Papa’s Camp is one of the most exclusive safari camps in Murchison Falls National Park, created for travellers who want privacy, wildlife, and the feeling of an old-fashioned African safari.
Set beneath large fig trees on the southern bank of the River Nile, Papa’s Camp offers an intimate stay in a remote and beautiful part of the park. With only five luxury safari tents, guests enjoy a quiet wilderness experience far from busy safari routes and crowded lodges.
A classic safari camp on the Nile
Papa’s Camp is operated by Wildplaces Africa and is located about 25 kilometres upstream from Murchison Falls. The camp sits beside the Nile rapids, surrounded by open savannah, riverine forest, and wildlife-rich landscapes.
The camp is named after Ernest “Papa” Hemingway, who survived two plane crashes in the Murchison Falls area in 1954. Its canvas tents, natural setting, fireside evenings, and relaxed atmosphere celebrate the romance of traditional safari travel.
Each tent is positioned to enjoy views of the River Nile and the surrounding wilderness. Guests can relax on private verandas, listen to the river at night, and enjoy the sounds of birds and wildlife from the comfort of camp.
Why stay at Papa’s Camp?
Papa’s Camp is ideal for travellers looking for exclusivity. It is located in a low-use area of the park, meaning game drives can feel private and uncrowded. In this remote sector, visitors may spend hours in the wilderness without seeing another safari vehicle.
The area is known for excellent wildlife viewing, especially lions, buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, Uganda kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbucks, oribi, hyenas, and many bird species. Night drives can offer a chance to look for nocturnal animals such as leopards, genets, mongooses, and owls.
The camp’s location also makes it a strong choice for guests who want a deeper, slower safari rather than a quick visit focused only on the main tourist circuit.
Activities at Papa’s Camp
A stay at Papa’s Camp can include a range of tailor-made safari activities:
- Day game drives in the remote southern sector of Murchison Falls National Park
- Night game drives in search of predators and other nocturnal wildlife
- Guided birdwatching
- Hiking and walks in suitable areas
- Catch-and-release sport fishing on the River Nile
- Visits to the Top of Murchison Falls
- Private bush meals and sundowners
- Relaxing beside the Nile with uninterrupted wilderness views
The drive from camp to the Top of Murchison Falls takes approximately one and a half hours, and the route itself can become an exciting game drive.
Wildlife and birding at Papa’s Camp
Papa’s Camp is surrounded by a rich wildlife area. Lions are a major attraction, with strong populations in the wider southern sector. Spotted hyenas are also common, and the camp’s remote location offers an excellent chance to experience the sounds of the African bush after dark.
Birdwatchers can look forward to colorful bee-eaters, African fish eagles, hornbills, bishops, weavers, kingfishers, and many other species associated with the Nile, woodland, and savannah.
For fishing enthusiasts, the Nile near the camp offers exciting catch-and-release sport fishing, including the possibility of large Nile perch. Fishing should always be arranged in advance through the camp and follows park regulations.
Accommodation at Papa’s Camp
Papa’s Camp has five spacious en-suite safari tents, making it a small and highly personal camp. The tents combine classic safari style with modern comfort and feature private bathrooms, outdoor showers, comfortable beds, and river or wilderness views.
The main area includes a welcoming lounge and dining space where guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals, share stories after game drives, and relax beside the fire in the evening.
Because there are only five tents, early booking is recommended, especially during the high season from June to September and December to February.
How to get to Papa’s Camp
Papa’s Camp can be reached by road or by domestic flight.
By road, the journey from Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park normally takes about five to seven hours, depending on the route and road conditions.
For guests flying in, Bugungu and Pakuba airstrips are the nearest practical options, followed by a scenic transfer through the park. The transfer is part of the safari experience, with opportunities to see wildlife along the way.
Who is Papa’s Camp best for?
Papa’s Camp is best suited to:
- Couples and honeymooners
- Luxury safari travelers
- Wildlife photographers
- Birdwatchers
- Fishing enthusiasts
- Families with older children
- Small private groups
- Travellers seeking a remote, uncrowded safari
Papa’s Camp is more than a place to sleep. It is a chance to experience Murchison Falls National Park in a quieter and more personal way, where the Nile, wildlife, and wide-open wilderness are at the centre of every day.
