Red Chilli Rest Camp Mid-Range Accommodation Murchison Falls

Red Chilli Rest Camp is a popular mid-range and budget-friendly accommodation located inside Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park. It is located in the Paraa area, about 500 meters from the ferry crossing on the southern bank of the Nile River. This camp is ideal for travelers looking for affordable yet comfortable lodging close to the park’s main attractions.

Accommodation Options at Red Chilli Rest Camp

The camp offers different types of accommodation to suit various preferences and planned budgets. Guests can choose from:

• Camping Sites  Ideal for budget travelers who come with their own camping gear.
• Basic Twin Safari Tents Simple tents with twin beds and shared bathroom facilities.
• Basic Bandas (Twin)  Thatched cottages with twin beds and shared bathrooms.
• En-suite Bandas (Twin or Triple) Private bandas with bathrooms inside.
• Family En-suite Banda Designed for families or small groups with multiple beds and a private bathroom.
• Super Self-Contained Bandas  Spacious and fully equipped rooms with modern comforts.

Guests can select their preferred accommodation type based on group size and price range. All rooms and facilities are designed to blend with the natural surroundings, providing a relaxing and authentic safari experience.

Dining and Relaxation

Red Chilli Rest Camp features a restaurant and bar that overlook the Nile River. The restaurant serves a mix of local and international dishes, prepared by experienced chefs. A fully stocked bar offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, giving guests the perfect place to unwind after a day of safari activities.

Each evening, visitors can gather around the outdoor campfire to enjoy the warmth, share stories, and listen to the sounds of the wild. The calm, social atmosphere makes this lodge a favorite for many safari-goers.

Activities to Enjoy While Staying at Red Chilli Rest Camp

Guests staying at Red Chilli Rest Camp have access to a variety of exciting activities in and around Murchison Falls National Park:

1. Game Drives

Game drives are one of the top highlights for visitors. Murchison Falls National Park is home to more than 76 species of mammals and 13 types of primates. Over 451 species of birds also live in the park.

Most game drives take place on the northern bank, where wildlife is most concentrated. During a drive, guests may spot lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, hyenas, buffaloes, antelopes, duikers, oribis, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, topis, and warthogs. Day and night drives are available, with night drives offering a chance to see nocturnal animals under the guidance of an armed ranger.

2. Boat Cruise on the Nile

The boat cruise on the Nile is another must-do activity for guests. Boat cruises start from Paraa jetty and provides two main options: a cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls or a cruise going the Nile Delta on river nile.

The cruise to the bottom of the falls is the most popular because it provides close-up views of the world’s strongest waterfall. The boat ride lasts about 2 to 3 hours and gives travelers the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds like kingfishers, herons, and the rare shoebill stork. Along the riverbanks, guests may also see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes coming to drink.

3. Bird Watching

Bird watching travelers find Red Chilli Rest Camp the best base for birding. Murchison Falls National Park is known for its rich birdlife, with over 451 species recorded in the savannah, riverine, and woodland areas.

Some of the bird’s guests might see include the Abyssinian ground hornbill, yellow-billed stork, black-billed barbet, grey crowned crane, beautiful sunbird, red-throated bee-eater, black crake, silver bird, bar-breasted firefinch, black scimitarbill, and whistling cisticola. Birding is often done as part of nature walks guided by expert birding guides.

4. Nature Walks

For a closer look at the park’s landscapes and wildlife, guests can take guided nature walks. These walks are led by armed ranger guides and offer a chance to explore different habitats on foot. During the walks, tourists may encounter animals like giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes, as well as a wide range of plant species and scenic views of the River Nile.

In some cases, walks may also include visits to the top of Murchison Falls, where guests can watch the Nile squeeze through a narrow 7-meter gorge before dropping 40 meters below.

5. Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest

Chimpanzee trekking is available for guests who are willing to travel a short distance to Budongo Forest, located outside the main park area. This activity allows visitors to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

The trek begins with a briefing at the forest office, followed by a guided walk through the forest in search of a chimpanzee family. Once found, guests are allowed to spend about one hour observing their behavior, taking photos, and enjoying the experience of being near these intelligent primates.

Getting to Red Chilli Rest Camp

Red Chilli Rest Camp is easily accessible by both road and air transport.

By Road

From Kampala, travelers can drive via Masindi to enter Murchison Falls National Park and then continue about 60 km to reach the camp. Alternatively, guests coming through the northern gates of the park must use the ferry crossing to access the southern bank where the camp is located.

By Air

For those who prefer flying, chartered flights are available from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe International Airport to Bugungu Airstrip, located on the southern side of the park. The flight takes about 1 hour and is offered by local airlines like Bar Aviation Uganda and Aerolink Uganda. From the airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park, it is a short drive to the safari lodge.

Best Time to Visit

Red Chilli Rest Camp is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons – from June to September and December to February. During these months, the park experiences little rainfall, making roads and game tracks easier to access. The shorter grass and thinner vegetation also improve chances of spotting wildlife.

Budget travelers may prefer visiting during the rainy seasons – from March to May and October to November – when accommodation prices are lower. However, it’s important to note that heavy rains may affect some activities.