Fort Murchison: A Unique Stay on the Banks of the Albert Nile
Fort Murchison, located on the eastern banks of the slow-flowing Albert Nile, offers a distinctive experience inspired by history and nature. The lodge, with its impressive tower and Swahili-style design, brings to life the essence of an isolated outpost, reminiscent of the times when Arab traders and explorers frequented the African hinterlands. Managed by Ripple Safaris, Fort Murchison is unlike any other lodge in Uganda, blending comfort and style with the breathtaking surroundings of Murchison Falls National Park.
Accommodation at Fort Murchison
At Fort Murchison, you’ll find a variety of accommodations that cater to both mid-range and budget travelers. Whether you choose the luxurious en-suite rooms or the comfortable thatched tents, you are guaranteed value for money.
En-Suite Rooms
Fort Murchison offers 12 en-suite rooms, each designed to provide comfort with a touch of African luxury. Each room features a spacious bedroom, comfortable beds, and a private balcony with a sofa where you can unwind while enjoying views of the Albert Nile. The rooms are also equipped with solar-heated showers, writing desks, and stylish Swahili-inspired décor.
Thatched Tents
For more budget-conscious travelers, Fort Murchison also provides non-self-contained tents. These tents are well-furnished with two single beds, complete with mosquito nets, a bedside table, and a power outlet for charging devices. Each tent is placed under a thatched roof, providing a shaded terrace and ensuring comfort even in Uganda’s warm climate. Although the tents share a communal ablution block with showers and flushing toilets, all necessary amenities such as bedding and towels are provided.
Dining at Fort Murchison
The restaurant and rooftop terrace at Fort Murchison offer more than just great food—they provide a full sensory experience. Enjoy your sundowner drink on the rooftop terrace while soaking in breathtaking views of the Albert Nile. As you descend to the restaurant, a four-course dinner prepared with fresh ingredients awaits.
The restaurant, decorated with Swahili touches and adorned with explorer-themed art, is a unique dining experience in itself. Ripple Safaris ensures the freshest meals are served, with bread baked in-house and produce sourced from their own vegetable garden. Although meals are served from a fixed menu, dietary requirements are easily accommodated with advance notice.
Relax by the Pool
After a day of adventure in Murchison Falls National Park, guests can cool down at the lodge’s swimming pool. Overlooking the Albert Nile, the pool area is perfect for relaxing with a cool drink in hand. For families, a baby pool offers the ideal depth and shade for toddlers. The thatched pool lounge is open from dusk till dawn, providing refreshments throughout the day. Whether you want to soak up the sun or relax under an umbrella, the pool area is the perfect spot for relaxation.
Activities Near Fort Murchison
Fort Murchison serves as an ideal base for exploring Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. The park is home to a wide array of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, and Ripple Safaris offers various activities to make your stay memorable.
Game Drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 76 species of mammals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. The best game-viewing area in the park is the Buligi region, where early morning and late afternoon game drives provide the best opportunities to spot wildlife. Although Fort Murchison doesn’t offer vehicles for game drives, Ripple Safaris can arrange guided tours with park rangers to ensure you get the most out of your safari experience.
Boat Launch to Murchison Falls
One of the highlights of any visit to Murchison Falls National Park is the boat launch trip to the falls. The three-hour round trip takes you upstream to view the spectacular Murchison Falls and the wildlife along the banks of the Nile. For an added adventure, you can disembark at Fajao Gorge and hike to the top of the falls, where your driver will pick you up. Ripple Safaris offers both scheduled and private boat trips, ensuring a tailored experience.
Boat Cruise to the Delta
For bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, a boat cruise to the papyrus delta at the river’s entrance into Lake Albert offers the chance to spot the elusive shoebill stork. This four- to five-hour voyage provides a unique perspective on the park’s biodiversity. You can choose to end the cruise with a game drive organized by Ripple Safaris.
Fishing in the Nile
The Nile below Murchison Falls is a popular fishing spot, with anglers flocking here for the chance to land a massive Nile Perch. The largest recorded catch was 108kg, making this a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts. Fishing in the park is restricted to designated areas, and Ripple Safaris can help arrange your fishing trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Viewing the Top of Murchison Falls
No visit to the park is complete without viewing the top of Murchison Falls. The dramatic sight and sound of the Nile crashing through a narrow gorge are unforgettable. You can reach the top either by vehicle or by hiking from the boat launch. The view offers a unique vantage point of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Chimpanzee Trekking
The Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, located within Murchison Falls National Park, is a prime spot for chimpanzee trekking. This virgin forest is home to six habituated groups of chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Uganda to track these primates. The forest also boasts large mahogany and ironwood trees, providing a beautiful backdrop for your trek. Ripple Safaris organizes guided chimpanzee treks, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Birdwatching at Fort Murchison
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diversity of birdlife around Fort Murchison. The lodge is situated in a prime location for spotting over 450 bird species, including the famous shoebill stork. Whether you’re exploring the trails of Murchison Falls National Park or simply relaxing by the pool, the birdwatching opportunities are endless.
Hiking and Nature Walks
For those who prefer to explore on foot, Ripple Safaris offers a range of hiking and nature walks in and around Murchison Falls National Park. The park’s varied scenery provides plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife and experiencing the beauty of Uganda’s landscapes. Popular trails include those in Kaniyo Pabidi and Rabongo Forests, as well as walks around the Nile-Lake Albert Delta. Each hike offers unique sights and experiences, from primates to birdlife and breathtaking views of the falls.
Getting to Fort Murchison
Fort Murchison is conveniently located just outside the northern boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park in the former Aswa Lolim Game Reserve. The lodge is only five kilometers from Tangi Gate and easily accessible via the main Karuma-Pakwach road. Look out for the signpost a few kilometers before the Pakwach bridge.
Fort Murchison, with its blend of Swahili-inspired architecture, comfortable accommodations, and spectacular location, offers a truly unique experience for travelers to Murchison Falls National Park. Whether you’re seeking adventure through game drives, chimpanzee trekking, or boat cruises, or simply looking to relax by the pool with a view of the Albert Nile, Ripple Safaris ensures that every guest leaves with unforgettable memories.
