Uganda’s Safari Campsites to Know
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, has long been admired for its pristine wilderness and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Yet, beyond its famed gorilla treks, roaring waterfalls, and rolling savannahs lies another gem that seasoned travelers cherish — its safari campsites. These hidden sanctuaries offer more than just accommodation; they embody the raw essence of adventure, freedom, and connection with nature. For travelers who prefer to sleep under the stars, wake to birdsong, and feel the pulse of Africa at dawn, Uganda’s safari campsites deliver some of the most authentic and scenic experiences on the continent.
From the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi to the vast plains of Murchison Falls and the forest fringes of Bwindi, Uganda’s campsites are as diverse as its landscapes. They range from rustic wilderness setups to comfortable eco-lodges, each designed to immerse travelers in the country’s untamed beauty. Whether you’re an overlander, a backpacker, or a luxury camper, Uganda’s campsites promise an experience where nature, wildlife, and comfort coexist in harmony.
Here’s a detailed look at some of Uganda’s safari campsites to know — each offering a different window into the country’s natural splendor.
1. Red Chilli Rest Camp – Murchison Falls National Park
Located just outside the southern entrance of Murchison Falls National Park, Red Chilli Rest Camp is one of Uganda’s most beloved camping destinations for budget travelers and adventurers. Set along the banks of the River Nile, this campsite captures the wild spirit of Uganda perfectly.
Here, nights are serenaded by the grunts of hippos, and mornings begin with the chatter of vervet monkeys. Red Chilli offers a variety of options — from self-camping spaces for overlanders to furnished safari tents and bandas for travelers seeking a bit more comfort. The communal area features a lively restaurant, bar, and fire pit, creating a friendly atmosphere where travelers share stories after long game drives.
The location is ideal for exploring Murchison’s wonders: the powerful Murchison Falls, game drives across the park’s northern savannah, and boat cruises along the Nile where elephants, crocodiles, and hippos gather. Few places combine convenience, community, and wild authenticity quite like Red Chilli Rest Camp.
2. Paraa Safari Camp – Luxury by the Nile
For travelers seeking a more refined camping experience without losing touch with nature, Paraa Safari Camp offers a luxurious haven in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. Overlooking the Nile River, this camp blends old-world safari charm with modern comforts.
While Paraa’s main accommodation includes en-suite rooms, it also offers a dedicated campsite for travelers who prefer pitching their tents under the African sky. The proximity to the river provides extraordinary wildlife sightings — elephants, warthogs, and buffaloes often wander near the grounds.
Guests can enjoy early morning game drives, evening boat rides, and guided nature walks. The camp’s swimming pool offers a spectacular view of the surrounding savannah — a rare treat for campers. Paraa is the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and refined comfort.
3. Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Down in the remote southern reaches of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Ishasha Wilderness Camp stands as one of Uganda’s most iconic luxury-tented camps. Nestled along the Ntungwe River, this intimate eco-camp offers a truly serene experience amidst one of the park’s most beautiful and wildlife-rich regions.
The Ishasha sector is renowned for its famous tree-climbing lions, which can often be spotted resting on the fig trees nearby. The camp itself has only a handful of spacious tented suites, each raised on wooden decks and furnished with private verandas that open out to the sounds of the wild.
For travelers camping in or near Ishasha, the surrounding designated areas allow self-drivers to pitch tents while enjoying the same enchanting wilderness. Nights here are alive with the calls of hyenas, the distant roar of lions, and the soft rustle of the savannah breeze. The Ishasha experience perfectly captures Uganda’s luxury safari essence while keeping its connection to raw, untouched nature.
4. Mweya Campsite – Queen Elizabeth National Park
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly campsite with million-dollar views, Mweya Campsite inside Queen Elizabeth National Park is a must. Perched on a hilltop within the Mweya Peninsula, it offers panoramic vistas of the Kazinga Channel — where hundreds of hippos, elephants, and buffaloes gather daily.
The campsite has basic facilities — clean toilets, showers, and a cooking area — but the real luxury lies in its location. Campers often witness wildlife wandering nearby, as the peninsula is surrounded by water on both sides. Mweya Safari Lodge, located within walking distance, offers restaurant access and even swimming facilities for those who want a touch of comfort.
This campsite is ideal for travelers combining game drives with a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, where you can watch animals and birds up close in their natural habitat. Few campsites in Uganda offer such an uninterrupted connection to the wilderness.
5. Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort – The Lakeside Paradise
Perched on the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi, this campsite feels like a dreamscape — a place where the hills roll gently into clear, mirror-like waters. Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort is one of the best-known spots for both self-camping and lodge accommodation in southwestern Uganda.
The area is peaceful, with terraced slopes and 29 small islands scattered across the lake, creating a postcard-perfect setting. The resort provides clean camping grounds, showers, and a restaurant overlooking the water. It’s a favorite stop for overlanders and travelers heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking.
