Located on the eastern banks of the Albert Nile, the Fort Murchison Safari Lodge was built in a period when Arab traders frequented the African hinterlands, and renowned explorers launched expeditions in search of the source of the Nile.
Fort Murchison Safari lodge, located on the eastern banks of the slow-moving Albert Nile, harkens back to an era when Arab traders frequented the African hinterlands and renowned explorers launched excursions in quest of the source of the Nile.
Fort Murchison Safari lodge is unlike any other structure in Uganda, as it was constructed in a strategic location and was influenced by its historical context.
The huge tower, earth-coloured walls, and hint of Swahili flair will captivate you from the moment you arrive till the moment you leave.
Fort Murchison offers a choice of comfortable accommodations to meet budgets from the middle to lower market. Whether you choose to stay in one of the lovely rooms or one of the comfy thatched tents, you are guaranteed to receive an excellent value.
Fort Murchison Safari lodge is located in the old Aswa Lolim Game Reserve, adjacent to the northern park limits of Murchison Falls National Park. It is situated in a wonderful setting and overlooks the magnificent Albert Nile.
Accommodation at Fort Murchison Safari lodge
Fort Murchison Safari lodge has 12 en-suite units, each with a big bedroom furnished with comfy beds, a bathroom with countersunk sinks and solar-heated showers.
Every room features a writing desk and a private balcony furnished with a sofa. The ambience is a blend of African elegance and Swahili culture.
Fort Murchison also has non-self-contained tents available for those who prefer a more rustic experience. Two single beds, each fitted with a mosquito net, a bedside table, and an electrical outlet make for a pleasant night’s sleep.
Each tent is situated beneath a grass-thatched roof, which creates a private terrace and offers much-appreciated shade.
The tents share a restroom facility with showers and flushing toilets. There is no need to worry about linens, as all bedding and towels are supplied.
Rates
| TYPE OF ROOM | BED AND BREAKFAST | HALF BOARD | FULL BOARD |
| Single En-suite room | 125 | 140 | 150 |
| Double En-suite room | 150 | 180 | 200 |
| Extra bed | 25 | 40 | 50 |
| Single tent | 35 | 50 | 60 |
| Double/Twin tent | 60 | 90 | 110 |
Meals/Dining
The rooftop terrace at the lodge is the ideal location for a sundowner. After taking in the amazing views of the Albert Nile and vast Savannah plains, guests can descend to the restaurant for a four-course meal.
The restaurant at Fort Murchison Safari lodge is furnished with pictures and paintings depicting the early explorers’ travels. You will get a taste of the finest meals here.
The restaurant bakes its bread, has its vegetable garden and planted numerous fruit trees, ranging from citrus, mango, and pawpaw to jackfruit, passion fruit, and avocado. These provide supplies to the kitchen.
Although there are several solar refrigerators and freezers, there is limited stock and consequently no à la carte menu. If you have special dietary needs, it is best to let the chefs know in advance so that they can make appropriate arrangements.
The breakfast, lunch, and supper service timings are flexible. Nothing too early, nothing too late, the team works with your schedule.
Services offered at Fort Murchison Safari lodge
Besides the bar and restaurant, Fort Murchison Safari lodge also has a swimming pool, provides laundry services, free Wi-Fi, a wellness spa and conference rooms.
Activities at Fort Murchison Safari lodge
While staying at Fort Murchison, you can take part in several activities, most of which are within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park.
However, the majority of them may be included in your room rate. Make sure to double-check with your booking manager.
Game drives
The majority of tourists to Murchison Falls are safari enthusiasts. The park is home to 76 species of mammals, including elephants, lions, Cape buffaloes, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, and hartebeests.
The area of Buligi is the ideal place to observe wildlife in the park. The best periods for game drives are early in the morning and late in the day.
It is advised that you hire a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide to make the most of your wildlife drive. Please be aware that wildlife drives cannot be provided by Fort Murchison because the establishment does not have any vehicles.
Boat cruise to Murchison falls
A highlight of your vacation to Murchison is the upstream boat ride to witness the Falls and the wildlife that comes down to drink and bathe. The roundtrip travel time is three hours.
You could choose to leave the boat in Fajao Gorge, climb to the top of the falls, and then have your driver pick you up from there.
Boat cruise to the delta
An additional boat ride is required to reach the papyrus delta at the entry of the river into Lake Albert. This 4-5 hour return journey offers a wonderful opportunity to observe the shoebill stork and a variety of other species of animals.
You can arrange to get dropped off at a specific location, where your driver will pick you up and take you on the rest of your gaming drive.
Chimp tracking
Trails throughout the Kaniyo Pabidi forest allow for the tracking of chimpanzees and other primates. Six groups of habituated chimpanzees live in this beautiful virgin forest, which is home to both mahogany and ironwood trees.
View of the top of the falls
The Top of Falls provides the most impressive perspective of the cascade, where the sight and sound of the Nile tumbling down the falls leaves an indelible memory.
It takes half an hour to climb from the launch to the site, or you can drive there.
Fishing
The Nile below Murchison Falls offers fishermen interesting challenges, including the opportunity to catch a huge Nile Perch.
However, fishing is restricted to certain areas, and availability is limited, therefore booking in advance is advised.
Birding
The diversity of birds is astounding. Due to the diversity of habitats, the number of known species exceeds 450, with the shoebill stork maintaining a favourite among many.
Hiking and nature walks
Murchison Falls National Park is a great destination for hikers thanks to its expansive landscapes and diverse sights.
Many primates and birds can be seen on trails through Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo Forests; the Nile-Lake Albert Delta is where you might spot the elusive Shoebill.
Uganda Wildlife Authority can arrange for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to take hikes along the south and north banks of Murchison Falls, each offering a unique perspective on this majestic cascade.
How to get there
Located just beyond the northern park boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park, Fort Murchison Safari lodge sits on the site of the former Aswa Lolim Game Reserve.
The lodge is conveniently located off the main Karuma-Pakwach road, only five kilometres from Tangi gate. Be on the lookout for the signpost a few kilometres before the Pakwach bridge.
The alternative route by road is to follow the Kampala-Gulu highway up to the Kafu river junction. Then, take a left turn onto Kampala-Masindi Road and drive for a distance of 40 km up to Masindi town.
In Masindi town, take the Bobi-Masindi route before turning onto the Sambiya river bridge to Gulu-Arua road in Northern Uganda. While on the Gulu-Arua road, drive for about 3 minutes before turning left onto the Bwana-Tembo Road. Fort Murchison Safari lodge will be 10km away from this junction.
Using air transport, you can take a flight from Entebbe International airport to Pakuba Airfield. From Pakuba Airfield, it is a 1-hour drive to Fort Murchison Safari lodge.
You can take the straight Northern route through Murchison Falls National Park that leads to the Gulu-Arua road. Then, drive for 2km on the Gulu-Arua road before turning left onto Bwana-Tembo Road which leads to Fort Murchison Safari lodge in Pakwach.
Images for Fort Murchison safari lodge
Reservations
You can book your stay at Fort Murchison Safari lodge through the Fort Murchison Safari website or by telephone call to the front desk office.
In addition, if you are looking for a great Murchison Falls National Park safari experience, check out these nearby accommodations: Sambiya River Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Mama Washindi Lodge and Budongo Eco Lodge.
Disclaimer: Booking.com is credited with all photos.
