How To Get To Paara Safari Lodge
How To Get To Paara Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge is located on top of Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda, looking over the Albert Nile. Chosen name of the lodge was Paraa, which is known to mean ‘the land of hippos’ in the local Luo language because the hippo pods can be seen in large numbers at many vantage points of the lodge. It was built in 1950s and recently refurbished, providing the visitors with 54 guest rooms, suites, a pool, and a breathtaking river view
Be it air or road travel, this guide will take you through every step on how to travel to the lodge hilltop overlooking the Nile via either Kampala or Entebbe.
By Air Travel
Overview about Air Travel
Charter flights can fly from Entebbe International Airport (approximately 1hr charter flight) to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrips, both in the park
This is connected by Aero Link Uganda among others, providing scheduled charters to national park airstrips
Airstrip to Lodge
On arrival there is a 45-minute 4-wheel drive transfer on a rough road to the Paraa Safari Lodge with stunning views across parklands and along the Nile
Why Fly?
Fastest way ahead of Entebbe/Kampala.
Aerial views of the landscapes in Uganda.
Avoid long road transfers and unpredictable road conditions
How to get there by Road
From Kampala (or Entebbe)
Kampala – Masindi: around 300km, 5 hrs as you travel on Tarmac roads through Bwaise and Bombo towards Gulu Road.
Entebbe-Masindi: about 340km. approximately, 6 hours
Recommended stopovers include the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary (~120km off Kampala), where you may have free-roaming rhino sightings
Masindi-Paraa
Following Masindi, head ~85km of murram (gravel) road to the Kichumbanyobo Gate to the park.
Drop down at Kichumbanyobo enter there and turn around ~24km to the river crossing at South Paraa.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority ferry (in operation between 07:00 and 19:00 each day) takes one to the northern bank.
At the northern bank, it only takes a short drive to the lodge itself
Alternative through Karuma & Tangi Gate
Start at Kafu Bridge and follow the Karuma road to Pakwach (Tangi Gate ~112km) then to the lodge (~2 km). In certain conditions, it becomes easier to go this route
Vehicle and season
It is highly advisable that one uses a 4 x 4 during the rainy season, especially when the road is muddy and the terrain within the park is muddy.
The parking gates close at 18:00; therefore, ensure reaching on time with enough time.
It is necessary to find out ferry schedules and park rules in advance.
What to Expect On the way
Sceneries
As you travel in the Western and Northern parts of Uganda, you get the usual rolling hills, farms and wildlife-dotted savannahs.
The scenery is wilder along the gravel strip: forest borders, game birds, antelopes and buffalo are common.
Wildlife Encounters
Along the way to the falls on a Uganda safari, there are elephants, giraffes, Uganda kobs, and a lot of bird species within Murchison falls national park.
The ferry crossing is picturesque and in some cases hippo pods and crocodiles are loafing along the banks.
Timing & Logistics
The entry gate and ferry are only operational during certain times – missing a crossing could mean waiting quite a long time and/or necessitating travelling an added distance through alternative routes
You pay gate entry fees ($40 per individual) to start your 24 hour limit of staying in the park.
Inside the park and at the lodge
Overview of Paraa Safari Lodge
The lodge was constructed in the 1950s and was later renovated after 1970s; currently run by Marasa Africa, the lodge has a total of 54 rooms and suites, pool, restaurant, lounge, bar and gardens that grace the Nile
Popular with explorers such as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Theodore Roosevelt.
Facilities and practicalities
Fuel: There is one point at Paraa and another at Pakwach (~25km north).
Electricity only flows on regular generators: early in the morning, at lunchtime, and at night.
There is laundry, a forex bureau (major currencies), bottled/treated water and card payments (Visa/Master); limitations apply.
Activities
There is a variety of points that can be selected by the guests in the lodge:
Game drives on the Paraa side south
Nile boat cruise to see hippo/birds
Fishing and nature walks
Hot-air balloon Safaris or hikes to the top of the falls
Local species Birdwatching such as fish eagles and bee-eaters
Sample Itinerary by Means of Transport
Sample Air Trip
Entebbe/Kampala flies to Pakuba/Bugungu airstrip (~1 hour).
Road transfer (~45min) to lodge
Be there in the middle of the day: arrive, rest, and have lunch at the hotel.
Game drive or afternoon boat cruise.
Safari or falls hike in the morning.
Fly back by airstrip and complete the flight or complete road transport.
Sample Road Trip
Depart Kampala/Entebbe in the morning (~07:00), making a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (~120 km).
Drive on to Masindi, fuel up, and have lunch.
Follow the murram road to Kichumbanyobo Gate and cross the Nile by ferry.
Reach there towards late afternoon (~5-6 hours in total by bus ride out of Kampala).
Afternoon Game drive or Lodge activities.
Recommendations and advice
The advance booking of flights/charter transfers as well as lodge transfers is also needed.
Pack USD and Ugandan Shillings–some of the fees (park, ferry) are cash and there is a forex bureau onsite.
Book two nights and preferably late in the day; this will prevent last-minute panic as well as give you more time to explore the lodge and park.
Adhere to the park regulations: keep on marked roads, keep your speed, do not honk the horn and do not throw the garbage around.
Pack binoculars, water and sun gear and keep hydrated – temps can become high at the park.
Liaise with the staff at the lodge or amongst the tour operator regarding a smooth time of entry, use of the ferry, and booking of the activities.
Conclusion
Be it the drama of a scenic flight in a light aircraft or a rugged adventure on bush roads, either way, getting to Paraa Safari Lodge will be part and parcel of what makes a stay here become memorable. Air travel is fast and it provides you with the bird view but since the road via Masindi is more scenic and since they include a side trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you can absorb the various landscapes in Uganda. On arrival, you are greeted with a mixture of colonialism and modern conveniences and a backdrop of wild game, riverscapes, and memorable experiences right at Paraa