Days at Lake Bunyonyi are filled with kayaking, swimming (the lake is bilharzia-free), hiking the surrounding hills, or visiting nearby community projects. Evenings are magical, with campfires flickering beside the lake and the stars mirrored on its surface. It’s one of Uganda’s most tranquil nature escapes — a place where adventure meets peace.
6. Buhoma Community Rest Camp – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located right at the entrance of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Community Rest Camp is one of Uganda’s most charming community-run accommodations. It’s an ideal base for travelers who come to trek the endangered mountain gorillas, but it also provides a rewarding cultural and environmental experience.
The camp features self-camping areas, bandas, and eco-cabins built with local materials. The proceeds from visitors directly support local community projects — from education to conservation initiatives.
Staying at Buhoma offers a beautiful balance between comfort and authenticity. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the sounds of birds and insects fill the air as mist drifts between the trees. After a day of trekking, evenings here are spent around a cozy campfire sharing stories about encounters with gorilla families deep within the forest.
For travelers seeking purpose-driven travel, Buhoma Rest Camp is not just a place to stay but a meaningful way to support the people who protect Uganda’s natural treasures.
7. Red Rocks Camp – Musanze Border Region (Gateway to Rwanda)
Though located near the border with Rwanda, Red Rocks Camp in Kisoro District deserves mention for overlanders and campers traveling through Uganda’s southwest. This cultural campsite and eco-lodge lie en route to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, making it a perfect stop for those exploring both Uganda and Rwanda.
The camp offers both tent pitches and cultural immersion experiences. Visitors can learn traditional banana beer brewing, participate in basket weaving, or hike through nearby villages. Red Rocks’ mission is to promote community-based tourism and cultural exchange — making it a heartwarming destination for travelers who want to connect deeply with Ugandan traditions.
The surrounding landscapes are stunning, with views of the Virunga Volcanoes and easy access to gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and Batwa cultural trails in Mgahinga.
8. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Campsite – A Conservation Haven
Before reaching Murchison Falls, travelers often make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. The sanctuary offers an excellent campsite nestled within its 7,000-hectare reserve, providing a unique opportunity to camp amidst one of Africa’s most successful conservation stories.
The campsite features clean facilities, a small restaurant, and guided walking safaris that bring visitors face-to-face with rhinos in their natural environment. Birdwatching and night walks reveal even more wonders — from bushbucks to nocturnal primates.
Ziwa is not just a resting stop; it’s a destination that celebrates Uganda’s commitment to wildlife restoration and eco-tourism. Camping here gives travelers the chance to be part of that inspiring journey.
9. Wild Frontiers’ Shoebill Campsite – Mabamba Swamp
For birdwatchers, Uganda’s Mabamba Wetlands are legendary — the best place to see the elusive shoebill stork, one of Africa’s rarest and most fascinating birds. The Shoebill Campsite, managed by Wild Frontiers, provides a rustic yet perfectly situated base for birding enthusiasts.
Located on the edges of Lake Victoria near Entebbe, the campsite offers a tranquil setting surrounded by papyrus and waterways alive with bird calls. Guided canoe excursions take visitors through the marshes in search of the shoebill and other aquatic species.
This campsite is ideal for travelers who want a nature retreat close to Entebbe before or after their safari. It’s peaceful, accessible, and filled with avian magic.
10. Kidepo Savannah Lodge – At the Edge of the Wild Frontier
For those who crave complete isolation and untamed landscapes, few places compare to Kidepo Valley National Park in northern Uganda. The park’s Kidepo Savannah Lodge, located just outside the Kalokudo Gate, offers an incredible semi-camping experience on the edge of one of Africa’s most remote wildernesses.
The lodge features both safari tents and designated camping areas, where travelers can pitch tents with sweeping views of the Narus Valley. Nights here are unforgettable — the silence broken only by distant lion roars and the rustle of wind across the grasslands.
Kidepo’s vast plains are home to cheetahs, lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes, yet its remoteness ensures that you’ll often feel like you have the park all to yourself. Camping here is not just about comfort — it’s about experiencing the essence of true wilderness.
Discover Uganda’s Wilderness with Muhiga Safaris
Uganda’s safari campsites are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit — from the misty forests of Bwindi to the thunderous Nile, from crater lakes to remote savannahs. Whether you’re pitching your own tent or staying in a luxury-tented camp, each site brings you closer to the land, its wildlife, and its people. Camping in Uganda isn’t just about sleeping outdoors; it’s about feeling alive in nature’s embrace, where every sunrise is a new story waiting to unfold.
To explore Uganda’s most scenic and authentic safari campsites, travel with Muhiga Safaris. With expert local guides, personalized itineraries, and a deep understanding of Uganda’s hidden gems, Muhiga Safaris ensures your journey blends adventure with comfort, and exploration with connection. From gorilla forests to golden savannahs, let Muhiga Safaris lead you to Uganda’s most unforgettable camping experiences — where the wild still whispers beneath the stars.