Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail in Northern Uganda
Hitting the Trail from Juba-South Sudan to Lake Albert in Uganda – 357 miles
The question asked, “Will the Baker Trail ever open in Uganda?”
Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail in Northern Uganda: The Baker Trail in Uganda: Will it Ever Open? The opening of the Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail in Uganda has been highly anticipated. Initially planned for January 2014, the trail’s progress has been impeded by the ongoing civil war in South Sudan, causing repeated delays and setbacks over the past eight years.
While the Ugandan side of the trail holds immense potential, it has yet to materialize due to the conflict in neighboring South Sudan. Unlike South Sudan, Uganda is a peaceful and secure country, offering a favorable environment to establish a safe and enjoyable Baker Trail that would attract hikers and bikers and benefit local communities through tourism.
Regrettably, apart from occasional markers such as those found near Fort Patiko in Gulu and at the top of Murchison Falls, there is limited evidence of the trail’s existence. Despite previous announcements and proclamations in past years, the trail’s development seems to have stalled.
The Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail has the potential to become one of the world’s finest trails, particularly in Africa. While some sections may be recreated, allowing hikers to follow in the footsteps of these explorers and their remarkable journey from their slave auction liberation in Bulgaria, the trail’s continuity and guidance is lacking.
The trail winds through Northern Uganda, concluding at the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, where Baker’s Lake Albert viewpoint is located. However, apart from a map provided by the Baker Family Foundation, there is limited information to guide interested individuals along the trail.
It remains uncertain when or if the Baker Trail will open in Uganda, but the concept holds great promise for adventure enthusiasts and the local communities eager to benefit from tourism opportunities.
Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail:
The Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail: In the future, we hope to witness the opening of the magnificent Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail, spanning 357 miles and tracing the footsteps of the renowned explorers. This trail, set to become one of Africa’s most spectacular, follows Sir Samuel Baker and Lady Florence’s route during their expeditions in the 1860s and 1870s.
Sir Samuel Baker was the first Westerner to discover Lake Albert Nyanza (meaning “Lake”) in Western Uganda. This remarkable location is Baker’s View within the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve today. From there, Sir Samuel and Lady Florence gazed upon the Western Rift Escarpment, beholding the awe-inspiring Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sadly, this significant spot remains relatively unknown and underpromoted, representing a missed opportunity for tourism and the local communities.
If the trail eventually opens, it will stretch 357 miles from Gondokoro, near South Sudan’s present-day capital, Juba, winding through South Sudan and into Uganda, ultimately leading to Lake Albert. While the modern-day trail may not replicate the adventure the Bakers experienced, it promises to be an extraordinary journey for trekkers. Along the Baker Trail, you will encounter breathtaking scenic wonders, diverse wildlife, and exotic birdlife and engage with local communities. It would be a mutually beneficial solution, benefiting hikers, bikers, and the local communities eager to embrace tourism opportunities.
Before embarking on the yet-to-be-established Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail, I read Sir Samuel Baker’s works, such as “Albert N’Yanza, Great Basin of the Nile” and “Explorations of the Nile Source.” These writings will enrich your understanding of their historical journey in the 21st century, including the places where Sir Samuel Baker not only explored but also campaigned against slavery.
Lady Florence Baker herself had been a victim of enslavement until rescued by the abolitionist Sir Baker. On a subsequent journey in 1869, Sir Samuel Baker captured Fort Patiko from enslaved Arab and Ivory Traders, and remnants of the fort can still be seen near the town of Gulu.
During his initial expedition in 1864, Sir Samuel Baker encountered John Hannington Speke and James Grant in Gondokoro (the trail’s starting point in present-day South Sudan). Speke and Grant were going north, following the Nile to Egypt, after discovering its source at Lake Victoria.
Sir Samuel Baker and Lady Florence were the first Westerners to marvel at Murchison Falls as they traveled upstream along the Nile from Lake Albert. Their boat was capsized by a hippo, leaving them stranded on the crocodile-infested banks near what is now Murchison Falls. Fortunately, they were eventually rescued by other members of their party.
Today, visitors can embark on a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls, a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers. Climbing takes about 45 minutes, offering a thrilling experience at the world’s most powerful waterfall. Notably, Winston Churchill undertook a hike down from the top of the falls in 1907 as part of his journey through the Pearl of Africa towards Khartoum in Sudan and onward to Egypt. Additionally, Ernest Hemingway and his companions were stranded on the Nile near Murchison Falls in 1954 after their airplane crash-landed, echoing the Bakers’ ordeal.
