Papa’s Camp – Murchison Falls National Park 

Papa’s Camp is an intimate wilderness retreat set a beautiful grove of Fig Trees on the banks of the Nile River in the secluded beauty of Murchison Falls National Park.  Situated on the southern bank of the River Nile 20 kilometres  upstream of the world-famous Murchison Falls, the camp is named after  Ernest  ‘Papa’  Hemingway who miraculously survived not one but two plane crashes in the very location of the camp. Immerse yourself in the untouched  wilderness that captured his heart and sights all those years ago.

With just 5 luxury en-suite tents overlooking the rapids – fall asleep to the roar of the Nile tucked up in your cosy tent.  Papa’s camp offers an unforgettable wildlife experience, with sightings of lions, buffalo, giraffes and antelope with the huge bonus that this sector of the park is a newly appointed Low Use Zone requiring additional fees to enter, ensuring privacy and an uncrowded experience.

Location

Papa’s Camp is located within Murchison Falls National Park on the south bank of the Nile River, about 25 km upstream from Murchison Falls.

Accommodation

Papa’s Camp offers just 5 luxurious safari tents designed to provide comfort while maintaining a close connection with the natural surroundings. Each tent is furnished with comfortable king sized beds, en-suite bathroom with bucket shower, running water and flush toilets.  The tents have private veranda overlooking the roaring Nile with the chance of seeing pods of hippo and crocodile which sometimes linger in pools in front the tents.

There is a spacious, breezy mess tent filled with inviting sofas and comfortable sitting areas, a bar and communal dining table.  Enjoy views over the hippo pool whilst enjoying a sundowner by the rustic fire pit.

Guests are advised to pack slip-on shoes/flip-flops as all the tents and mess are no-shoe areas. Butler service is available for guests and WIFI is available in the receptions areas.

Wildlife and Activities

Green Season: April, May & October, November – Moderate Temperatures & Higher rainfall. Rain gear required. Lush green vegetation and thicker bush.

Dry Season: January, February, March, June, July, August, September, December.  Hot and dry with Golden grasslands. Grass is shorter and animals are more likely to gather by the river banks.

FAUNA & FLORA

Birds: The open grasslands, wetlands and water courses of Murchison are home to many of Africa’s most beautiful bird species such as Bishops, Wydahs, Bee-eaters as well as

ground hornbills who are frequently spotted in the area. Between December and March, huge flocks of Abdim’s storks can be found in the grasslands. Raptors such as the long- crested and fish eagles are common and the grasshopper buzzard is a dry-season visitor.

Mammals: A large population of Lions, Buffalo, and Giraffes as well as Hippos. Ugandan Kob, Oribi, Waterbuck, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Warthogs, and other Antelope species prefer the open areas. Elephants are rare visitors, depending on the season. On night drives there are chances of seeing Leopard, White-tailed Mongoose, Genets, and other small nocturnal creatures.

Reptiles: Large Nile Crocodiles, monitor lizards and different types of snakes are around, on a night drive one has a chance to spot a flap-necked chameleon.

Night Drives – the dark brings out all kinds of wonderful creatures that can only be seen at night. It is also when predators are most active. A night drive can be enjoyed either as part of an afternoon activity as you return to camp after sundowners, or, head out after dinner for the highest chance of lion and hyena. Using a spotlight, keep watch for the distinct glimmering eyes. You will see thousands of Uganda Kob as they seek safety in numbers, with chances of big cats and hyena hunting, along with a number of nocturnal species including Leopard, Nightjars, Owls, Bats, Mongoose, Genets, Civets, Bushbabies, and so much more.

Game Drives – game drives are in the exclusive and secluded Kisangani sector of Murchison Falls National Park. This is a newly appointed Low-Use Zone, ensuring total privacy. Depending on conditions, wildlife movements and your preferences, your guide will discuss the best area for the drive with you. Expect to see Lion, Leopard, Rothschild Giraffe, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Uganda Kob, Waterbuck and Warthog among many others. As always in Uganda, a great variety of birdlife will also be spotted.

Bush Walks – immerse yourself in a raw wildlife experience with a professional walking guide to interpret the bush. Examine spoor, track animals, taste wild fruits and smell wild flowers with chances to get up close and personal with a variety of game.

Fishing – the Nile River is a fishing Mecca, and at Papa’s Camp we have access to nearly 20km of untouched riverbank with a seemingly infinite number of secret fishing spots. Fishing here is a wilderness experience in itself, often involving walking along stretches of the river, or driving to some of our favourite pools. Hippo and crocodiles are likely to bee seen among many other animals. The ultimate target is of course the legendary Nile Perch. Voracious and athletic predators, these fish are known reach over 200lbs. Nile Perch are among the most prized freshwater sport fish in the world. At Papa’s Camp, We have been catching Perch anywhere from 50-100 lbs. The methods we use vary, depending on the target, location and water conditions, from fly fishing, to casting spinners and lures, and live bait. Other species that can be caught include Tigerfish, Barbel, Yellowfish, Catfish, Tilapia and more.

Boat trips – along the River Nile provide opportunities not only for fantastic game-viewing, but also to see the park’s namesake waterfall, Murchison Falls, thundering into the delta at the top of Lake Albert. Approximately 11,000 cubic feet of water is propelled through 30ft wide gorge, cascading 141 ft onto the rocks below, making this among the most powerful and dramatic waterfalls in the world

Conservation and Community

Papa’s Camp is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and by working closely with local communities, the camp provides employment and training opportunities while also supporting initiatives that preserve cultural heritage. Its low-impact design ensures minimal disturbance to the fragile environment, and a significant portion of the revenue goes back into community development projects.

PAPAS CAMP IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF NOVEMBER WHEN THE CAMP CLOSES

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 15 YEARS AND OLDER – THERE ARE NO SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN AND THE CAMP IS UNFENCED WITH WILDLIFE ROAMING THROUGH