Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area and one of the most diverse safari destinations in East Africa. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which explodes through a seven metre wide gap in the rocks to create Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls on earth. The northern bank of the Nile offers classic savannah game viewing with large herds of Rothschild’s giraffe, elephant, Cape buffalo, and lion. The southern bank offers chimpanzee tracking in the Budongo Forest. The boat safari to the base of the falls is spectacular, with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants lining the banks. Where you stay in Murchison Falls National Park significantly affects your experience. The best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park are located on the northern bank near the prime game viewing areas, or on the southern bank near the ferry crossing. This guide to the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park covers luxury properties like Baker’s Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge, mid range options like Pakuba Safari Lodge and Fort Murchison, and budget choices like Red Chilli Rest Camp. Whether you want to fall asleep to the sound of the Nile or wake up to views of the savannah, this guide to the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park will help you choose the perfect place to stay.
Murchison Falls National Park is large, covering approximately 3,900 square kilometres. The park is divided by the Nile River, which can only be crossed by ferry near the park headquarters or by a bridge further south. Your choice of lodge determines which side of the river you wake up on, which in turn determines your game drive routes. The best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park on the northern bank offer easy access to the prime game viewing areas, where giraffe, elephant, and lion are abundant. The northern bank is also closer to the top of the falls. The southern bank lodges are closer to the Budongo Forest for chimpanzee tracking and to the ferry crossing for accessing the northern side. Your lodge location also affects your boat safari access. The boat launch point is near the ferry crossing on the northern side. Staying on the northern bank means a short drive to the boat. Staying on the southern bank means you must take the ferry or drive around. This guide to the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park covers options on both sides so you can choose the location that best fits your itinerary.
Baker’s Lodge is widely considered one of the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park. Located on the southern bank of the Nile, the lodge offers five bandas on raised wooden platforms overlooking the river. Each banda has a king sized bed, an en suite bathroom with a hot shower, and a private veranda with uninterrupted views of the Nile. The main area has a dining room, a bar, and a large deck. The food is excellent, with both local and international options. The lodge is named after Sir Samuel Baker, the European explorer who discovered Murchison Falls in 1864. Baker’s Lodge is known for its peaceful atmosphere and exceptional service. The lodge offers game drives, boat safaris, and guided nature walks. The location on the southern bank is convenient for the ferry crossing and the Budongo Forest. For travelers seeking the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park with a classic safari feel on the river, Baker’s Lodge is a top choice. Prices range from USD 300 to USD 500 per person per night.
Chobe Safari Lodge is the largest and most established luxury property in the park. Located on the northern bank of the Nile, the lodge offers a range of accommodation including river view rooms, safari cottages, and luxury suites. The rooms are spacious, with comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, and air conditioning. The lodge has a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and a restaurant overlooking the river. The food is good, with buffet and à la carte options. Chobe Safari Lodge also offers a campsite for budget travelers. The location on the northern bank gives you direct access to the prime game viewing areas. The lodge offers game drives, boat safaris, and fishing trips. For travelers seeking the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park with extensive amenities and a resort feel, Chobe Safari Lodge is an excellent choice. Prices range from USD 250 to USD 500 per person per night.
Nile Safari Lodge is a luxury property on the southern bank of the Nile, offering ten spacious bandas with thatched roofs and large verandas. Each banda has a king sized bed, an en suite bathroom with a soaking tub, and an outdoor shower. The lodge is set in a grove of trees along the riverbank, with stunning views of the Nile. The main area has a dining room, a bar, and a swimming pool. The food is excellent, with a focus on fresh local ingredients. Nile Safari Lodge is known for its romantic atmosphere and exceptional service. The lodge offers game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks. For travelers seeking the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park for a romantic getaway or honeymoon, Nile Safari Lodge is a top choice. Prices range from USD 350 to USD 600 per person per night.
Pakuba Safari Lodge is a mid range property located on the northern bank of the Nile, inside the park near the prime game viewing areas. The lodge offers comfortable rooms and bandas with en suite bathrooms and private verandas. The design is simple but functional, with stone walls and thatched roofs. The main area has a dining room, a bar, and a terrace overlooking the savannah. The food is good, with buffet style meals. Pakuba Safari Lodge is known for its excellent location. You can drive from your room to the game viewing areas in minutes. The lodge offers game drives, boat safaris, and bird watching. For travelers seeking the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park at a mid range price on the northern bank, Pakuba Safari Lodge is an excellent choice. Prices range from USD 150 to USD 250 per person per night.
Fort Murchison Lodge is a mid range property located just outside the park boundaries on the southern side, approximately fifteen minutes from the ferry crossing. The lodge offers comfortable cottages and tents with en suite bathrooms and private verandas. The design is rustic but comfortable, with a focus on the surrounding nature. The main area has a dining room, a bar, and a fire pit. The food is good, with both local and international options. The lodge has a swimming pool. Fort Murchison is known for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. The lodge offers game drives into the park, boat safaris, and guided walks. For travelers seeking the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park at a mid range price with a swimming pool, Fort Murchison is a good choice. Prices range from USD 120 to USD 200 per person per night.
Murchison River Lodge is a mid range property located on the southern bank of the Nile, near the ferry crossing. The lodge offers comfortable bandas and safari tents with en suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the river. The main area has a dining room, a bar, and a large deck. The lodge has a swimming pool. The food is good. Murchison River Lodge is known for its beautiful river views and relaxed atmosphere. The lodge offers game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks. The location near the ferry makes it easy to access the northern bank for game drives. For travelers seeking the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park with river views at a mid range price, Murchison River Lodge is an excellent choice. Prices range from USD 150 to USD 250 per person per night.
