Built in the 1950s, and then abandoned for half a century, Chobe Safari Lodge has been renovated to become a welcome and very comfortable retreat in the wilds of Uganda's rich and varied Murchison Falls National Park. The isolation here is complete, despite the lodge being just four hours by road from Kampala, as humans rarely ventured here in the intervening years and the wildlife has been left to thrive. The panoramic views, coupled with the sounds of the Nile's tumbling rapids, set the scene for an experience that will satisfy all your African adventure-loving dreams.
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The newly refurbished lodge combines stone walls with comfort and carefully considered design – the views from every window are simply stunning. Breakfasts are served on the shaded veranda, dinner in the dining room, and the bar and terraces are great for gazing at the ever-changing Nile and its occupants. There's a series of swimming pools, so you can cool off while enjoying the view. Planning a conference? Check the facilities here – you couldn't imagine a finer setting!
Chobe Safari Lodge has 36 elegant guest rooms, 21 luxury tents, four suites and a Presidential Cottage, all carefully designed with balconies and terraces with magnificent sweeping views of the wilderness or the tumbling Nile. Even the three-tier swimming pool has panoramic river views. The rooms are large and comfortable, with dark wood furniture, a quiet decor and en-suite bathrooms. The service is very good.
Murchison Falls is the largest national park in Uganda, with 76 species of mammals and 450-plus bird species. Four of the Big Five are here (no rhino, although these critically endangered animals are being bred in a nearby rhino sanctuary). Explore the wilderness on guided tours along the new game-viewing circuits opened by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Go fishing, take a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls, or simply sit on the veranda and gaze at the views.
The position on the northern bank of the Victoria Nile is frankly hard to beat. Wildlife wanders through, the river roars in the distance, and the whole setting has an untamed drama to it.
Don't miss the Victoria Nile boat cruise from Paraa. It's one of the best places on the continent to spot the shoebill stork — one of Africa's most prehistoric-looking and sought-after birds.
This is very much a lodge built around the Nile, and the wider park's headline attractions - including Murchison Falls itself - require a separate drive. It's absolutely worth it, but plan your time accordingly.
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Cruise the Nile, admire the powerful Murchison Falls, and wildlife-watch in this impressive park.
