Baker’s Lodge | Murchison Falls National Park One Of Uganda’s Best Safari Lodges

I love the prime location of Baker’s Lodge on the southern bank of the Nile River, in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge is nestled under shady trees, with only green lawns separating it from the broad swathe of water that is destined to flow, ultimately, into the Mediterranean. This is a river whose convolutions perplexed early European explorers, and the lodge takes its name from Sir Samuel Baker, the first Victorian to find nearby Lake Albert. Clumps of vegetation float past like runaway islands, and are sometimes the only indication that you’re looking out over a river rather than a lake. Egrets fly lazily back to their nests, and elephant amble down to bathe. In Uganda, this lodge is ideally situated between the Nile Delta in the lake, with its wetlands and papyrus swamps, and the tumultuous cascades of the falls.

From the main area, with its 360-degree deck allowing for sunrise breakfasts and sunset drinks, we walk with the manager along the river to our raised thatch suite. We enjoy the cool shade of the trees as we stroll along, and the temperature inside our suite is equally delightful, thanks to its light, airy design. In contrast, the furniture looks dependable and solid, with trunks at the end of the double bed that recall the expeditions of yesteryear. Bright, striped local fabrics and carved craftworks supply colour and levity, and my partner is delighted to discover that we’ll have a view over the river from the bath in our en-suite bathroom. I love the idea of wallowing with the hippo we can hear chuckling not far away – or, at least, emulating their idea of leisure time. My partner meanwhile has stepped outside to enjoy the full sweep of the river view from our private deck. As the manager leaves us to immerse ourselves in the view, he asks us two important questions: would we like tea or coffee delivered in the morning, and if so at what time?

Staying at Baker’s Lodge, we’re conscious of the current of history as we tread in the footsteps of legendary explorers, and also that geography has never been so interesting. We learn how the water we can see from our deck will flow past the pyramids, and how it supports wildlife, from familiar friends such as hippo and elephant to one or two species we’ve never seen before. Chief among these are shoebills, and we’re thrilled to learn that this is one of the more likely places to spot these bizarre birds. This safari lodge offers not just warm hospitality and views ranging from soothing to exhilarating, but also an incredible wealth of activities. We always look forward to exploring the Nile River on boat cruises and game drives, but we’re equally thrilled by the prospect of forest trekking in search of chimpanzee, or of hiking a secret trail to the base of Murchison Falls, close to where Hemingway narrowly survived a plane crash.

• Eight raised, thatched suites with private decks offering sweeping views of the Nile River from under spreading trees. Main area with swimming pool, and riverside campfire setting.
• Situated in Uganda’s largest national park, overlooks the majestic Nile River and individual alfresco dining options.
• Game drives (additional cost), breakfast and sunset boat cruises (additional cost), boat excursions (to the Nile Delta, Lake Albert and Murchison Falls, additional costs), gorge hikes (additional cost), forest walks (additional cost), fishing (additional cost), swimming, birding (additional cost), chimpanzee trekking (additional cost) and hot-air ballooning (additional cost).
• Children welcome. Chimpanzee trekking is age-dependent but alternative forest activities are offered for younger children.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.