Red Chilli Rest Camp is the most popular budget option in Murchison Falls National Park. Located on the northern bank, the camp offers basic bandas, safari tents, and a campsite. The bandas have beds and mosquito nets, with shared bathroom facilities. The safari tents are simple but comfortable, with shared bathrooms. The campsite has space for tents with shared facilities. The camp has a restaurant and bar. The food is simple but filling. Red Chilli is known for its backpacker atmosphere and social vibe. The camp offers game drives and boat safaris at reasonable prices. For travelers seeking the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park on a tight budget, Red Chilli Rest Camp is the best choice among the budget options. Prices range from USD 30 to USD 60 per person per night.
Boomu Women’s Group Camp is a community run budget option located just outside the park on the southern side. The camp offers simple bandas with shared bathroom facilities. The camp is run by a local women’s group, so your stay directly supports the community. The camp offers cultural experiences including village walks and traditional cooking demonstrations. The food is simple and home cooked. The camp can arrange game drives and boat safaris. For travelers seeking the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park with a community focus and a very low budget, Boomu Women’s Group Camp is a unique choice. Prices range from USD 20 to USD 40 per person per night.
| Lodge Name | Location | Category | Price per Night (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker’s Lodge | South Bank | Luxury | 300 to 500 | River views, classic safari, peaceful |
| Chobe Safari Lodge | North Bank | Luxury | 250 to 500 | Pool, spa, resort style, campsite |
| Nile Safari Lodge | South Bank | Luxury | 350 to 600 | Romantic, outdoor showers, pool |
| Pakuba Safari Lodge | North Bank | Mid Range | 150 to 250 | Excellent game drive access |
| Fort Murchison Lodge | South (outside) | Mid Range | 120 to 200 | Pool, relaxed atmosphere |
| Murchison River Lodge | South Bank | Mid Range | 150 to 250 | River views, pool |
| Red Chilli Rest Camp | North Bank | Budget | 30 to 60 | Backpacker vibe, campsite |
| Boomu Women’s Group | South (outside) | Budget | 20 to 40 | Community run, cultural experiences |
The northern bank of the Nile offers the best game viewing in Murchison Falls National Park. The savannah here is open and supports large herds of giraffe, elephant, and buffalo. Lions are present, especially near the delta area. The top of Murchison Falls is also on the northern side. The best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park on the north bank include Chobe Safari Lodge (luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (mid range), and Red Chilli Rest Camp (budget). Staying on the north bank means you can start your game drive immediately without crossing the ferry. The boat launch point for the falls boat safari is also on the north bank. For travelers who prioritise game viewing, the north bank is the better choice.
The southern bank of the Nile offers a quieter experience and closer access to the Budongo Forest for chimpanzee tracking. The game viewing on the south bank is less productive than the north bank, but the river views are spectacular. The best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park on the south bank include Baker’s Lodge (luxury), Nile Safari Lodge (luxury), Murchison River Lodge (mid range), and Fort Murchison (mid range, just outside). Staying on the south bank means you need to take the ferry to access the prime game viewing areas on the north bank. The ferry operates from approximately 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For travelers who plan to spend significant time on the north bank, the ferry adds time to your day. For travelers who prioritise chimpanzee tracking or a peaceful riverfront setting, the south bank is a good choice.
Baker’s Lodge and Nile Safari Lodge are widely considered the best luxury lodges in Murchison Falls National Park. Baker’s Lodge offers classic safari elegance on the riverbank, with exceptional service and a peaceful atmosphere. Nile Safari Lodge offers a more contemporary luxury experience with outdoor showers and a swimming pool. Both are excellent. For travelers who prioritise game drive access, Chobe Safari Lodge on the north bank is also a strong contender among the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park.
Pakuba Safari Lodge is the best mid range lodge in Murchison Falls National Park for its location. Situated on the north bank, you are minutes from the prime game viewing areas. The rooms are comfortable, the food is good, and the prices are reasonable. For travelers who want a mid range experience without compromising on game drive access, Pakuba is the top choice among the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison River Lodge is the best choice for river views at a mid range price.
Red Chilli Rest Camp is the best budget lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. The camp offers basic but clean accommodation, a restaurant and bar, and a social atmosphere. The camp is located on the north bank, giving you good access to game drives. For solo travelers and backpackers, Red Chilli is the best choice among the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park. Boomu Women’s Group Camp is the best choice for a community experience on a very tight budget.
You should book the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park as early as possible, especially during peak season from June to September and December to February. Baker’s Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, and Chobe Safari Lodge can be fully booked months in advance. For mid range and budget lodges, book two to four months ahead for peak season. For green season travel, one to two months is usually sufficient. Nomara Safaris handles all lodge bookings as part of your Uganda safari package.
The choice between north and south bank depends on your priorities. If game viewing is your main priority, stay on the north bank. The best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park for game drive access are on the north bank. If you want river views, a peaceful atmosphere, or are planning to track chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, stay on the south bank. Many travelers split their stay, spending two nights on the north bank for game drives and one night on the south bank for the river experience.
Choosing the right lodge among the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park is essential for a successful Uganda safari. The right location ensures you maximise your game viewing time. The right accommodation ensures you rest well between adventures. At Nomara Safaris, we have personally visited and vetted the best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park. We know which lodges have the best guides, the best food, and the best locations. Contact Nomara Safaris to begin planning your Uganda safari. Tell us your budget and your preferences. We will recommend the best lodge in Murchison Falls National Park for your itinerary.