Location
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

In 1864, when British explorer Samuel Baker first glimpsed the thunder of Murchison Falls, his accommodations were rudimentary at best. Today guests can relish the comforts of Paraa Safari Lodge, which offers a refined way to experience this wild region of northwest Uganda, brimming with wildlife. The lodge is built on a bank overlooking the River Nile near Murchison Falls, where it plunges through a narrow gorge in a torrent of whitewater. Paraa means "the place of hippos" in the local Luo language, and you’ll see many of them from this idyllic location.

The lodge's 54 rooms have cool tile floors, log beams, en suite bathrooms and balconies with sweeping views of the winding River Nile below. The safari décor reflects the bygone era of early explorers, amid modern amenities and renovated facilities. The large free-form swimming pool overlooks the river, which was the setting for the classic Hollywood movie The African Queen starring Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. After a long day in the bush, relax with a drink at the poolside bar or settle into one of the sofas in the Explorers’ Bar. Meals featuring international cuisine are served in the dining room or on the balcony overlooking the river. Enjoy a variety of excursions and activities from the lodge, from exhilarating safari drives to boat trips on the Nile that end at the foot of powerful Murchison Falls. More adventurous travelers can trek up to the top of the falls and marvel at the views through the mist.