Pakuba Safari Lodge

 

Best for Safaris

Pakuba Safari Lodge was the place in Murchison Falls National Park where we stayed when we had visitors whose priority was safaris. It is the only lodge in the heart of the delta with the park's most significant density of wildlife.

Pakuba Lodge is operating in the former staff quarters of what was once a lodge initially operating as part of the Uganda Hotels chain until it was taken over by the Ugandan government as a personal lodge for dictator Idi Amin. Eventually, it fell into disrepair, leaving behind just ruins frequented by many animals, including hyenas, leopards, and lions. Rumor has it that there are plans to eventually revive and renovate the main building. 

Safaris:

By staying at Pakuba, you avoid the 45 min drive required from many other lodges to get to the central wildlife viewing zone, allowing you to stay out longer in the evening and have earlier access in the morning. If this is your priority, you should stay at Pakuba. There is a pool, and the accommodations are fine, but they are nothing to write home about. They are basic and clean. The food is usually buffet style and could be better, but ok. You are purely paying for the location and convenience of this lodge. The lodge is so basic, and we spent all our time on safari here that I never even took photos of the rooms or grounds. 

Wildlife:

As shown on the map, the area to see cats and other predators is just South of Pakuba in the delta. This area is also where you will find large herds of elephants, buffalo, and other antelope. The pictures below were taken in the area near Pakuba: