In a major development for Uganda’s tourism and conservation sectors, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially renewed its concession agreements with Marasa Africa for the continued management and operation of Paraa Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge.
The new agreements secure Marasa’s role for another 30 years, reinforcing one of the country’s most established public-private partnerships in the hospitality and wildlife tourism space.
The formal signing took place in early July 2026. Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi signed on behalf of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), while representatives of Marasa Africa finalised the documents on behalf of the operator.
Official photographs from the ceremony show Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officers in uniform alongside Marasa executives holding the signed concession agreements, underscoring the institutional importance of the renewal.
Marasa Africa, a hospitality subsidiary of the well-known Madhvani Group, has long managed these three strategically located properties.
The renewal is expected to support deeper investment in lodge infrastructure, strengthen visitor experiences, create and sustain local jobs, and contribute to the long-term sustainable management of the national parks in which the lodges operate.
The Safari Lodges and Their Locations
Paraa Safari Lodge sits in Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s largest and most iconic protected areas. The lodge provides a classic base for exploring the park’s diverse habitats, the powerful Murchison Falls themselves, and the wildlife-rich stretches of the Victoria Nile. Guests typically enjoy game drives, boat cruises, and the chance to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of antelope and bird species.
Chobe Safari Lodge, also located in Murchison Falls National Park, overlooks the River Nile and offers a more intimate riverside experience. Its position makes it particularly appealing for travellers seeking scenic views, water-based activities, and a sense of immersion in the park’s northern section.
Mweya Safari Lodge is situated on the Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This location is famous for its panoramic views over the Kazinga Channel, where large concentrations of hippos, elephants and waterbirds are regularly seen on boat cruises. The surrounding park is also home to tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, chimpanzees in nearby forests, and one of the highest mammal diversities in Uganda.
Together, these lodges give visitors access to two of Uganda’s flagship national parks and form an important part of the country’s mid-to-upscale safari offering.
Why the 30-Year Renewal Matters
Long-term concessions of this nature provide operators with the security needed to invest in property upgrades, staff training, and higher service standards.
For Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the wider tourism industry, they help ensure that key visitor facilities inside protected areas remain well-maintained and commercially viable while generating revenue that supports conservation.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has emphasised that the renewed partnership will strengthen sustainable tourism, attract further investment, support job creation, and improve the overall visitor experience within Uganda’s protected areas. In practical terms, this can translate into better-maintained facilities, more consistent service quality, and continued contribution to park management costs through concession fees and related tourism activity.
Public-private partnerships of this kind have become increasingly important across East Africa. They allow conservation authorities to focus on wildlife protection and park management while experienced hospitality companies handle the complex day-to-day running of lodges. When structured responsibly, such arrangements can deliver benefits for conservation, local communities and travellers alike.
What This Means for Travellers
For visitors planning a Uganda safari, the renewal offers reassurance that three well-known lodges will continue operating under experienced management for the foreseeable future.
Travellers can expect the lodges to remain reliable bases for classic safari activities in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
These properties particularly suit travellers looking for comfortable, full-service accommodation with good access to key game-viewing areas.
They work well as part of longer itineraries that may also include gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, the Nile at Jinja, or other national parks.
As with any stay inside a protected area, choosing operators and lodges that prioritise environmental responsibility and community engagement remains important.
Guests can support positive outcomes by following park guidelines, minimising their environmental footprint, and selecting itineraries designed with conservation and local benefit in mind.
Looking Ahead
The 30-year extension signals confidence in Uganda’s tourism product and in the long-term viability of these particular properties.
This extension also highlights the continued role of established players such as Marasa Africa in delivering hospitality experiences that help fund and promote the country’s remarkable wildlife destinations.
As Uganda continues to develop its tourism offering, stable partnerships of this kind will remain central to ensuring that visitors can enjoy high-quality stays while contributing to the protection of the landscapes and wildlife that make the country special.
At Responsible Tourism Company Ltd, we design thoughtfully crafted Uganda safari itineraries that prioritise conservation, community benefit and authentic experiences.
Whether you wish to stay at Paraa Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge or a carefully selected combination of properties across Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, our team can create a journey that aligns with responsible tourism principles.
Contact Responsible Tourism Company Ltd today to start planning your Uganda adventure. Let us help you experience these iconic safari lodges while supporting the long-term protection of Uganda’s national parks and wildlife.