The lodging facility surrounded by rare animal species, over 450 bird species, in the Murchison Falls National Park, North West of Kampala, is emerging as one of those places one should visit in a lifetime. It is hard to understand how this place, with all its beautiful scenery has evaded fame.
It could be partly due to the instability in the northern part of the country some four years ago. But with the return of peace in the region, everything seems to be on track.
Game has thrived and with it has returned to life the most luxurious lodge in Uganda which has opened to tourists – Chobe Safari Lodge.
The lodge was originally constructed in 1950s and at the time, was one of the jewels in Uganda‘s crown of tourism destinations. The panoramic view of the magnificent River Nile from the site offered a true sampling of the prime offerings of Uganda, coupled with wildlife, birds, flora and fauna.
The lodge was destroyed by retreating troops at the peak of the war that ended Amin’s regime in 1979. This spectacular site has been lying abandoned since then.
The lodge was acquired by the Madhvani Group around 2008 and they spent US$13million restoring it from dereliction to splendor. And now if you are the kind who fancies a truly wild, yet relaxing and luxurious experience, then Murchison Falls National Park is the ultimate adventure.
The lodge is located 280km northwest of Kampala – a three-and-a-half hour drive on the Gulu -Pakwach highway.
The lodge can also be reached by air where it would only take 45minutes from Entebbe Airport to Chobe Airstrip and 40 minutes from Kajjansi airfield.
When it comes to accommodation, the guest rooms are well decorated with the right mix of homeliness and elegance.
The River Nile is the focal point of all the accommodation ranging from the presidential cottage, luxury tents and guest rooms with the balconies all facing the sweeping views of the river.
The rooms have a cozy charm and during the day one can watch the Nile flow towards Sudan from the comfort of a bed. Some of the rooms are air conditioned. The lodge also boosts of a restaurant with an open terrace, a main bar overlooking the Nile and a pool bar.
Once at Chobe Safari Lodge, one can engage in several activities around the park. They include game drives where one enjoys cool breezes as you enjoy the beauty of nature and interesting animal species flora and fauna.
The guests can also enjoy a boat ride on the Nile and engage in sport-fishing (angling) and of course your journey to the park is incomplete without a trip to the Murchison Falls from Paraa Safari Lodge; a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Chobe Safari Lodge . The health club is also nearing completion for those who like working out. In the evening you can sit around the fire as hear stories and fairytales from the guests and hosts alike.
Mani Khan, the director of tourism operations with Madhvani Group says they are soon introducing fishing competitions at Chobe Safari Lodge. Guests who are less adventurous and prefer activities closer to the lodge can relax by the pool or do yoga.
Check in time is 1:00pm whereas check out time is 10am. Accommodation rates are dependent on the type of room you opt for.
A single standard room goes for US$155 (bed and breakfast) and $180 full board. Double room is $275 (bed and breakfast) and $325 full board.
A Nile Suite goes for $440 (bed and breakfast) and full board is $490. A presidential cottage is $685 (bed and breakfast) and $785 full board.
There are also tents and a standard single tent is $195 (bed and breakfast) and full board is $220. A deluxe single tent is $235 (bed and breakfast) and $260 full board among others.
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