FAQs

Some of the most commonly asked travel questions from our guests

When was Murchison River Lodge built?

Many years ago, in 2006, Chris and Georgie Higginson were operating safaris in East Africa. On a trip to Murchison they were shown a piece of land by a local barman whose uncle wanted to sell it. The land was bone dry and covered in tall elephant grass and spiky bushes. At that time nothing existed for the mid-range market in or around the national park and they saw the potential. Fast forward to 2009 and with a large team from the community the land was slowly cleared and the building of MRL began. Things took time, everything was dug with tools and built by hand and power was via a small generator. For logistics they ripped the body off their overland truck and used the flatbed to move materials from Jinja and Kampala up to Murchison - the drive time then was 12hrs from Jinja. Finally, and with their baby boy in tow, they opened the lodge in December 2011. While things continued to evolve, including more accommodation and the growth of a strong Ugandan team, they finally completed their vision by welcoming their baby girl in 2014.

Are there wild animals at the lodge?

The lodge is on the boundary of Murchison Falls National Park and on the edge of the River Nile so it's not unusual to see wildlife during your stay. You will spot grey vervet monkeys who look cute (we kindly ask guests not to encourage them with food) and sometimes baboons come through to roost in the trees on the far side of the property. Most evenings it's common to hear hippos grunting in the water, but some will make their way out of the Nile to munch on the grass in the grounds. After dinner it's really important that you take one of our night watchman (who will be waiting by the restaurant) to escort you safely to your accommodation.

‍As with all wildlife big and small, please keep your distance and never approach them. If you are at all concerned please seek the advice of our team.

Can I get my laundry washed?

Yes, for a small fee, guest clothing is hand washed by our housekeeping team and line dried. Based on weather conditions we ask you to leave at least two days for your clothing to be returned. Please note that we don't wash underwear.

Are malaria tablets necessary?

The lodge is located in a malaria risk area and we strongly recommend you adhere to your doctor's advice regarding prophylactics (medications) when travelling to Uganda. In all our accommodation we have mosquito nets over the beds and in the evenings we suggest you use mosquito repellant and wear long clothing to cover your arms, legs and ankles.

When is the best time to visit?

The climate in Uganda is tropical and Murchison Falls National Park, located in the northeast, is enjoyable all year round with rather warm evenings. The dry seasons typically run from December - February and then June - September and are a great time to visit as the wildlife viewing is at its peak, though it can be hot and dry. The wetter months are April, May and October, November when the park is lush and green.

Is the lodge family-friendly?

Yes, Murchison River Lodge is really family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. The lodge was originally built around the idea of having friends and family to stay and that sentiment hasn't changed. We have an attentive team of staff, accessible play areas, swimming pool, alternative menu for children, high chairs, plastic cups, sand pit and an evening baby sitting service available (at a small cost) to ensure that families have a safe and enjoyable experience during their stay.

What clothing should we bring?

Travel in whatever makes you happy and comfortable, though cotton clothing is best, especially for the warm temperatures. Look at including shirts, trousers, shorts, t-shirts, long sleeve tops (to protect from the sun when on a game drive, or boat trip) skirt, light scarf, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, plus good shoes or sandals. Don't forget SPF lip balm, sun block, personal water bottle, head torch, mosquito repellant, guide book, plus any personal medication and snacks for the children (they're always extra hungry on a road trip!)

How do I get to Murchison River Lodge?

Murchison River Lodge is located on the south side of Murchison Falls National Park. The most convenient way to reach us is by road which is approximately a 6 hour drive from Entebbe airport, a 5 hour drive from Kampala and a 6 hour drive from Jinja. We don't have on-site safari vehicles or drivers for hire, but we can provide you with local information about who to contact. If you wish to fly to Murchison Falls National Park, Aerolink operates internal flights to most national parks within Uganda.

Do you have Wi-Fi?

We encourage you to disconnect from the outside world when you visit us, but if that's not possible we offer complimentary Wi-Fi in the pool lounge. Our remote location and the weather conditions can influence speeds/connectivity and we kindly ask guests to limit live steaming or uploading/downloading large files to allow for reasonable bandwidths for everyone. Mobile phone reception is very limited, resulting in you having to balance on one leg like a flamingo to get a signal!