The impact of seasonality on safari lodges a case study of Murchison falls National Park in Masindi district.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of tourism seasonality on safari lodges in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, focusing on revenue generation, occupancy rates, and staffing levels. Guided by Tourism Demand Theory, a cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 52 respondents drawn from lodge management, employees, tourists, tour operators, and marketing staff using purposive and random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Findings revealed strong agreement that seasonality significantly affects revenue generation (grand mean = 4.48), occupancy rates (grand mean = 4.50), and staffing levels (grand mean = 4.41). Correlation analysis indicated moderate positive relationships between seasonal fluctuations and staffing strategies (r = 0.438, p = 0.001), revenue generation and staffing strategies (r = 0.498, p = 0.000), and occupancy rates and staffing strategies (r = 0.472, p = 0.000). Regression analysis showed that the independent variables collectively explained 33.8% of staffing and operational strategies (R² = 0.338), with the overall model being statistically significant (F = 2.870, p = 0.032). The study concluded that seasonality creates significant revenue instability, occupancy fluctuations, and staffing challenges affecting lodge sustainability. Recommendations include product diversification, infrastructure improvement, dynamic pricing, flexible staffing, and employee retention programs. The study provides empirical evidence and practical insights for enhancing the resilience of safari lodges in protected areas.
Keywords: safari lodges, impact of seasonality, Murchison falls, National Park, Masindi district
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Ntambi, B. (2026). The impact of seasonality on safari lodges a case study of Murchison falls National Park in Masindi district. Busitema University. Unpublished dissertation.