Aardvark Safari Lodge vs Murchison River Lodge
Both offer game drives · Updated 2026
Quick Answer
Aardvark Safari Lodge is a mid-range ($$) in Kasese, often chosen by safari enthusiasts and couples. Murchison River Lodge is a comfort ($$$) in South Bank, well suited for couples and nature lovers. Aardvark Safari Lodge is the more affordable option ($$), while Murchison River Lodge positions itself at the comfort level. They are in different areas: Aardvark Safari Lodge in Kasese and Murchison River Lodge in South Bank.
Option A
Aardvark Safari Lodge
Kasese · Queen Elizabeth National Park
A mid-range lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park with spacious thatched cottages built from local materials. Each cottage offers 187 square metres of space including a private balcony, lounge area, and an open-to-sky shower.
Option B
Murchison River Lodge
South Bank · Murchison Falls National Park
A comfort lodge on the south bank of the Nile near Murchison Falls National Park. Well suited for game drives and boat safaris on the river.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aardvark Safari Lodge | Murchison River Lodge | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Mid-range | Comfort |
| Price Level | $$ Mid-range | $$$ Comfort |
| Sector / Area | Kasese | South Bank |
| National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Murchison Falls National Park |
| Distance to Park | — | — |
| Rooms | Safari Cottage | Thatched Cottage, River Cabin, Safari Tent, Camping Tent |
| Dining | The on-site restaurant serves a mix of authentic Ugandan dishes and internationa... | The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a mix of Ugandan and int... |
| Highlights | Spacious 187 sqm thatched cottagesBuilt from local materials and handcrafted furnishingsOpen-to-sky shower in each cottageRoof attic viewing area | Direct River Nile frontage, north-facingOff-grid operation4.6/5 on TripAdvisor (500+ reviews), #1 of 11 lodgesTripAdvisor Travellers Choice award |
| Best For | Safari enthusiastsCouplesPhotographers | CouplesNature loversBudget-conscious safari travelers (camping option) |
| Activities | Game drivesKazinga Channel boat cruiseChimpanzee trekking (Kyambura Gorge)Bird watching | Game drives (north bank)River wildlife viewing from the lodgeBoat safari to Murchison FallsBird watching |
| Website | Visit website | Visit website |
Choose Aardvark Safari Lodge if you...
- are looking for safari enthusiasts
- are looking for couples
- are looking for photographers
- value spacious 187 sqm thatched cottages
- value built from local materials and handcrafted furnishings
Choose Murchison River Lodge if you...
- are looking for couples
- are looking for nature lovers
- are looking for budget-conscious safari travelers (camping option)
- value direct river nile frontage, north-facing
- value off-grid operation
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