Eco Lodges in Murchison Falls – Accommodation options while on  a Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

There’s no place quite like Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most dramatic protected area, where the mighty Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and explodes into thunderous mist before flowing peacefully toward Lake Albert. It’s a landscape alive with elephants, lions, giraffes, and countless bird species, and yet, in the midst of this wild beauty, lies another treasure: a growing collection of eco lodges in Murchison Falls that blend comfort, conservation, and authentic African charm.

These sustainable lodges are redefining what it means to travel responsibly. They offer guests a chance to enjoy the magic of Murchison while protecting the environment and supporting local communities. From solar-powered cottages to riverside retreats built entirely from natural materials, these eco-friendly stays prove that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best Eco lodges Murchison Falls has to offer, along with what makes them special, how they conserve the park’s fragile ecosystem, and why staying in one is the perfect choice for conscious travelers.

Why Choose Eco Lodges in Murchison Falls

Eco lodges go beyond simply providing a place to sleep;p, they offer experiences that respect the environment, empower communities, and celebrate Uganda’s natural heritage. Most lodges around Murchison Falls are built using locally sourced materials, rely on renewable energy like solar power, and use eco-friendly waste management systems.

Guests enjoy warm showers heated by solar panels, meals made from organic produce grown nearby, and interiors decorated with handcrafted furniture made by local artisans. But what truly makes these lodges special is the sense of harmony they maintain with their surroundings, blending seamlessly into the landscape rather than competing with it.

When you stay at an eco-lodge in Murchison Falls, you’re not only enjoying one of Africa’s most spectacular parks, you’re also contributing directly to its preservation.

Top Eco Lodges Murchison Falls

Nile Safari Lodge

Overlooking the tranquil waters of the River Nile, Nile Safari Lodge is a shining example of sustainable luxury in the wild. This award-winning eco lodge was designed with the environment in mind, from its solar-powered energy system to its natural ventilation and minimal-impact construction.

Each private banda is built using locally sourced wood, stone, and thatch, offering breathtaking river views and complete privacy. The lodge also uses a saltwater swimming pool that reduces the need for harsh chemicals. Guests can enjoy fine dining featuring organic ingredients, sunset river cruises, and guided game drives, all while knowing their stay supports conservation efforts and local communities.

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Situated on the eastern bank of the Nile, Pakuba Safari Lodge combines eco-friendly practices with warm Ugandan hospitality. The lodge’s design draws inspiration from the original 1970s Pakuba Lodge, once a favorite of Idi Ami, and has been reborn as a sustainable haven.

Electricity is generated through solar panels, waste is carefully managed, and water conservation is a top priority. The rooms are simple but stylish, with wide verandas overlooking the savannah where giraffes and antelopes often wander past.

Pakuba offers easy access to the park’s best attractions, including the top of the falls, Nile Delta boat safaris, and the northern game tracks.

Twiga Safari Lodge

Nestled on the banks of the River Nile near Paraa, Twiga Safari Lodge offers a serene escape surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant birdlife. Built entirely from natural materials, wood, stone, and grass thatch, Twiga blends seamlessly with its environment.

The lodge runs on solar energy and implements water-saving systems, ensuring minimal ecological impact. Guests stay in spacious tented chalets that offer the feel of a true safari adventure, complete with en-suite bathrooms and river-view decks.

At night, the soothing sounds of the Nile create a magical atmosphere as guests gather around the bonfire under star-filled skies. Twiga Safari Lodge embodies the essence of eco lodges in Murchison Falls, intimate, sustainable, and deeply connected to nature.

Budongo Eco Lodge

If you prefer the serenity of the forest, Budongo Eco Lodge is a must-visit. Located inside the Budongo Forest Reserve, south of Murchison Falls National Park, this lodge is an ideal base for chimpanzee trekking and birdwatching.

Built using eco-friendly materials and powered by solar energy, Budongo Eco Lodge is operated by the Uganda Lodges group in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, ensuring that conservation and research remain central to its mission.

Guests can enjoy guided nature walks, learn about forest ecology, or relax in eco-cabins surrounded by ancient mahogany trees. Staying here gives travelers a deeper appreciation for Uganda’s rainforest ecosystems while directly supporting their protection.

Activities Near Eco Lodges in Murchison Falls

Staying in one of these eco lodges gives you front-row access to some of the park’s most thrilling activities:

• Game Drives: Explore the vast savannah and spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffalo at sunrise or sunset.
• Boat Safaris on the Nile: Cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, where hippos grunt, crocodiles bask, and waterbirds soar overhead.
• Hiking to the Top of the Falls: Witness the Nile’s raw power as it forces its way through a narrow gorge before crashing down in a spectacular display.
• Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest: Meet our closest relatives in their natural habitat, guided by expert trackers.
• Bird Watching: With over 450 recorded species, including the rare shoebill stork, Murchison is a birder’s paradise.

Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls

The best time to explore Murchison Falls and its eco lodges is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September. These months offer clear skies, easier access to roads, and better wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.

However, the green season (March–May and October–November) has its charm too; the landscape transforms into lush greenery, birdlife flourishes, and lodges offer attractive rates. Whatever the season, Murchison Falls never fails to impress.

Booking gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda  with Katland Safaris after Visiting Murchison Falls

Katland Safaris organizes the best gorilla and wildlife safaris in East Africa. When it comes to gorilla trekking, we will book your gorilla trekking permits for Uganda`s Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national park and gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Besides booking your gorilla permit, we will also put all other gorilla safari accessories, like transportation and accommodation, in one package to make your gorilla trekking safari a memorable adventure:

Your gorilla trekking safaris can be customized to meet your safari expectations and needs, and budget. The safari package can range from budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris.

Feel free to contact our team of excellent safari consultants to help you organize the best Africa gorilla safari ever.