Pakuba Safari Lodge is a mid-range accommodation in Uganda
Pakuba Safari Lodge is a mid-range accommodation situated in the northwestern region of Uganda, on the eastern bank of the River Nile within Murchison Falls National Park. This Safari lodge offers spectacular views of both River Nile and the neighboring riverine forest, making it one a well positioned beautiful safari lodges in Murchison Falls National Park.
Pakuba Safari Lodge features well-furnished and comfortable rooms build to provide guests with stunning views of the longest River Nile and scenic view of Murchison Falls National Park. Tourists staying at Pakuba Safari Lodge often witness wildlife moving through the nearby forest, especially during the dry season when animals gather near the river due to limited water sources elsewhere.
Pakuba Safari Lodge offers a variety of guest services and amenities, including a swimming pool, free parking, complimentary internet access, and free breakfast. Additional services include ironing, laundry, a luggage storage area, a shared lounge, a bar serving both soft and alcoholic beverages, and a restaurant that serves a mix of local and international dishes prepared by skilled chefs.
This lodge is ideal for travelers looking for a comfortable and moderately priced place to stay while exploring Murchison Falls National Park. To secure a spot at the lodge, especially during the busy season, it is advisable to book 3-4 months in advance either through a local tour operator or directly with the lodge.
Activities While Staying at Pakuba Safari Lodge
Boat Cruises
One of the key attractions for guests staying at Pakuba Safari Lodge is the boat cruise on the River Nile. These cruises start at the Paraa dock and follow the river as it flows through the park toward Lake Albert. Tourists can opt for a cruise to the bottom of the falls or to the top. The cruise to the bottom is more popular as it provides a dramatic view of Murchison Falls, considered the world’s strongest waterfall. During the boat ride, visitors can see hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and various animals on the riverbanks, particularly during the dry season.
Game Drives
Game drives are one of the most popular activities for guests at Pakuba Safari Lodge. These take place in the northern part of the park and follow established game tracks. Visitors can expect to encounter a wide range of wildlife including buffaloes, giraffes, duikers, elephants, lions, bushbucks, hyenas, leopards, oribis, Uganda kobs, topis, olive baboons, and various monkey species. Numerous bird species and diverse vegetation can also be spotted. The River Nile, flowing from Lake Kyoga to Lake Albert, adds to the scenic beauty of the drives.
Nature Walks
Nature walks offer tourists a chance to explore Murchison Falls National Park on foot. Guided by armed ranger guides, these walks are safe and informative. Participants can walk to various locations in the park, including trails that lead to the top of Murchison Falls. Wildlife commonly seen during nature walks includes giraffes, buffaloes, duikers, elephants, oribis, and Uganda kobs. Birdwatchers can also spot species like the grey crowned crane, African jacana, Senegal thick-knee, and giant kingfisher.
Some trails run alongside the River Nile, offering great chances to see wildlife near the water. A hike to the top of the falls provides breathtaking views of how the river narrows to plunge through a rocky gorge, forming the iconic Murchison Falls.
Bird Watching
Birding is another major activity for visitors staying at Pakuba Safari Lodge. Birdwatching can be done around the lodge or throughout the park, usually guided by a ranger knowledgeable about bird species.
Bird enthusiasts can expect to see a wide variety of species including the shoebill stork, spotted morning thrush, striated herons, standard-winged nightjar, pied kingfisher, grey-headed bush shrike, marabou stork, African jacana, pygmy crake, fork-tailed drongo, yellow-throated greenbul, double-toothed barbet, and sulfur-breasted bush shrike. Additional sightings may include pel’s fishing owl, white-bellied night heron, African quailfinch, sacred ibis, black-faced waxbill, rock pratincole, and many more.
Best Time to Visit Pakuba Safari Lodge
Pakuba Safari Lodge is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons—from June to September and December to February. These months offer the ideal safari experience, with little to no rain, dry and easy-to-access game tracks, and thinner vegetation. This makes it easier to spot and enjoy the wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park.
Visiting Pakuba Safari Lodge during the law season of March to May and October to November it’s also possible, especially for travelers looking for discounted rates. Lodges often reduce their price charges during this period to attract guests. However, the rains make game tracks muddy and slippery in the park, tall vegetation can obscure wildlife, and some roads to or in the park may be hard to pass.
Getting to Pakuba Safari Lodge
Pakuba Safari Lodge is located within Murchison Falls National Park, so visitors must first enter the park to reach the lodge. The park is accessible by road from Kampala, with a drive of about 4 to 6 hours passing through Luwero, Nakasongola, Kiryandongo, and Pakwach. Once inside the park, clear signage and directions will guide you straight to Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Visitors can also fly into the park using chartered flights that land at Pakuba Airstrip. These flights are available from Kajjansi Airstrip near Kampala or Entebbe International Airport and offer a faster and more convenient option for reaching the park.
Whether you travel by road or air, staying at Pakuba Safari Lodge offers a convenient base for exploring Uganda’s largest and most popular national park. From relaxing at the lodge with views of the River Nile to exciting wildlife encounters on game drives and boat cruises, guests are guaranteed a memorable safari experience.