Murchison River Lodge
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Highlights
- Gateway to Murchison Falls National Park: The lodge lies on the southern bank of the Nile, offering easy access to Uganda’s largest national park and its wildlife-rich northern plains.
- Riverside setting: Positioned directly above the River Nile, the lodge enjoys wide water views, with hippo often surfacing below and elephant moving along the banks.
- Thatched cottages + safari tents: Spacious cottages and well-positioned tents sit among trees along the riverbank, offering simple comfort with constant birdsong and water views.
- Swimming pool overlooking the Nile: A shaded pool looks out across the river, offering a calm space between game-drives and boat trips.
- Open dining terrace: The restaurant and bar sit elevated above the water, allowing relaxed meals with constant river activity in view.
- Close to key experiences: Well placed for boat cruises to the base of the falls, game-viewing on the northern bank and visits to the top of the falls.
Why we love Volcanoes Murchison River Lodge
The lodge is in an incredibly beautiful location on the Nile, and at times, there are direct views of hippos in the water below!
Start to planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our specialists
Gallery
Thatched Cottage, Murchison River Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Restaurant, Murchison River Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Thatched Cottage, Murchison River Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Thatched Safari Tent, Murchison River Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Restaurant, Murchison River Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Garden, Murchison River Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Murchison River Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Thatched Safar Tent, Murchison River Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
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Good to know
How to get there
The main international gateway in Uganda is Entebbe International Airport (EBB). From here, the drive to Murchison River Lodge takes approximately six hours.
Are children welcome?
Children of all ages are welcome at Murchison River Lodge. There is ensuite accommodation ideal for families, with additional beds or cots available on request. Children can enjoy outdoor games, while the restaurant provides high chairs and a young explorers menu. An evening babysitting service is available if required.
Giving back
Murchison River Lodge works closely with local artisans, showcasing and selling handmade crafts that help Ugandan makers earn income and keep traditional skills alive. They also sell recycled glassware made by a community group in Wakiso, turning local creativity into economic support.
The lodge partners with conservation organisations such as Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda Conservation Foundation, supporting efforts to protect wildlife and sustain national parks through education and funding links. It also supports Snares 2 Wares, a group that transforms harmful wire snares into wildlife sculptures, giving conservation a creative purpose.
Community engagement includes a guided cultural walk through nearby villages, school visits, gardens and homesteads, giving insight into local life while directly supporting the community. Weekly English lessons for women combine language learning with social connection, empowerment and health information.
Murchison River Lodge also supports Widow’s Outreach to assist elderly women, and has helped create a community playground built from recycled tyres and steel, providing safe outdoor space for children. Through these grassroots initiatives, the lodge strengthens education, wellbeing and economic opportunities around the park.
What wildlife can you expect to see?
Mammals: Larger mammals roam the savannah and river plains, including elephant, giraffe, buffalo, Uganda kob, waterbuck, hartebeest, lion and warthog. Hippos and crocodiles are found in the river.
Primates: The park is home to several primate species, including olive baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys. They are most commonly seen near wooded areas and along the riverbanks.
Birdlife: Over 450 bird species have been recorded. Highlights include the African fish eagle, hammerkop, goliath heron, giant kingfisher and various waterbirds along the Nile.
Other wildlife: The park also supports reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and a rich mix of plants. The combination of river, savannah and woodland habitats makes both day and boat safaris particularly rewarding.
