Sleeping Next to Hippos at Nile Safari Lodge: A Luxury Safari Experience on the Nile

Nile Safari Lodge

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fall asleep with hippos grunting right outside your room, let me introduce you to Nile Safari Lodge, the most magical, surreal, and slightly chaotic lodge I’ve stayed at in Murchison Falls National Park, set directly on the banks of the legendary Nile River.

This is where true wilderness meets elevated luxury. And where we tried (keyword: tried) to sleep outside… until a hippo reminded us who actually owns the riverbank.

A Luxury Lodge Immersed in the Wild

It’s luxurious, yes. But it’s still the wild. That’s what makes it unforgettable.

Our Suite: River Views, Hippo Soundtrack, and That Outdoor Bed

Our suite was perched above the river with wide-open views of the Nile. Everything about it felt serene and beautifully designed… until nighttime arrived.

The lodge includes an outdoor bed, which we were so excited to try. Imagine falling asleep under the stars with the Nile flowing beneath you. Dreamy, right?

So we set it up. Climbed in. Got cozy. And then…

We heard a giant exhale coming from the bushes right next to us. Not a cute little exhale, a hippo-sized exhale.

We looked at each other and IMMEDIATELY said,“Nope. Absolutely not.” We grabbed our stuff and ran right back into the room. 10/10 would attempt again… but maybe with a little more courage next time.

Life at the Lodge Between Game Drives

During the day, Nile Safari Lodge feels like the calmest place on Earth. The river is quiet, the breeze is warm, and the whole lodge is oriented toward those slow, peaceful moments safari guests crave.

The pool overlooking the Nile is one of the most relaxing places to unwind, and the food and service are genuinely exceptional. It’s the kind of lodge where you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and feel connected to the world in a new way.

Safari Adventures in Murchison Falls National Park

Staying here also gives you access to one of East Africa’s most biodiverse and underrated parks. Game drives include sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, and more. The landscapes shift from open savannah to riverbank scenes straight out of a nature documentary.

Nile Safari Lodge is perfectly located for early-morning drives and sunset experiences — the golden hour here is unreal.

Why This Lodge Should Be on Your Bucket List

Nile Safari Lodge isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. It’s luxurious without feeling disconnected from nature, adventurous without sacrificing comfort, and memorable in a way few places can match.

If you want a safari that blends elegance with true wilderness, this lodge belongs at the top of your list.

And if you want help planning the perfect Uganda itinerary, I’d love to design it for you.