Paraa safari lodge is a 4-star luxury lodge established in 1954, located in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park in northwest Uganda. It is set on the north bank of the Victoria Nile, offering direct access to both prime game-viewing areas and boat departure points for the falls.
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Paraa safari lodge is approximately 300km from Kampala, a drive that typically takes 5-6hours. While the road from Kampala to Masindi is tarmac, the final 85km leg from Masindi to the lodge consists of gravel (murram) road, making a 4×4 vehicle essential. Especially during rainy seasons.
Southern route (Via Masindi): This is the most common path. From Kampala, travel north toward Masindi town. From Masindi, proceed 85km to the Kichumbanyobo Gate. After entering, continue 24km to the Nile River crossing.
Northern route (Via Karuma): Travel north to Karuma Bridge, then turn left toward the Pakwach-Arua road. Enter the Tangi Gate. The lodge is located just 2 km from this gate.
Flying by air from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Paraa Safari Lodge takes approximately 1 hour. It is the fastest way to travel, replacing a 6-hour overland drive with a scenic flight over Uganda. Flights land at airstrips inside Murchison Falls National Park, where a lodge vehicle will meet you for a ground transfer.
From Pakuba Airfield (Northern Bank): 45 minutes. This is a smooth, direct drive on unpaved dirt tracks. Because both the airfield and lodge are on the northern bank, you skip the ferry crossing.
From Bugungu Airstrip (Southern Bank): 45 to 60 minutes. This requires a 25-minute drive to the riverbank, plus time to board and cross the Nile via the scheduled Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) vehicle ferry.
From Chobe Airstrip (Eastern Sector): 2 to 2.5 hours. This involves a long, unpaved transit drive traversing from the eastern end of the park to the central Paraa region.
Paraa Safari Lodge Accommodation breakdown features 53 permanent rooms, 3 luxury glamping tents, and 1 exclusive standalone cottage. Every single unit on the property is en-suite and features a private balcony facing the River Nile.
Room Types: Standard rooms and suites (with balconies overlooking the Nile), safari Tented Rooms for a more authentic bush experience, and the Queen’s Cottage- two-bedroom unit where Queen Elizabeth II stayed in 1959.
Standard Rooms (classic): These 17 rooms are in two-story blocks. They provide a simple safari atmosphere with ceiling fans, mosquitos nets, and private balconies overlooking the pool and river.
Deluxe rooms: there are 34 deluxe rooms that offer more space and upgraded amenities, most notably air conditioning. They include tea/coffee makers and high-quality furnishings.
Safari Suites: These are ideal for guests wanting extra privacy and space. Each suite features a separate living room with comfortable sofas and a stocked minibar.
Safari Tents: Located a short walk from the main lodge, these three luxury tents provide a more ‘in-the-wild’ experience while maintaining modern interiors, en-suite bathrooms, and private balconies.
The Queens Cottage: The most exclusive option, this cottage features a large master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a twin bedroom, a spacious living/dining area, and a grand balcony. It was originally built for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1959.
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While staying at Paraa Safari Lodge, you might be wondering what activities you can engage in. Below we have listed some of the top safari accommodations you can book and do while staying at Paraa Safari Lodge.
Game drives daily drives at 7:00AM and 4:00PM. The Buligi area, west of the Paraa, is the most popular for spotting the ‘’BIG FIVE,’’ plus giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. Night game drives are also available with prior booking.
Hot Air Ballon Safaris: These sunrise flights depart around 5:00AM and offer a bird’s-eye view of the savanna, typically followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Chimpanzee Tracking: conducted in the nearby Budongo Forest (Kaniyo Pabidi site), about 56km from the lodge. Briefings for the twice-daily treks start at 7:00 AM and 3:00PM.
Water Fall Boat Cruises: Departing from the lodge’s jetty, these 3-hour trips take guests to the base of the falls to see hippos and crocodiles. Morning and afternoon (2:30 PM) departures are standard.
Nile Delta Boat Trip: A 4-5hour placid cruise downstream through papyrus swamps, known for the best chances of spotting the rare Shoebill stork.
Sport Fishing: World-class fishing for Nile perch and catfish is available on the Victoria Nile. Key spots include the Devil’s Cauldron at the base of the falls
Private Sundowner Cruises: Customized evening boat rentals complete with drinks and appetizers, letting you watch the sunset directly over the River Nile.
On-Site Lodge Recreation.
Free-Form Swimming Pool: The central feature of the property, equipped with a swim-up bar facing the River Nile to help you cool off during the hot midday hours.
The Explorer’s Bar: A historic, atmospheric lounge decorated with early maps and travel artifacts, serving signature cocktails.
Property Birdwatching: The lodge’s manicured gardens and riverfront walkways are home to hundreds of bird species, including colorful kingfishers, herons, and weavers. Night Game Drives: Arranged in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. These drives use high-powered spotlights to find nocturnal species like hyenas, leopards
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