By Alexandra Hankins, Safari Operations Specialist for The Wild Source
Have you ever stepped into a camp, taken a deep breath, and instantly thought to yourself, “I’m home”? Well, that’s exactly how I felt the moment I arrived at Papa’s Camp in Uganda.
Located deep within Murchison Falls National Park on the south bank of the River Nile, the camp is surrounded by fig trees and the roaring rush of the river. Named after Ernest Hemingway (who survived two plane crashes in this region), Papa’s is an ode to the golden age of safari.
As the only camp in the area, Papa’s is a secluded oasis with a classic safari feel and only five en-suite canvas tents, each facing the river. And as a camp that practices what they preach, a newly designated “low impact zone” by the Uganda Wildlife Authority has allowed the wildlife in this area to thrive once again through a deliberately minimal human footprint and consistent conservation efforts. Some of which include anti-poaching initiatives, community employment, and sustainable tourism practices. And witnessing this place in all its wildness felt like it had truly made a difference.
Arriving at Papa’s Camp was a welcome unlike anything I’d ever experienced. The entire staff came out to greet us, waving and smiling, embracing us with hugs. It felt like coming home—a kindness I can’t quite put into words. During my stay, it often felt as though we had the entire national park to ourselves. It was absolutely breathtaking, with a rich variety of wildlife and home to two resident prides of lions. Giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, hyena, elephant, warthog, baboon, jackal, and antelope species such as Jackson’s hartebeest, waterbuck, Ugandan kob, and oribi also made their appearances
Approaching four two week old lion cubs in the road (Video Credit: Alexandra Hankins)
A clan of hyenas on a night drive (Video Credit: Alexandra Hankins)
The food was out of this world, hands down the best I had anywhere in Uganda. And the service and staff elevated the entire experience, making our time there truly unforgettable. A favorite for us all was gathering around the firepit along the riverbank, listening to the hippos grunt and bellow in the distance after a long day of game drives.
We were also given the opportunity to do a walking safari among the giraffes during our stay, which is a moment I’ll forever cherish.
Of all the places I had the privilege of staying in Uganda, Papa’s Camp undeniably stands above the rest.
Waving goodbye to the staff at Papa’s Camp (Video Credit: Alexandra Hankins)