Named after Ernest 'Papa' Hemingway – who famously survived not one but two plane crashes in this very stretch of wilderness – this intimate tented camp channels the romance of golden-age safaris. Tucked beneath towering fig trees on the south bank of the Nile, it sits within a 350-square-kilometre low-use zone of Murchison Falls National Park, shared with no other camp. Lions are prolific here (a recent census counted over 45), and a habituated hyena den near camp offers extraordinary viewing. The roar of the rapids drifts through at night, elephants and buffalo roam the riverbanks, and the thundering falls themselves are an easy game drive away. With only five tents, exclusivity is guaranteed.
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There's a pleasing simplicity to camp life here. The main area – a traditional dining room and lounge – celebrates old-school safari style with a nod to Hemingway's era: think canvas, worn leather and the crackle of a fire after dark. Meals are taken under the stars when weather allows, with fresh ingredients and African-inspired dishes prepared with care. A well-stocked bar keeps sundowner traditions alive, and the constant soundtrack of the Nile rushing past adds to the atmosphere. Staff are warm and attentive without being intrusive.
Five spacious en-suite tents are strung along the riverbank, shaded by fig trees and positioned for views of the churning rapids. The style is classic safari – canvas walls, wooden furniture, soft linens – with open-air showers that bring you closer to the bush. Private verandas overlook the Nile, and it's entirely possible to spot hippos, crocodiles and elephants from bed. There's nothing flashy here, just considered comfort in an extraordinary setting.
Game drives through this private concession reveal lions, buffalo, giraffe and antelope like Jackson's hartebeest and Ugandan kob – all without another vehicle in sight. Night drives uncover leopard, genet and mongoose. A 90-minute drive brings you to the top of Murchison Falls, one of Africa's most powerful waterfalls, where the Nile forces through an eight-metre gorge before plunging 45 metres. Boat trips cruise past hippo pods and basking crocodiles, while guided walks offer a different perspective on the bush. Fishing for Nile Perch and exceptional birding (bee-eaters, ground hornbills, the elusive shoebill downriver) round out the options.
Being the only vehicle for miles. This corner of Uganda's largest national park feels genuinely untouched – game drives here are crowd-free, the wildlife unhurried, and the sense of wilderness complete.
The camp sits in prime Nile Perch territory. Even novice anglers can try their hand at catch-and-release fishing, with monster perch weighing up to 200kg lurking in these waters.
The camp welcomes guests aged 12 and over. And while the location is wonderfully remote, getting here involves either a scenic 5–6 hour drive from Kampala or a flight to Pakuba followed by a two-hour transfer.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Papa's Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Uganda trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Uganda trips featuring Papa's Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our Uganda specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Papa's Camp start from around $630, or US$630, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Cruise the Nile, admire the powerful Murchison Falls, and wildlife-watch in this impressive park.
