Uganda Self Drive, Murchison River Lodge, Budongo Forest and Lake Albert. Ugandan Wildlife Authority FEES ???? February 2022

5th February 2022
Had an early start on the river as we did the Delta Tour. The levels of the Victoria Nile River have risen and this has changed the eco system of this part of the river. The Swamp plants have been swept away, so the Shoebill is no longer seen in this area. The tour company do not make you aware of this. We did see lots of Hippos and other birds. 

Murchison River Lodge was a very busy lodge. Very well equipped and laid out. The beds were no better than Bwana Tembo, the bathrooms were worse- porta potty- and the food was not really very good, but Lunch was better than dinner. The bar was good and the alcohol a fair price.  

Murchison River Lodge 

Murchison River Lodge 

Murchison River Lodge 

In the late afternoon we went on a boat ride to the base of Murchison Falls; we went on the Ugandan Wildlife Authority boat. 

Then drove up to the top of the falls.

The top of the falls was far more impressive that the view from the river. 

I had asked the staff at the lodge about Chimp tracking in this area. But they were not at all helpful with this request- saying it was miles away and I would have to  go at 06.00 and drive in the dark. So I gave up on that idea. 

6th February 2022

Today we thought we would go to Lake Albert Lodge. As we drove out of the park, we passed a small sign for 'Chip Tracking' and called in. This was Budongo Eco Lodge - on line it says this is closed, but it is not. It is open. 

There was a guide available to take us into the forest and after a short walk we saw the Chimps, at first high in the trees then down on the ground. It was a really special experience. 

Chimps in the Budongo Forest 

Budongo Forest 

Budongo Forest 

Budongo Forest Eco Lodge 2022 

As we drove out of the park- the fee issue raised its head again. Evidently we were 15 minuets over our 24 hour permit. This was due to the Chimp trekking - cost to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) US $ 145.00 each. Following a long discussion we were granted permission to leave with out paying another days park fees- as a favour! Ugandan Wildlife Authority were doing very well out of us! and this wasn't the end of it! 

We got to the place where Albert Lake Lodge was situated at about 16.30. to find it was in a UWA park. To get to the lodge we were asked to pay US $ 90.00 and US $30.00 for the car. By this time I did not have any money left and the UWA card machine was not working so I was unable to pay this fee. After a long- very long discussion, I said I would pay at the lodge with their card machine, or get money from the ATM at the Lodge and pay on the way out. 

Lake Albert Lodge.

Situated high above the lake, with spacious rooms and a fabulous bed this should have been an amazing three day relaxation time. Sadly, there was no manager to check us in or tell us the tariff. None of the staff had this information. There were thousands of Lake Flies, Mozzies and 

House Flies. So many that we could not venture outside to use the pool / boma or enjoy the surroundings. We decided to leave the next day.

It was such a shame. As we left the park, I asked  the Police Officer on the gate if the card machine was working as that I had to go to pay the fees.

He looked very puzzled and told me not to worry about that and have a nice day! We did!