Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park?

Where to Stay in Murchison Falls National Park?

This sprawling 3,840-square-kilometer wonder, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, squeezes the Nile River through a 7-meter gorge in a thunderous spectacle, drawing elephants, lions, and over 450 bird species to its banks.

If you’re plotting a Uganda safari, knowing where to stay in Murchison Falls National Park is key to unlocking its magic. From budget camping sites to luxury lodges overlooking the Albert Nile, options span $40 to $500 per night, blending comfort with wilderness immersion.

Here’s everything you need for an epic stay, optimized for high-search-intent travelers seeking the best Murchison Falls accommodations in 2025.

Why Stay in Murchison Falls National Park? 

Murchison Falls National Park isn’t just a pitstop, it’s a biodiversity hotspot where the Victoria Nile carves through rift valley savannas, papyrus swamps, and Budongo Forest.

Home to the Big Five (minus rhinos, but spot them nearby at Ziwa Sanctuary), it’s prime for game drives spotting giraffes at dawn, boat safaris past hippo pods, and hikes to the falls’ misty spray.

Accommodations here aren’t mere beds; they’re launchpads for these thrills, many with riverfront views that turn evenings into wildlife theater.

Whether you’re a solo backpacker or luxury-seeking couple, staying inside the park maximizes time—early ferries to the northern delta mean fewer crowds and more sightings.

Top Murchison Falls National Park Accommodation

Luxury Lodges in Murchison Falls

If you want that upscale safari feel where you’re sipping cocktails with the Nile as your backdrop, Murchison’s luxury lodges are your jam. These spots mix five-star comfort with wild vibes, and they’re all about eco-friendly practices like solar power and supporting local folks.

• Nile Safari Lodge: This place is pure magic, sitting on 32 acres along the Nile’s south bank. You get eight eco-villas with private plunge pools and beds under the stars—perfect for a romantic getaway. Picture waking up to river views that feel like a movie. It’s $350–500 per night, including meals, game drives, and boat trips. 
• Baker’s Lodge: Over on the Victoria Nile, this spot has 11 thatched-roof bandas—think canvas tents meets stone cottages. You’re paying $300–450 per night for killer views and an infinity pool that’s perfect after trekking to see chimps in Budongo Forest nearby. 
• Chobe Safari Lodge: This five-star gem is a honeymooner’s dream, with a gym, spa, and breakfasts in the bush. It’s $400–500 per night, and CNN even shouted out its unreal Nile views. Private pools and eco-friendly touches make it feel indulgent yet grounded. I’d pick this for a splurge—you’re basically living in a postcard.

These lodges aren’t just fancy; they pour money into local communities and run on green energy, so you’re doing good while living large.

Mid-Range Stays: Comfort on a Budget

If you want solid comfort without blowing your savings, Murchison’s mid-range lodges deliver big on value. These spots give you AC, Wi-Fi, and easy access to safaris without the hefty price tag. Great for families or anyone who wants a step up from camping.

• Pakuba Safari Lodge: Built on the ruins of an old Idi Amin-era spot, this lodge sits on the Albert Nile’s east bank. For $150–250 per night, you get 47 cottages with air-con, Wi-Fi, and a poolside bar that’s perfect for sundowners.
• Twiga Safari Lodge: Just outside the park, this place mixes tented vibes with cottage comfort for $120–200 per night. The en-suite rooms feel cozy, and the riverside BBQs are a hit with guests. It’s got that rustic charm I crave when I want to feel the bush but still sleep comfy.
• Paraa Safari Lodge: The park’s OG since 1954, this lodge has 57 rooms (from basic to suites) for $140–220 per night. It’s right by the ferry, so you’re first in line for delta safaris. 
• Sambiya River Lodge: This eco-friendly spot has bandas perfect for birders, with croc-spotting walks nearby. At $130–210 per night, it’s a sweet deal for nature lovers. I’d choose it for the quiet, wildlife-rich setting—perfect for spotting kingfishers at dawn.

These mid-range spots are all about getting you close to the action without breaking the bank. They’re your go-to when you want comfort but still need cash for extra safaris.

Budget Stays and Camping: Raw Adventure on the Cheap

If you’re like me and love the gritty thrill of sleeping in the wild, Murchison’s budget campsites and affordable stays are where it’s at. For $10–50 per night, you’re living the safari life with hippo grunts as your soundtrack. Just pack a mosquito net and embrace the shared bathrooms.

• Red Chilli Rest Camp: Smack in the park’s heart at Paraa, this is backpacker heaven. For $20–40 per person, you get dorms, tents, or cottages, plus campfires and BBQs that make it feel like a safari party. It’s 500m from the ferry, so you’re in prime wildlife territory. 
• Uganda Wildlife Campsite (UWA-managed): Right by the falls, this is the cheapest at $10–20 per tent. You get basic bandas or pitch your own for epic gorge views. It’s raw—self-camping with no frills—but the falls’ roar makes it unforgettable. I’d pick this for pure immersion.
• Bwana Tembo Safari Camp: Near Tangi Gate, this camp has shaded sites and optional tents for $15–30. The Nile Delta sunsets are unreal, and guests love the laid-back feel. 
• Boomu Women’s Group Camp: Just outside the park, this spot funds local widows with eco-cabins at $25–50. It’s ethical, cozy, and packed with community spirit.