Planning a safari in Uganda? One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right accommodation. While luxury lodges often make headlines, midrange lodges in Uganda offer an excellent balance between comfort, location, and affordability. Whether you’re trekking with gorillas in Bwindi, exploring Murchison Falls, or birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll find a variety of charming, well-run midrange lodges that deliver exceptional value. Best Midrange Lodges in Uganda.
In this guide, we highlight the best midrange safari lodges across Uganda’s top national parks. These lodges are perfect for travelers who want a memorable experience without breaking the bank. Best Midrange Lodges in Uganda.
Why Choose a Midrange Lodge in Uganda?
Uganda’s midrange lodges offer:
- Comfortable ensuite rooms or tents
- Hot showers and flushing toilets
- Good dining with local and international cuisine
- Proximity to park gates and wildlife hotspots
- Friendly staff and local hospitality
- Affordability without compromising experience
They serve as a perfect middle ground between budget backpacker camps and high-end safari resorts.
Midrange Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and one of Uganda’s most visited parks. The terrain is hilly and forested, so location matters a lot depending on which gorilla group you are trekking.
1. Gorilla Mist Camp (Ruhija Sector)
Set on a forested ridge, Gorilla Mist Camp offers spectacular views and easy access to the Ruhija trailhead. The rooms are cozy and built with a blend of natural materials and modern touches.
2. Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector)
Just a short drive from the Rushaga gate, this lodge is known for its excellent service and comfort. The rooms are spacious with private balconies that overlook the forest.
3. Haven Lodge Buhoma (Buhoma Sector)
Owned by a local community initiative, Haven Lodge provides a warm, authentic Ugandan experience. It’s eco-friendly and offers great food and panoramic forest views.
Midrange Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park
This park is known for its diverse ecosystems and tree-climbing lions. Located in western Uganda, it’s one of the most accessible and varied safari destinations in the country.
1. Engiri Game Lodge (Katunguru Area)
Located near the Katunguru gate, this lodge offers simple, clean cottages with ensuite bathrooms. It’s a favorite among bird watchers and travelers on self-drive safaris.
2. Marafiki Safari Lodge (Kasese Side)
This lodge is elevated with stunning views of Lake George and the Rwenzori Mountains. The semi-luxury tents and wooden cottages make it ideal for comfort seekers.
3. The Bush Lodge by Nature Lodges
Positioned on the Kazinga Channel, this is a perfect base for game drives and boat safaris. It offers tented bandas and cottages at an affordable midrange price.
Midrange Lodges in Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s largest park, Murchison Falls is known for its dramatic waterfalls and wide savannah plains teeming with wildlife.
1. Pakuba Safari Lodge
Situated in the northern section of the park, this lodge offers excellent value with river views, comfortable rooms, and a swimming pool. Wildlife often roams the lodge grounds.
2. Fort Murchison Lodge
Built in a Swahili-Arabic style, this lodge overlooks the Albert Nile. It offers both comfortable rooms and more rustic safari tents, ideal for travelers who want options.
3. Murchison River Lodge
Located along the southern bank of the Nile, this lodge is known for its cozy bandas, eco-friendly principles, and family-friendly environment. It’s perfect for couples and small groups alike.
Midrange Lodges in Kibale National Park
Known for its chimpanzee tracking and primate diversity, Kibale is a lush rainforest destination in western Uganda.
1. Isunga Lodge
A peaceful retreat perched on a hilltop with sweeping views over the forest canopy and crater lakes. The lodge has only a few cottages, which makes for a quiet, intimate stay.
2. Kibale Forest Camp
Set close to the chimpanzee tracking starting point, this camp offers large safari tents and wooden cabins under a forest canopy. Great service and a lovely forest feel make it stand out.
Midrange Lodges in Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest savannah park, yet ideal for short safaris and wildlife viewing, especially en route to or from western Uganda.
1. Rwakobo Rock
This eco-lodge sits on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of the park. The cottages are spacious and private, with solar lighting and modern bathrooms.
2. Eagle’s Nest Lodge
Positioned just outside the park’s Nshara gate, Eagle’s Nest offers safari tents with some of the best sunset views in Uganda. Simple but clean and charming.
Midrange Lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park
For travelers seeking raw wilderness and isolation, Kidepo is Uganda’s most remote and wild park.
1. Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Located just 500 meters from Kalokudo Gate, this lodge has a prime location with views of the Narus Valley. It offers tented safari rooms with ensuite bathrooms, good food, and fantastic wildlife proximity.
What to Expect from Midrange Lodges in Uganda
While each lodge varies slightly, most offer the following:
- Full board options (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Guided activities such as nature walks, community visits, and sundowner spots
- Solar power or generators (some parks are off-grid)
- Wi-Fi (available at the main lodge areas but may be limited)
- Friendly and attentive staff
How to Choose the Right Midrange Lodge?
Choosing the right lodge depends on:
- Location: Make sure it’s near your safari activity, especially for early morning treks or drives.
- Travel style: Are you a couple, family, or solo traveler? Some lodges cater better to different groups.
- Amenities: Do you want a pool? Private deck? Campfire setting?
- Budget range: Midrange can vary between $100 and $250 per person per night depending on the lodge and park.
- Access: Some remote lodges require a 4×4 or domestic flight.
Uganda’s midrange safari lodges provide an authentic African experience with the comforts you need and the value you’ll appreciate. Whether you’re tracking gorillas, watching lions stalk prey, or listening to the calls of chimpanzees, these lodges ensure you have a restful, immersive, and unforgettable safari.
If you’re planning your next safari in Uganda, don’t overlook the midrange option—it may just offer the perfect balance of comfort, location, and adventure.
