Murchison River Lodge
Murchison River Lodge is a mid-range safari lodge located outside Murchison Falls National park. The Lodge is only 20 minutes drive to the Paraa Ferry crossing point where all vehicles converge in the early morning to cross to the northern bank where most game drives are done. The lodge is well-placed along the Nile banks with its main area where all meals and the bar overlook the River.
Murchison River Lodge offers three (03) categories of accommodation which include; Thatched Cottages, Thatched Safari Tents, Riverside Tents and a campsite.
The thatched cottages
The thatched cottages are open plan with two (02) single beds downstairs and a double bed on a mezzanine floor upstairs. The wide veranda overlooks the bush and includes a sofa and hammock for you to relax and enjoy the birdlife. The cottages are ideal for families (if necessary we can add two (02) extra children’s beds/baby cot) or alternatively a maximum of four (04) adults who know each other so well.
The thatched safari tents
The thatched safari tents are nestled amongst the trees and bush around the lodge grounds. The tents are originally designed to cater to two-person sharing (02 beds). However, should you require a third bed and/or a baby cot be keen to mention this at the time of booking.
River Tents
Most sought after for the view of the river, the twin-sharing (02 beds) safari tents are located close to the riverbank in a private setting each with a porch overlooking the river.
The Campsite
For anyone with their own camping equipment, Murchison River Lodge has got a campsite for you! The well-appointed campsite is located in an area of natural habitat all covered in acacia trees and shrubs, with plenty of places to pitch your tent and unwind.
Children Accommodation Rates and discounts at Murchison River Lodge.
- Children under 5 years are accommodated free if sharing with full paying adults (maximum 2 children)
- Children between 5-12 years of age are accommodated at 50% of the relevant adult rate when sharing with full paying adults
- Children above 12 years pay the relevant full adult rates
THINGS TO SEE & DO WHILE AT THE MURCHISON RIVER LODGE
- Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park.
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest.
- Shoebill tracking at the Delta area of Murchison falls National park.
- Boat Safari to the Falls with an optional (but highly recommendable) hike to the top of the falls.
- Birding in Murchison Falls National Park.
- Hot-Air Balloon Safari over Murchison Falls National Park.
BEST TIME TO VISIT & STAY AT MURCHISON RIVER LODGE
This lodge is open all-year-round. Temperatures around this lodge are quite uniform throughout the year with daytime temperatures of around 31°C/88°F and the nights cooling down to around 18°C/64°F. However, we caution travellers intending to visit Murchison Falls National Park and stay at Murchison River Lodge in the months of December, January & February. These are the driest months. It is mostly sunny with clear skies. These are also the hottest months, with average temperatures of 33°C/91°F during the afternoon. It cools off at night to about 18°C/64°F. This can make it unbearably hot especially from the game drives and other outdoor activities.
TIPS:
- Maximise on the cooler morning hours. Schedule the game drives for the mornings and the afternoons be left for taking a dip in the lodge pool.
- Pack the right outfit. Bring some shorts, vests, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
GETTING TO MURCHISON RIVER LODGE
While Self-drive safaris in Uganda is possible, it is less enjoyable than a well-planned professionally guided safari – of course, this is subject to your budget.
If travelling with any one of the local reputable tour operators listed here, they will advise the best route to get to this lodge based on the activities laid out for the day.
- The short route through the park takes approximately 2-hrs (85kms)
From Kampala drive north to Masindi. This is the last big town and we recommend refilling your gas tank (preferably at Total or shell stations). Thereafter, drive through Masindi town and turn right at the Murchison Falls National Park sign (immediately after the police station on the right) onto a dirt road. Drive for another ±5kms and turn left at the UWA Murchison Falls sign. Continue on the road for ±15kms until you reach the park gate. Here you will have to pay park entry. **Refer to UWA for current Tariff for UWA
Once through the gate, you will pass Kaniyo Pabidi (where the chimp trekking is done) on your right. Follow the road straight for approx 60kms until you arrive at a SECOND left-hand turn signed NATIONAL PARK HQ plus MURCHISON RIVER LODGE.
Take this left and follow for ±5kms (through the ranger’s village) until you reach
Mubako gate which enables you to exit the National Park (you will be asked to show your
entry receipt – keep it handy). Follow this rough dirt road for ±2kms until you see the MRL sign on your right-hand side.
- The longer route via Lake Albert shoreline and Bulisa town takes approximately 4-hrs, (127kms). Using this route saves you park entry for your transit day.
From Kampala drive north to Masindi. This is the last big town and we recommend refilling your gas tank (preferably at Total or shell stations). Drive through Masindi town and follow the road straight for ± 2kms. At the fork junction, take the right turn signed KINYARA SUGAR. Stay on this road for approximately 20kms until you reach Kinyara town. Here there are two small roundabouts – take a right at both and stay on the road through the sugar plantation and
Budongo Forest until you arrive at Biso town. Continue straight until you eventually drop down into the Albertine Rift Valley which offers spectacular views of Butiaba town and Lake Albert. Once on the valley floor continue for 50kms to Bulisa town. At Bulisa take the right turn signed BUGUNGU GATE.
After 10kms you arrive in Ngwedo town which has a very obvious phone mast landmark continue forward as you lookout for a sign for MURCHISON RIVER LODGE. After a further 6kms, you will approach a T junction, follow the MRL sign right. Drive for 2kms and turn left at the signed junction. Follow the road for 4kms through Mubako village and 1km after you have exited the village turn right at the crossroads. MRL is 500m on the left.
***Do note that this route is on murram and in some areas the surface is corrugated murram and can take longer depending on the weather conditions at the time of travel.
**Please take care and observe all speed limits, particularly through the park, where extra care and caution needs to be taken in the wet. We do not recommend travelling on roads after dark and be aware that all national park gates close at 7:00 pm.
For Travellers seeking to make a personal booking directly with the lodge, contact them via email: bookings@murchisonriverlodge.com or call +256 (0)714000085 / +256 (0)782007552
