GUIDE ON MURCHISON RIVER LODGE IN UGANDA

Murchison River Lodge Overview & Where Is It Located?

Standing on 30 acres of wilderness on the southern banks of the Victoria Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park is the Murchison River Lodge. Safari vacationers in Uganda spending time in this rustic, economy accommodation will love its serene ambiance and picturesque location about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Murchison Falls. Operating on eco-friendly principles including impressive solar power use, the lodge has a simple lounge, walled-up bar and dining area with a thatched roof and rough-hewn furniture that offers a comfortable place to relax.

The outdoor deck, beside the river, includes a hammock for lazy siestas in the sun listening to the songs of birds. You can also take a dip in the shaded rock-lined pool or let the kids splash around in the separate wading area.

Key Takeaways

• Sited on the southern banks of the Victoria Nile River in Murchison Falls Park
• Shaded swimming pool lined with rocks with a separate wading section where kids can play
• Rustic ambiance with hammocks for relaxation, thatched roofs, and rough-hewn furniture
• Operates on eco-friendly principles with solar panels for generating power at the lodge
• Comfortable lounge for relaxing and leisure reading

What To Expect At Murchison River Lodge Accommodation?

Key Takeaways

• Value Safari Tier 3 Experience. Total of 12 cottages and tents
• Thatched Roof Cottages for sleeping 4 adults or 2 adults and 4 kids
• Thatched Safari Tents spacious enough for up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids
• There is also an option of staying at River Tents with secluded views of the Nile
• Bring Your Own (BYO) tent option is available to backpackers open pitching their own tents and using shared bathrooms

In keeping with its African safari feel, the Murchison River Lodge has a collection of 12 cottages and tents well-suited primarily to a budget no-frill traveler. Choose from the two-story Thatched Cottages, which are perfect for families with up to 4 kids with 2 adults, or for 4 adults. Ensuite bathrooms are on the lower floor, and the lodge will set up a crib if needed. The cottages also have a wide patio outside, with sofas and a hammock. If you prefer the authenticity of a tent on your trip at Murchison Falls, opt for one of the Thatched Safari Tents, which are spacious enough to accommodate up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids. The safari tents are nestled amidst the lush bush and shady trees.

There is also the option of choosing River Tents that affords privacy and views of the Nile River. Being within close proximity of the river, the River Tent bathrooms at the back of the room utilize chemical toilets, in keeping with the regulations of Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge also offers a camping site and parking area at the back of the property to accommodate backpacker guests in Uganda who tour drive into Murchison Falls National Park (where else to stay) carrying their own camping gear. Shared toilets and shower block, campsite bar, a fire pit, a covered area, and seating areas make the site adequate for campers. Backpacker campers are allowed to use the facilities of the main lodge including the pool, bar and sitting areas.

Things To Do (Activities & Tour Attractions) & Why Visit Murchison River Lodge On Murchison Falls Safari?

Key Takeaways

• Frequent sightings of wildlife roaming the lodge environs including hippos, monkeys, and birds
• Game drives in Murchison Park to view the incredible variety of flora and fauna
• Visiting the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest for chimpanzee safari trek and to view other primates
• Birdwatching excursions to spot some of the exciting range of avian life
• Cultural immersion by interacting with local people and fishing on the river

Your Uganda safari holiday at Murchison River Lodge will be an interactive experience, where you will find yourself completely surrounded by nature. Hippos peek from the papyrus reeds in the river and may even wander the grounds at night, grazing on the green grasses. Monkeys may visit your canvas tent, looking for a tasty tidbit, while birds regale you with their songs. A short drive of 20 minutes can take you to Paraa, which forms the base site for game drives in the northern sector of park and launch rides on the river.

Book a safari boat trip for the view of the falls or take a tour to the top, where you can admire a complete view of the falls. Murchison Falls Park affords a distinct safari experience in Uganda, and is well known for its amazing diversity of wildlife. Visit Budongo Forest for a safari trekking excursion, home to more to 600 to 800 chimpanzees, along with baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys. Other interesting safari activities AfricanMecca recommends in the area include community walks to interact with the local people, and tag and release fishing to snag the famous Nile perch. Birdwatchers in Uganda will enjoy photographing the many rare species that thrive here e.g. secretary bird, francolins, red throated bee-eater, plovers, woodland kingfishers and many more.

How Is The Dining At Murchison River Lodge?

Key Takeaways

• Dining area located within the lounge area serving a fixed menu
• Kid-friendly meals served as needed along with high chairs and unbreakable utensils
• Honesty Bar within the lounge serves a selection of soft drinks, juices, wines, spirits, and alcoholic drinks
• Early morning breakfast available for guests wishing to go on wildlife-viewing expeditions
• Fresh ingredients like local vegetables, fish from the river and butchery meats from Jinja used to cook homely meals

Murchison River Lodge offers wholesome, satisfying homely meals off a fixed menu. Enjoy your meals in the dining area located next to the partitioned wall Honest Bar and the adjoining lounge. The fresh vegetables and fish is sourced locally while the meats are brought in from a butchery in Jinja. Dietary requirements can be catered for families with children on safari at Murchison Falls (best time to go) and those that have lifestyle and religion preferences or food allergies. Tea, coffee and cake is served in the afternoon with early snacks before dinner at the bar. Drinks can be supplied poolside, and the in-house bar is fully stocked and is best utilized to order your sundowners and mid-day drinks.