Aardvark Safari Lodge vs Sambiya River Lodge
Both offer game drives · Updated 2026
Quick Answer
Aardvark Safari Lodge is a mid-range ($$) in Kasese, often chosen by safari enthusiasts and couples. Sambiya River Lodge is a comfort ($$$) in South Bank, well suited for families and first-time safari visitors. Aardvark Safari Lodge is the more affordable option ($$), while Sambiya River Lodge positions itself at the comfort level. They are in different areas: Aardvark Safari Lodge in Kasese and Sambiya River Lodge in South Bank.
Option A
Aardvark Safari Lodge
Kasese · Queen Elizabeth National Park
A mid-range lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park with spacious thatched cottages built from local materials. Each cottage offers 187 square metres of space including a private balcony, lounge area, and an open-to-sky shower.
Option B
Sambiya River Lodge
South Bank · Murchison Falls National Park
A comfort lodge on the south bank of Murchison Falls National Park, set in natural surroundings near the park entrance.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aardvark Safari Lodge | Sambiya River Lodge | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Mid-range | Comfort |
| Price Level | $$ Mid-range | $$$ Comfort |
| Sector / Area | Kasese | South Bank |
| National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Murchison Falls National Park |
| Distance to Park | — | — |
| Rooms | Safari Cottage | Family Cottage, Standard Room |
| Dining | The on-site restaurant serves a mix of authentic Ugandan dishes and internationa... | The Sambiya Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals draw on Uganda... |
| Highlights | Spacious 187 sqm thatched cottagesBuilt from local materials and handcrafted furnishingsOpen-to-sky shower in each cottageRoof attic viewing area | Self-described #1 hotel in Murchison Falls NPSwimming pools on-site15-20 min drive to Top of the Falls viewpoint25 min to Paraa boat landing |
| Best For | Safari enthusiastsCouplesPhotographers | FamiliesFirst-time safari visitorsAdventure seekers |
| Activities | Game drivesKazinga Channel boat cruiseChimpanzee trekking (Kyambura Gorge)Bird watching | Game drivesBoat cruise to Murchison FallsHiking to Top of the FallsNature walks |
| 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 Sambiya River Lodge if you...
- are looking for families
- are looking for first-time safari visitors
- are looking for adventure seekers
- value self-described #1 hotel in murchison falls np
- value swimming pools on-site
Still not sure?
Tell us your dates, budget and preferences — we help you choose.