How to get to paraa safari lodge
How to get to paraa safari lodge : Paraa Safari Lodge is a unique and tranquil lodge located in Murchison Falls National Park, in the north- western part of Uganda. The lodge has 54 guest rooms in total, each with its own private balcony and en-suite walk in bathroom. This lodge is the perfect getaway destination for visitors on a family vacation and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy cities.
The lodge was built in the 1954 and drives its name from a native Luo word ‘Paraa,’ which means ‘the place of hippos.’ Paraa lodge is strategically situated on a hilltop with views of wildlife in the national park and the famous River Nile.
In the mid-1970s, most facilities at the Lodge were destroyed during the reign of Idi Amin. However, a lot of renovations have been made to the lodge. The lodge is currently being managed by the Madhvani Group under Marasa Africa Lodges.
Paraa Safari Lodge gained wide spread popularity in the 1959 after hosting Queen Elizabeth, who was the Queen Mother of the British Empire at the time. The lodge has also hosted other famous personalities like former US president Theodore Roosevelt.
Visitors planning a long stay at Paraa Lodge can travel to the lodge either by air or road. The lodge can be accessed by travelers from Entebbe or Kampala City.
Travelling to Paraa Safari Lodge by Air:
Visitors travelling to Paraa can book a chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport to Pakuba or Bugungu Airstrip within Murchison Falls national park, which is an hour’s flight. From the airstrip at Pakuba or Bugungu, visitors can embark on a 45 minute drive to Paraa safari lodge.
Travelling to Paraa Lodge by Road:
Paraa Safari Lodge is located approximately 5 hours from Kampala City, which is about a 300km road trip. Visitors travelling from Entebbe International Airport will have to travel 340kms to get to the lodge, and this journey will take you roughly 6 hours.
The first phrase of the journey takes visitors on a tarmac highway 170km before turning left onto a 45km road to Masindi town. There is a shorter murrum road, about 85kms, which takes travelers from Masindi town to Paraa. Visitors travelling by road are advised to use a 4×4 wheel vehicle to easy movement, especially during the rainy season when the roads leading to the park are muddy.
Visitors travelling from Kampala can take the Kampala-Gulu highway through Bwaise, along Bombo road. Travelers can stop over at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which is located about 120kms from Kampala. The Rhino sanctuary is the ideal place for visitors to see rhinos in their natural habitat. It is also the only place in Uganda where you will get to see rhinos.
The road leading to the Lodge branches off from the Gulu road to Masindi, just after crossing the bridge at Kafu. Visitors can have a stopover in Masindi which is about 45km further.
The remaining 85km of the journey starts at the sign posted junction near the Masindi Hotel and shell fuel station, which is almost 2km from the trading center/ town. The dirt road then enters the Murchison Falls Conservation Area to Kichumbanyobo gate after 24kms. The murrum road then leads visitors to the Nile at south Paraa where the UWA ferry crosses the Nile to reach Paraa Safari Lodge on the northern bank.
It is important for visitors to note that the ferry operates at scheduled intervals throughout the day between 7am and 7pm on the dot. Visitors will have to pay an extra fee for using the ferry to cross from the southern bank of the river to the northern bank.
Alternatively, visitors can travel to Paraa Safari Lodge via Karuma from Kafu Bridge, and turn left from the Gulu highway to connect to the Packwach- Arua road. The Tangi gate of the national park lies just off the Arua road, about 112km from Karuma Bridge. The Lodge is located just 2km from Tangi gate.
Once at Paraa Safari Lodge, visitors can embark in activities offered by the national park like; game drives, nature walks, boat cruises on the Nile, Bird Watching, Chimpanzee Trekking, Hiking to the top of the falls and hot air balloon safaris.
There is so much for tourists to see and do while staying at Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge’s strategic location at the heart of the national park, makes it the perfect place for visitors to relax, unwind and enjoy all that nature has blessed Uganda with.
