In Murchison Falls National Park, Baker’s Lodge is located on the bank of the famed Nile River, which takes its name from the English explorer Samuel Baker.
Baker’s Lodge, which derives its name from the English explorer Samuel Baker, is located on the south bank of the famous Nile River, which flows through Murchison Falls National Park.
This small, safari-style lodge is situated in a huge private location with direct river access, large leafy trees, and wetland areas teeming with rich birds.
Islands with nesting egret birds, bathing elephants, and pods of hippos are just a few of the sights that may be seen from the river’s vantage points.
Accommodation at Bakers Lodge
Baker’s Safari Lodge features eight superbly designed safari suites. Each of the thatched safari suites is elevated from the ground on pillars and has a private deck overlooking the magnificent river Nile.
The rooms are wide and airy, with fans and netted windows that can be opened, as well as bespoke solid oak furniture, hanging mosquito nets, and carefully chosen decorations made by local artisans.
Some of the units have open-plan bathrooms with solar hot water showers and baths with a view. This eco-friendly, premium establishment’s features are completed with solar lights.
Bakers Lodge Rates
| Season | Rate |
| January, February, July, August, September, and December | USD 340 |
| March, June, and October | USD 300 |
| April, May, and November | USD 250 |
Rates include full board accommodation, three multicourse meals each day, all hot beverages and bar snacks, house drinks, and other camp amenities provided at Bakers Lodge.
January, February, July, August, September, and December are peak season months. The months of shoulder season include March, June, and October while April, May, and November are low seasons.
However, national park fees, premium and non-house beverages, and extra activities are not included in the price.
There are discounted rates for children ages 5 to 11, and children under 5 who share a room with their parents stay for free.
Residents of East Africa, foreign wholesalers, travel brokers, and tour operators are also eligible for discounted pricing; please enquire further to discuss these options.
Local guides, tour leaders, and international guides who are travelling with tourists can be given lodging and favourable rates.
Meals/Dining at the lodge
The thatched centre lounge, bar, and dining area are elevated with wooden terraces all around, allowing guests to enjoy the dawn at breakfast, the sunset with 180-degree river views in the evening, and the pleasant breezes resulting from these features.
In accordance with the standards required of an establishment of this type, Baker’s Lodge offers full multi-course meals with a variety of options, as well as a good selection of wines and other bar items, all of which are served by the highly-trained and experienced Ugandan staff team.
Hot beverages are available for self-service throughout the day, but are provided to your cottage with early morning wake-up calls, allowing you to wake up slowly and enjoy the riverfront views.
When the weather permits, guests can enjoy outdoor eating on the decks or by the river.
Services Offered by Baker’s Lodge
In addition to the restaurant and bar, other services include swimming, on-site vehicles reserved for safari drives, free high-speed Wi-Fi and airstrip transfers.
Activities at Baker’s Lodge
Boat safaris to Murchison Falls
Bakers Lodge operates a fleet of watercraft which schedules private tours to the park’s centrepiece, the breath-taking Murchison Falls.
Three hours on the water provides fantastic safari viewing to and from the falls, with the boat cruise providing the opportunity to see hippo and crocodile populations on the river, as well as a variety of animals and birds along the riverbanks, up close.
Combining the cruise with a safari drive, a trek up the slope of the falls, or a sunset cruise is possible.
Game drives
Primarily, Game Drives are enjoyed on the “Northern” side of the Nile. A vast savannah region that culminates in the papyrus-lined delta where the river runs into Lake Albert.
Guests are transported to this area through a brief ferry crossing or boat transfer from Baker’s Lodge, where they may observe elephant, giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, several species of antelope, and a variety of bird species.
Recently developed safari trails on the “Southern” bank provide guests with a distinct, bushier topography en route from the lodge to the top of the waterfalls.
Sport fishing
River Nile is a popular destination for adventurous anglers. A wide variety of smaller species are typically utilised as live bait for the larger fish, including the large, muscular Nile Perch that inhabit the turbulent waters below the falls, as well as numerous kinds of catfish.
Fishing is conducted under a rigorous “catch-and-release” regime and can be done with expert local fishing guides, either from the shore or from boats that are appropriately proportioned and equipped to handle the circumstances and visit the secluded riverside pools.
Hike to the top of Murchison Falls
At the summit of Murchison Falls, the entire Nile River squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gap. It is an epic demonstration of the mighty power of nature.
The top of the falls is an open location from which visitors can observe the gorge from different vantage points.
A trail down the side of the gorge enables visitors to go down to the bottom, affording them the opportunity to view the main falls from various angles and heights, as well as the second “Independence” falls. The climb can be combined with boat excursions.
Hot Air Ballooning
This is a relatively new experience in Murchison Falls. Flights depart from the Northern Bank of the river early in the morning.
While in the hot air balloon, Guests can observe either the falls or the delta, depending on wind conditions, in addition to the sunrise over the park’s rolling savannah. A brunch in the wilderness is offered upon landing.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Budongo Forest, accessible in a 60–90-minute drive from Bakers Lodge, is home to a colony of about 90 wild, yet habituated Chimpanzees.
Morning or afternoon sessions of half a day are typical for tracking. Once the chimps have been discovered, visitors can observe them for up to an hour as they go about their forest day.
Parachute jumping
Early morning flights from the Northern Bank of the river are the starting point for this relatively new expedition in Murchison Falls.
Sunrise over the park’s sweeping savannah is a must-see, but visitors can also see the falls or the delta, depending on the wind direction. On arrival, you’ll be treated to a hearty bush breakfast.
Nile River Cruises for Leisure
The Baker’s Lodge boat fleet is also available for shorter “leisure” cruises on The Nile, which are ideal for the end of the day.
Included among the available cruises are dawn and breakfast cruises on the placid water in the morning, as well as sunset, sundowner, and wine and cheese cruises in the evening’s orange glow.
How to get there
Using road transport
Bakers lodge is located on the south bank of the river Nile, just outside the boundary of Murchison Falls National Park. From Kampala, drive north towards Gulu, then turn left at the Kafu River intersection to reach Masindi.
This is approximately 3 hours after leaving Kampala. Turn left towards the National Park Kichumbanyoogo gate after travelling 6 kilometres along the murram road. Through the Kanyo-Pabidi area of the Budongo forest, down the escarpment past the Top of the Falls turnoff, and on to the Paraa ferry terminal.
Before reaching the Nile (about 90 to 120 minutes from Masindi, depending on road conditions), there are two left bends. The second of these features a prominent sign for the Uganda Wildlife Authority as well as signs for Baker’s Lodge and other nearby services.
Here, turn left and proceed through the park offices, through Mubako hamlet, and out the park’s exit gate (approx. 2.5km). The entrance to Baker’s Lodge is located around 50 metres to the right of the park’s main gate.
The lodge is also accessible via an escarpment route travelling through Bulisa and Wanseko for the more daring tourists.
Using air transport
Scheduled and charter planes land at Bugungu airport on the south bank, 20 minutes away from Bakers lodge by car, and at Pakuba airstrip on the north bank, 90-120 minutes away by car, depending on road conditions and ferry schedules.
Reservations
Reservations can be made through the Bakers Lodge website or by telephone call to the front desk team. Cancellation of a reservation is subject to cancellation fees.
Images for Bakers Lodge
As a final note, check out the best accommodations nearby Murchison Falls National Park: Twiga Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Grassroots Cottages and Tours, Heritage Safari Lodge, Parkside Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Mama Washindi Lodge, and Budongo Eco Lodge.
Disclaimer: Credit goes to tripadvisor.com for all photos.
