Sambiya River Lodge is situated only 15 minutes from the top of the magnificent Murchison Falls. It is the perfect location for those who want to experience the tranquility of unspoiled Africa, untouched by mass tourism.
Sambiya River Lodge’s unique charm is in the atmosphere of intimacy provided to the guests. Guests stay in any of the 26 double rooms designed as individual and family thatched cottages which have en suite bathrooms, fans, screened doors & windows, mosquito nets, and a veranda to relax and enjoy the commanding views of quintessential Africa. Twelve basic bandas are also available for guest accommodation.
Sambiya River Lodge allows you to relax in luxury whilst experiencing the sights and sounds of Africa.
About Sambiya:
As already mentioned above, Sambiya River Lodge is centrally located in the famous Murchison Falls National Park and is only 20 minutes from the top of the falls. It is the perfect location for those who want to experience the unique ambience of Africa. The surrounding leopard country is a mixture of savannah plain and dense forest that supports a variety of wildlife untouched by mass tourism. The park offers stupendous views of the dramatic waterfalls of the Nile River which plunge 45 meters through a narrow 6-metre canyon of boulders.
The open fronted lodge allows a panoramic vista of hills as well as game viewing along the Sambiya River and the adjacent grass covered flood plain. The surrounding area is known for viewing numerous species of bird life. For most of the year the park is hot by day and cool by night. A swimming pool offers a break from those hot African afternoons. Floodlights illuminate the river area after dark so that one can see as well as listen to the sounds of the African night before retiring.
In line with the Ministry of Tourism’s emphasis on ecotourism, Sambiya River was designed as a small eco-lodge. Most of the trees in the concession area were undisturbed and consequently the site is very ‘green’. It was built with materials from the area and acquires its hot water from the sun.
Over ninety percent of the employees come from the region and have been trained on the job. As much of the food served at the Lodge as possible is bought from the vicinity. The Lodge also supports the Anaka Women’s Group by offering their crafts in the Lodge gift shop. The directors want ecotourism to uplift the community and the people need work. Visitors to Sambiya will definitely be reunited with nature and find it enjoyable interacting with the staff!
Be sure to allow enough time with us to make the most of your safari and experience the uniqueness of Murchison Falls National Park. Travel across the Nile to the North Bank for a game drive through the rare Borassus Palm Forest and across rolling savannah as well as visiting the dramatic Nyamsika Plateau viewpoint.
Take a cruise on the Nile to the renowned Murchison Falls and view the abundance of hippo, crocodile, Cape buffalo, giraffe, elephant and rare species of birds including the Shoebill stork. Track Chimpanzees on foot in the Rabongo and Pabidi Forests or arrange a fishing expedition on the Nile. Walking safaris with a ranger guide can be arranged from the Lodge for bird-watchers. Park rangers claim Sambiya is one of the richest areas for viewing birds in the Park and up to forty-five species of birds have been recorded in one hour.
Sambiya River Lodge has made it a priority to be eco-friendly. Solar water heaters provide warm showers. A generator provides electricity in the mornings from the first wake-up call until 7am and in the evenings from approximately 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Cottages are equipped with rechargeable emergency solar lights, but clients are advised to carry flashlights and spare batteries with them on safari!
Sambiya River Lodge’s unique charm is in the atmosphere of intimacy provided to the guests. Service is friendly and unobtrusive. The staff is proud of their skills and is pleased to be of service. Sambiya River Lodge looks forward to welcoming you for a magical African adventure.
Guests take their meals in the Lodge dining area (storage, preparation and consumption of food in or outside of the rooms is strictly prohibited since it entices “unwelcome visitors”). All residents are welcome to use the Lodge swimming pool.
Accommodation:
Cottages (20)
The twenty thatched cottages include either one or two bedrooms with twin or double beds. Each of the 26 bedrooms has its own private bathroom facilities as well as a veranda from which guests can relax and enjoy the tranquility of Africa.
Bandas (12)*
For clients seeking low-priced accommodation, Sambiya offers twelve thatched bandas: 9 self-contained bandas (2 triples, 4 twins & 3 doubles) and 3 non self-contained that share bathroom facility blocks.
* Banda is a Swahili word for hut, shed or thatched house. They are basically small, simple, budget accommodation facilities.