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Sambiya River Lodge

3.0 star property
Riverfront hotel with 24-hour business centre and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Sambiya River Lodge

Exterior
Outdoor pool
Room service – dining
Exterior
Front of property

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
The current price is NZ$655
includes taxes & fees
18 Sept - 19 Sept

Explore the area

View map
Sambiya Village, Murchison Falls National Park, Karuma
  • Murchison Falls National Park Northern Gate
  • Murchison Falls National Park
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Murchison Falls
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Pakuba (PAF)
    ‪69 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Royal Cottage

Royal Cottage

Royal Cottage

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Patio
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
2 bathrooms
Free bottled water
In-room safe
Located on the ground floor
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Cabin

2 bedrooms, in-room safe, desk, blackout curtains

Deluxe Cabin

Highlights

Patio
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Printer
Laundry detergent
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the area

Karuma

At Sambiya River Lodge, you'll be 12.7 km (7.9 mi) from Murchison Falls and 16.2 km (10.1 mi) from Murchison Falls National Park. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .The hotel's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Enjoy access to ecotours and zip-lining. Meeting rooms and a 24-hour business centre are among the business amenities offered. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Continental breakfast is available daily between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .In the vicinity of this 3-property class Karuma hotel you'll find Murchison Falls National Park Northern Gate.

What's nearby

  • Murchison Falls National Park - 24 min drive - 19.9 km
  • Murchison Falls - 38 min drive - 17.4 km

Getting around

  • Pakuba (PAF) - 68 min drive

About this property

Sambiya River Lodge

Riverfront hotel with 24-hour business centre and outdoor pool
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Business amenities include a 24-hour business centre and meeting rooms.

WiFi is free in public spaces. An outdoor pool, a terrace, and gift shops/newsstands are also featured at the business-friendly Sambiya River Lodge. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Karuma hotel is smoke free.

  • 26 guestrooms or units
  • Conference rooms
  • Business centre (24 hours)
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Sambiya River Lodge offers 26 shared accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of water. Rooms open to patios. Business-friendly amenities include desks, printers and complimentary newspapers. Bathrooms include a shower, slippers and complimentary toiletries. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and a ceiling fan. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hairdryers can be requested.

Similar properties

Bar (on property)

Entikko Safari Lodge

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Kids pool
  • Parking included
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 1 review
The price is NZ$821
includes taxes & fees
9 Oct - 10 Oct
Entikko Safari Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 25 for adults and USD 20 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Ecotours
  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas
  • Ziplining

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • On a river
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 20 accessible parking spaces
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • No lift
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Chef service
  • Free bottled water
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laundry detergent
  • Printer
  • Safe
  • Shared accommodation

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 6 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
This property is located in Murchison Falls National Park. The additional mandatory fee covers entrance to the national park.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Sambiya River Lodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Additional fee: USD 40 per person, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for continental breakfast: from approximately USD 25 for adults and from USD 20 for children

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a security system and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and cash. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Sambiya River Lodge Karuma
Sambiya River Karuma
Sambiya River Lodge Hotel
Sambiya River Lodge Karuma
Sambiya River Lodge Hotel Karuma

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Sambiya River Lodge?

Sambiya River Lodge offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Sambiya River Lodge?

As of 14 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sambiya River Lodge on 18 Sept 2025 start from NZ$520.21, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Sambiya River Lodge?

Yep, Sambiya River Lodge has a free self car park.

Does Sambiya River Lodge have a pool?

Sambiya River Lodge has an outdoor pool.

What makes Sambiya River Lodge a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar and 24-hour room service, as well as private patios in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Sambiya River Lodge.

Does Sambiya River Lodge serve breakfast?

Yep, continental brekkie is served daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sambiya River Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Sambiya River Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves local and international cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Sambiya River Lodge?

Check-in begins at noon. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Sambiya River Lodge?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Sambiya River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Once you understand the power schedule everything is fine. Great place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
There was an incident of theft unfortunately conducted by the staff. After the manager was informed, he took proactive measures to correct the mistakes and restore our lost money. The lodge offered two free meals to compensate, and the staff was fired. Unfortunately, we also had another incident where two bats flew into our room and mosquitos nets, tried calling the reception desk via what’s app but nobody replied for two hours, then the power was out, the internet was cut. We couldn’t go out to the lobby to ask for help due to wild animals active at night, while having a fever in the middle of the night. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lydia

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Beautiful grounds if u love nature. Staff available and have good customer care. Overall was a great stay. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gerald

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Customer service is top notch. All staff were very nice. Place is clean, my daughters especially enjoyed the experience of an out side shower. Food was delicious. I will definitely recommend this place and plan to go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Peter, Kampala, Uganda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Best value for a wilderness lodge!

Blows the similar competition away for price when booked with Expedia. Comfortable and quiet, and great staff. Three complaints, but not deal breakers. The solar showers only provide hot water around midday. Morning showers are cool. The internet only comes on at meal times - and then off the rest of the day and night. Not necessarily a bad thing though. But last week, for the first time the water smelled strongly of iron rust. Probably the solar heater needs to be cleaned.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This lodge isn't near the safari area, it's about a 45min drive to get there. The rooms are nice but lacking services, such as no hot water for half the time, smelly towels, not enough towels, etc. The food is good but it's buffet style.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Non avevano la prenotazione

L’hotel non aveva contezza della prenotazione da me effettuata con expedia all’inizio di maggio per agosto, cioè 3 mesi prima. Arrivata nella struttura dopo un lungo viaggio, alla reception sono cascati dalle nuvole! Nessuna prenotazione a suo nome signora!! Hanno detto che expedia non ha mai comunicato loro del mio arrivo! È colpa del sambyia river lodge o di expedia? Ancora oggi non lo so! Certo che d’ora in avanti non potro più fidarmi di expedia! Per fortuna alla struttura avevano posto e dunque la stanza mi è stata data lo stesso, se no non so che fine avrei fatto, nel mezzo di nulla. Per il resto l’hotel è piuttosto “run out” si vede che ha conosciuto tempi migliori, comunque passabile. Personale gentile, buona la cena
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Midden in Murchison Falls NP

mooi Lodge Park. De eigenaresse bleek er niet te zijn waardoor het personeel wat minder hard en enthousiast aan het werk was (voetbal was interessanter dan ons naar onze lodge brengen; ivm veiligheid vanwege wild in het park). Het is absoluut een mooi park op een prachtige locatie (al zit je aan de "verkeerde kant" van de Nijl voor een Safari. Als je het pontje wilt halen dus extra vroeg uit de veren ;-) Eten is er redelijk goed maar wel aan de prijs. Vlak bij de Nijl zit Camping Red Chilli; heerlijk eten voor weinig (zowel lunch als diner). Leuk hip gezellig personeel. Sambiya River Lodge is mooi en goed maar wel heel erg duur!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018