The Lodge Owners
Murchison River Lodge is a creation of wild ideas dreamed and designed by couple, Chris and Georgie, whilst travelling across Africa, the Middle East and around India. The lodge was built with the intention of appealing to travellers far and wide and to accommodate everyone, no matter their budget, and we hope we’ve achieved this. As a family we also know how important it is to be able to take a trip and have your kids catered and cared for too, something we appreciate after having children of our own.
The team
The majority of the men and women who work with us are from the local area and most have been a part of Murchison River Lodge since the beginning. Our staff give the lodge it’s true essence; vibrant, welcoming and authentic, with each and every member being an integral part of your stay.
The Lodge
The lodge and accommodation are spread out within 30 acres of natural bush with views from the bar and restaurant across the River Nile towards Murchison Falls National Park. Wild animals are often seen on site, and in the evenings we provide an escort from the restaurant to your accommodation to help navigate any hippos on the paths. Smaller bugs and insects may be found in your room, but they too are part of Africa’s diverse eco-system and should not be feared. As a gentle reminder, credit card payments are not accepted due to the excessive banking fees within Uganda.
For Families
We understand that a lodge stay and safari creates memories for everyone, especially children. The very informal setting of Murchison River Lodge gives families the opportunity to relax, while the close proximity to wildlife will open a child’s eyes to the wonder of the African bush.
The following is available for your family:
- Family friendly accommodation
- Baby cot including mosquito net
- Baby bath
- Swimming pool and covered baby pool
- Kid’s pool lounge
- Sand pit
- Swing
- Books & toys
- Plastic cutlery, plates & cups
- High chairs
- Kid’s menu available from 5pm
- Evening baby sitting service where a member of *staff will sit outside your accommodation with a 2 way radio and call through to the restaurant if the child wakes. *A local payment for this service is made directly to the staff member by the guest.
Solar Power
Being located in the bush has its advantages, but also its challenges and needless to say power has been one of them. Mains electricity is currently over 30kms away, but over the course of the last few years we’ve risen to the occasion and can proudly confirm the lodge runs off solar, 100%.
Here’s how:
- Over 10 kilowatts of solar input
- Solar fridges & freezers
- Solar showers
- Solar lights
- Solar water pumps for swimming pool & water well
- Solar powered charging stations in main bar & pool lounge
- USB solar charging points in all self contained accommodation
The Restaurant & Bar
Most of our fresh produce, including fish, is sourced locally, while the meat is from a known butchery in Jinja and the rest we bring in from Masindi or Kampala. Our kitchen team offer daily homemade meals and alternative dietary requirements can easily be catered for, just let us know at the time of your booking.
Restaurant meal times are:
Early breakfast : 05:45 to 7am a continental breakfast is available
Morning breakfast : 7am to 9am for a cooked breakfast
Lunch : 12pm to 2pm a 2 course lunch option is served
Dinner : 7pm to 9pm a 3 course dinner is served
Being on safari can mean long days so we try to make this easier with:
- Complimentary afternoon tea, fresh coffee and homemade cake from 4-6pm
- Complimentary water in the restaurant
- Honesty bar with cold drinks in pool lounge
The lodge main bar is fully stocked with a selection of wine, beers and spirits including sodas and juice.
Pool & Lounge & Wifi
The lodge swimming pool has a baby pool adjacent and we erected a covered frame over the shallow end to provide further protection from the sun. As a precaution against hippos (and to stop young children from running in without an adult) we’ve also placed a steel fence around the pool.
Our thatched lounge contains a shower/changing room, toilet and pool towels. Guests can make use of the free WIFI and relax in comfortable surroundings and if you’re thirsty we have an honesty bar.
We chose to limit WIFI to the pool lounge, because guests enjoying the restaurant would rather not be disturbed by people using the lodge as an extension to their office. If possible, try and unplug from your screen, there’s so much to see in the present and we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Your Health & Weather
- The lodge is located in a malaria risk area and we recommend that you adhere to the advice of your doctor regarding prophylactics.
- Ensure you bring enough prescription medication.
- Insect repellent (spray) and other personal essentials are available at reception.
- The Ugandan climate is tropical and generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August). It is semi-arid in the northeast and the evenings are mostly warm.
Items to make your stay comfortable;
- Due to the heat, cotton clothing is recommended.
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for around the lodge and/or on game drives.
- Swimming costume/bathing suits, sun block, sun hat, sunglasses, lip balm, head torch, water bottle, mosquito repellent.
- Camera and video camera, guide book, binoculars, spare memory cards and charging equipment.
- The lodge is located in a remote area so please be advised phone signal is erratic. For any important calls try and make them before you arrive within Murchison.
