Bakers Lodge Uganda Exclusive Camps Nile River Murchison Falls
Bakers Lodge is a luxury safari lodge under Uganda Exclusive Camps located on the southern bank of the River Nile, within Murchison Falls National Park Uganda’s largest protected area. The lodge is named after Sir Samuel Baker, the explorer who discovered Murchison Falls in 1864.
Bakers Lodge sits on raised ground, offering beautiful views of the River Nile and the Murchison Falls national park. Guests staying here enjoy direct access to the river Nile and the surrounding forest, which is rich with different birds species and wildlife.
The lodge features 10 spacious, grass thatched safari suites, all elevated to provide great views of the River Nile and the Murchison Falls national park. Each suite is self-contained with en-suite bathrooms, solar-heated hot showers, large beds, mosquito nets, and a personal safe.
Guests at Bakers Lodge are cared for by friendly, professional staff. Amenities include a well-stocked bar, a restaurant serving delicious local and international meals, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, secure parking, and laundry services. It’s an ideal luxury stay for travelers visiting Murchison Falls National Park.
To book a stay at Bakers Lodge, travelers should choose their preferred travel dates and contact the lodge directly or use a trusted local tour operator. Once availability is confirmed, you’ll receive an invoice to secure your booking.
Top Activities To Do While at Bakers Lodge
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzees, which share over 98% of human DNA, chimp trekking is done in Budongo Forest, part of Murchison Falls National Park. Guests at Bakers Lodge can join guided chimpanzee trekking tours, even though the forest is a short drive from the lodge.
The trek begins with a briefing about safety rules. Trained rangers lead tourists through the forest to find the chimps. The trek usually lasts 1 to 4 hours, with sightings of other primates, mammals, and birds along the way. Once chimpanzees are found, visitors spend an hour observing their daily life, behavior and taking photos.
Game Drives
Game drives are a must-do for anyone staying at Bakers Lodge. Murchison Falls National Park is home to over 76 species of mammals, 13 species of primates, and 451 bird species.
Game drives are conducted in different parts of the park and offer the chance to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, antelopes, oribis, warthogs, olive baboons, monkeys, and many others. These game drives usually happen in the morning, evening, or even at night (Night Game Drives).
Bird Watching
With more than 450 recorded bird species, Murchison Falls national is a birding hotspot. Guests in the park are able to enjoy bird watching around the lodge and throughout the park with a bird guide, binoculars, and a bird checklist.
Common birds include the giant kingfisher, red-winged grey warbler, black-headed gonolek, double-toothed barbet, grey crowned crane, pied kingfisher, swallow-tailed bee-eater, and African jacana.
Community Tours
Guests interested in local culture can take part in community tours. These visits take you to nearby villages where you meet local people, learn about their way of life, buy handmade crafts, and even donate school supplies or other items if you wish to give back.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are a relaxing way to explore the beauty of Murchison Falls National Park on foot. These walks are normally done around the lodge or inside the park, where visitors see wildlife, birds, plants, and the Nile River up close.
One highlight is the hike to the top of Murchison Falls, which offers a unique view of the powerful waterfalls and the surrounding beautiful landscape.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
While at Baker’s Lodge guests can also enjoy hot air balloon safaris operated by Dream Balloons. This adventure gives a bird’s eye view of the park, the River Nile, and wildlife below. It’s an exciting and unforgettable way to experience the vastness of Murchison Falls National Park.
Boat Cruise on the Nile
A boat cruise on the Nile is a must for guests at Baker’s Lodge. The cruise takes visitors along the river to the base of Murchison Falls, the world’s strongest waterfall.
Along the way, you can spot hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and a variety of water birds. The cruise is available in the morning or late afternoon.
Getting to Baker’s Lodge
By Road
Baker’s Lodge is about 351 km from Kampala, and the drive takes 4 to 6 hours depending on traffic and stopovers. Travelers go through Luwero, Nakasongola, and Masindi, entering the park via the Kichumbanyabo Gate. Road trips allow for scenic views and stopovers along the way.
By Air
For a quicker and more comfortable journey, air travel is the best option. Flights take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can book in advance with airlines like Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation Uganda, which fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Bugungu or Pakuba Airstrip. From there, lodge staff will pick you up.
Best Time to Stay at Baker’s Lodge
Baker’s Lodge is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During this time, rainfall is low, trails are dry, vegetation is thin, and wildlife viewing is easier.
However, the rainy seasons from March to May and October to November also offer unique experiences. There are fewer tourists, and the lodge may offer discounted rates. Just note that heavy rains can make some roads and trails difficult to access.