Chobe Safari Lodge Luxury Accommodation Murchison falls national park
Chobe Safari Lodge is a luxury five star accommodation located within Uganda’s famous Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge is beautifully positioned on the banks of the River Nile, offering visitors stunning views of the river and the surrounding wilderness. Guests staying at Chobe Safari Lodge enjoy direct access to the park’s incredible wildlife, bird species, and scenic beauty all from the comfort of their private balconies.
The lodge features a range of high-end accommodation options, including 36 stylish guest rooms, 1 presidential cottage, 2 suites, and 21 luxury tents. Each room and tent comes with a private balcony facing the River Nile, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the river and the national park.
For relaxation and leisure, Chobe Safari Lodge offers a large swimming pool, ideal for cooling off after a day of adventure. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant that serves a mix of local Ugandan dishes and international cuisine, all prepared by skilled chefs. The Karuma Bar serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and there’s also a gift shop where guests can purchase unique souvenirs.
To stay at Chobe Safari Lodge, visitors are advised to book directly with the lodge or through a trusted local tour operator. Booking early ideally 3 to 4 months in advance—is recommended to secure your preferred dates and avoid last-minute disappointment. With luxurious rooms, excellent service, and a prime location, Chobe Safari Lodge is a top choice for anyone visiting Murchison Falls National Park.
Top Activities to Do While Staying at Chobe Safari Lodge
1. Game Drives
Game drives are the most popular activity for visitors at Chobe Safari Lodge. Since the lodge is located in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, guests have easy access to some of the park’s best game viewing areas. Game drives can be done in the early morning, late afternoon, or even at night for a unique experience.
During the drives, tourists have the chance to see a wide variety of animals including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda cobs, leopards, hyenas, waterbucks, warthogs, topi, duikers, olive baboons, and various species of monkeys. You may also spot birds and enjoy views of the River Nile. While daytime drives can be done without a guide, night game drives must be led by a ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
2. Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Guests looking for a unique wildlife experience can take part in a hot air balloon safari. This activity is managed by Dream Balloons in partnership with Chobe Safari Lodge. During the ride, visitors float above the national park and enjoy an aerial view of Murchison Falls, the River Nile, open savannahs, and the animals below, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. It’s a peaceful and unforgettable way to explore the park.
3. Bird Watching (Birding)
Bird lovers staying at Chobe Safari Lodge can enjoy birdwatching tours that take them through various parts of Murchison Falls National Park. Over 350 bird species have been recorded in the park, making it a top birding destination.
Some of the bird species you might see include the yellow-billed stork, Abyssinian ground hornbill, osprey, dark chanting goshawk, Senegal thick-knee, red-throated bee-eater, African darter, secretary bird, white ramped seedeater, standard-winged nightjar, and many more. Birding is best done during guided nature walks.
4. Nature Walks and Hikes
For a more personal and immersive experience, guests can take part in guided nature walks around the lodge or within the park. These walks are led by armed guides for safety and offer close-up encounters with the local flora and fauna. Walks may lead to scenic spots along the River Nile or to the top of Murchison Falls a popular hiking destination. From the top, you can see the powerful falls up close and enjoy panoramic views of the park.
5. Boat Cruises
One of the must-do activities while staying at Chobe Safari Lodge is a boat cruise on the River Nile. These cruises can head either to the bottom of Murchison Falls or toward the Nile Delta. The most popular option is the 2-3hours cruise to the base of the falls, where you can see the powerful water surging through a narrow gorge.
While on the boat, you may spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks, buffaloes, and many species of birds. It’s a great way to enjoy wildlife and the natural beauty of the Nile in a calm, scenic setting.
Best Time to Visit Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. These months offer the most favorable weather for outdoor activities. The roads are dry, the vegetation is less dense, and animals gather around water sources, making them easier to see.
However, budget travelers might consider visiting during the rainy season (March to May and October to November) when the lodge offers discounts. While rain can make some roads muddy and vegetation thicker, it’s a great time for photography and fewer crowds in the park.
How to Get to Chobe Safari Lodge
By Air
Chobe Safari Lodge has an airstrip, which offers the fastest way to reach the lodge. Domestic flight providers like Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation Uganda operate scheduled or chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Chobe airstrip. The flight takes about one hour.
By Road
The lodge can also be accessed by road. The journey from Kampala or Entebbe to Chobe Safari Lodge takes approximately 4 to 6 hours. The scenic drive goes through towns like Luwero, Nakasongola, and Kiryandongo before entering the park through Chobe Gate. Along the way, travelers can enjoy views of Karuma Falls and even visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking experience.