s Camp celebrates the classic golden age of safari, where adventure met comfort in the African wilderness. With only five tents, the camp offers a very private and personal experience

It is surrounded by wild nature — far from crowds and noise — making it one of the most peaceful and exclusive places to stay in Murchison Falls National Park. This is true wilderness: lions are often seen nearby, giraffes and elephants roam the plains, and a family of habituated hyenas can be seen close to camp. It’s a paradise for wildlife lovers who want luxury without losing the feeling of the wild.

Access & Location

Papa’s Camp is located about 25 km upstream from Murchison Falls, in a quiet and untouched area of Murchison Falls National Park. You can reach the camp in different ways:

  • By road: It’s about a 5–6-hour drive from Kampala, through Masindi and the park gates.
  • By air: Take a flight from Entebbe Airport to Pakuba Airstrip, then transfer to camp in about 2 hours by road and boat.

Because it’s inside a low-impact zone of the park, Papa’s Camp is very private — the only other lodge in this area is its sister property, Kulu Ora, opening soon.

Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation & Facilities At Papa’s Camp

Papa’s Camp has just five luxury tents, each set right along the Nile River. Every tent is designed to be comfortable, private, and close to nature.

Luxury Tents

Each tent measures about 36 square metres and includes:

  • Comfortable beds with soft linens and mosquito nets
  • Private en-suite bathroom with hot water
  • Outdoor safari-style shower surrounded by nature
  • Private veranda with views of the Nile River
  • Solar-powered lights and charging points

From your veranda, you can watch the river shimmer in the sunlight or listen to the calls of hippos at night. The setting is quiet, wild, and deeply relaxing.

Main Lodge Area

The heart of the camp has a comfortable lounge and open-air dining area designed in traditional safari style. It’s a beautiful place to sit, enjoy meals, and share stories by the fire under the stars.

Dining At Papa’s Camp

Meals at Papa’s Camp are freshly prepared by skilled chefs using local ingredients. Dining here feels personal and special — guests often eat together, like friends on an adventure.

What to Expect:

  • Breakfast with fruit, eggs, fresh bread, and Ugandan coffee by the river
  • Lunch served under the trees or in the shade of the lounge
  • Dinner under the stars, with a three-course menu featuring local flavours and international favourites

The camp’s bar serves cold drinks, wine, and cocktails — perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring. The friendly staff make sure every meal feels warm and welcoming.

Facilities

Even though it is in the middle of the wild, Papa’s Camp has everything you need for a comfortable stay:

  • Lounge and dining area with river views
  • Outdoor showers in every tent
  • Private verandas
  • Bar and firepit area
  • Solar power and Wi-Fi in the main area
  • Laundry service on request
  • Guided walks and safaris
  • Fishing gear available for guests

Papa’s Camp keeps its eco-footprint small — all power comes from solar energy, and the camp uses natural materials to blend into the environment.

Activities At Ngamba Eco-Lodge

  1. Game Drives: Go on a guided safari drive to see lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelope. The camp is near an area famous for tree-climbing lions — a rare and amazing sight.
  2. Boat Trips on the Nile: Take a boat ride along the River Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where the water crashes through a narrow gap. You can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds along the way.
  3. Walking Safaris: Join an armed ranger for a guided nature walk. It’s a great way to see smaller animals, learn about plants, and hear the sounds of the bush.
  4. Fishing: Try fishing for Nile perch, one of the biggest freshwater fish in the world. The river near camp is perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers.
  5. Birdwatching: The area around Papa’s Camp is rich with birdlife — from bright kingfishers and bee-eaters to large storks and herons. Bird lovers will be thrilled.
  6. Hike to Murchison Falls: It takes about 1.5 hours by game drive to reach the top of Murchison Falls. You can hike to the top and feel the spray of the powerful waterfall — one of Uganda’s greatest natural sights.
  7. Stargazing: Because the camp is far from any city, the night skies are clear and full of stars. Guests can sit by the fire and watch constellations shining above the Nile.

Wildlife & Scenery

Around Papa’s Camp, you can often see:

  • Lions, including rare tree-climbing lions
  • Hyenas, including a nearby habituated den
  • Elephants, buffalo, and giraffes
  • Antelope like waterbuck, kob, hartebeest, and oribi
  • Many bird species along the river

This is one of the best places in Uganda to see predators up close and enjoy real wilderness without crowds.

Sustainability

Papa’s Camp is part of WildPlaces, a Ugandan conservation brand that protects nature and supports local people.

By staying here, you help:

  • Protect wildlife through anti-poaching projects
  • Create local jobs for nearby communities
  • Promote eco-friendly tourism that respects the environment

Every visit helps keep Murchison Falls National Park wild and thriving for future generations.

Who It Suits

Papa’s Camp is perfect for:

  • Couples looking for romance and peace
  • Luxury travellers who love nature and privacy
  • Wildlife lovers who want close animal encounters
  • Photographers and birdwatchers
  • Families or small groups who want an exclusive stay

Why Choose Papa’s Camp Murchison Falls

  • Only five tents, offering privacy and quiet
  • Located in a wild and untouched part of the park
  • Amazing wildlife, including lions and hyenas near camp
  • Beautiful views of the River Nile
  • Luxury in nature — comfort without losing the wild feel
  • Friendly staff and personal service
  • Supports conservation and local communities

Final Thoughts

Papa’s Camp Murchison Falls is not just a lodge — it’s a true safari experience. It’s quiet, wild, and full of adventure. From your tent, you can watch the Nile River flow and listen to lions calling in the distance. It offers everything travellers dream of — comfort, privacy, and pure wilderness. For anyone looking for luxury in nature, far from the crowds, Papa’s Camp is one of the most special places to stay in Uganda.

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Papa’s Camp Murchison Falls