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Simple and uncomplicated. Two words that aren’t often associated with safari lodges but when they’re done right, are just perfect. And that’s exactly what Sambiya is. A combination of stone cottages and thatched bandas, the lodge is unhurried, uber-friendly and the most fantastic base to explore Murchison Falls National Park. It’s all about the activities and with game drives, chimpanzee trekking, walking safaris, fishing trips and leisurely boat cruises, there’s plenty to choose from to make the most of this beautiful corner of Uganda.
From $130 person/night
Search for elusive leopard or trek for chimpanzee in the jungle woodlands of the Kaniyo Pabidi forest.
Cross the pontoon and game drive around the mighty river Nile, spotting buffalo, giraffe, Uganda kob and hyena as you go.
Try your hand at catching a Nile Perch or Tiger Fish in the fishing pools at the top of Murchison Fall.
In the heart of camp, the main lounge and bar is a high-ceilinged thatch-and-stone building, scattered with comfy armchairs and sturdy wooden tables scattered. Added touches are a fireplace to ward off the chill on wintery Ugandan evenings and swimming pool to do the opposite outside! Cold drinks are served all day from the bar and in the evening, floodlights at the river in front of camp allow for excellent night game watching.
Dotted around the pretty gardens and surrounded by blooming trees and grassy knolls, the rooms at Sambiya are shady, cool and quiet. There are 20 stone cottages in total and all are spaced far enough apart from their neighbours for maximum privacy – particularly useful when sitting outside on the quaint verandas. Inside, double beds and mozzie nets are the features of the bedrooms and the ensuites are practical and sensible with (very welcome!) solar-heated showers.
Murchison Falls is spectacular at any time of day, but head up as dusk falls to see the sky fill with hundreds of bats from the nearby caves. Incredible.
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There’s definitely no shortage of activities at Sambiya! If you don’t do anything else, make time for a boat trip down the Nile and a hike to the top of the Falls – the view is fabulous. If hiking isn’t your thing, drives to the top are also available, with a spot wildlife-watching along the way. Traditional game drives in the park leave straight from the lodge twice a day, as do walking safaris. Chimpanzee treks are also a firm favourite and only a 45 minute drive away from the lodge in nearby Kaniyo Pabidi forest.