Although the first European to embark on this remarkable journey, Sir Samuel Baker remains a controversial figure in the eyes of many Africans. He had numerous conflicts with African leaders, including the King of the Bunyoro Kingdom, leading to ongoing feuds and struggles that caused problems during British colonial times. Anti-Baker sentiments persist in some regions of Uganda to this day. By reading Baker’s writings, you will gain insights into the racism and prejudice prevalent among Europeans of that era, partly explaining why the trail was never fully realized in Uganda.
Let’s Do it -Time to Hit the Baker Trail:
Let’s Embark on an Adventure: Exploring the Baker Trail! If you’re an enthusiastic hiker seeking a break from the beaten tourist paths, it’s time to seize the opportunity and tread upon the lesser-known sections of the Baker Trail. While the entire trail may not be open, some portions can be explored today, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of the intrepid explorers before you.
We can arrange personalized hikes for you, tailored to your preferences, along the existing sections of the Baker Trail within safe and secure areas of Uganda. These include captivating locations such as Fort Patiko, Murchison Falls, the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, and Lake Albert. Each hike will be meticulously planned to provide a unique and memorable experience.
We are disappointed that the trail, particularly the Ugandan portion, has not been fully completed. However, rest assured that we can guide you through the safe parts of the course within Uganda, offering glimpses of the remarkable journey undertaken by Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker.
We will inform you through this page as updates on the adventurous Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail become available. The trail’s completion and opening remain dependent on factors such as the security situation in South Sudan and the implementation of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
In the meantime, stay tuned, and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Uganda.
Remnants of Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker in Uganda-Fort Patiko
Discovering the Legacy of Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker in Uganda: Fort Patiko.
Fort Patiko, also known as Samuel Baker’s Fort, holds a significant historical connection to the slave trade that extended eastward and northward towards Egypt, a lesser-known aspect compared to the transatlantic slave trade.
Fort Patiko served as a gathering point for enslaved people from various regions, including South Sudan and nearby areas. Unbeknownst to many, Samuel Baker, a staunch opponent of slavery, took control of the fort, which we hope will be developed as a site for Ugandans and tourists to visit.
Following its reconstruction, the fort was completed in December 1872 under Samuel Baker’s supervision. He eventually departed from the fortress in 1888. Subsequently, Emin Pasha utilized the defense as the Governor of the Equatorial Province of the British Uganda Protectorate. A plaque on the remaining wall of a grain storage building within the fort’s center bears the inscription “Fatiko (not Patiko) 1872-88, founded by Sir Samuel Baker, occupied by Emin and Gordon.”
Although this area holds immense potential as a feature of the Baker Trail, it has not yet been developed as a designated tourism destination. However, it is worth noting that the renowned singer Akon filmed a video here, shedding light on the harrowing story of the inhumane slave trade.
As efforts continue to promote historical and cultural sites along the Baker Trail, we hope that Fort Patiko will receive the attention and development it deserves, allowing visitors to explore and learn from this poignant chapter in history.
The only other Evidence of the Baker Trail – Signposts erected in 2014
Discovering the Legacy of Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker in Uganda: Fort Patiko
Fort Patiko, also known as Samuel Baker’s Fort, holds a significant historical connection to the slave trade that extended eastward and northward towards Egypt, a lesser-known aspect compared to the transatlantic slave trade.
Fort Patiko served as a gathering point for enslaved people from various regions, including South Sudan and nearby areas. Unbeknownst to many, Samuel Baker, a staunch opponent of slavery, took control of the fort, which we hope will be developed as a site for Ugandans and tourists to visit.
Following its reconstruction, the fort was completed in December 1872 under Samuel Baker’s supervision. He eventually departed from the fortress in 1888. Subsequently, Emin Pasha utilized the defense as the Governor of the Equatorial Province of the British Uganda Protectorate. A plaque on the remaining wall of a grain storage building within the fort’s center bears the inscription “Fatiko (not Patiko) 1872-88, founded by Sir Samuel Baker, occupied by Emin and Gordon.”
Although this area holds immense potential as a feature of the Baker Trail, it has not yet been developed as a designated tourism destination. However, it is worth noting that the renowned singer Akon filmed a video here, shedding light on the harrowing story of the inhumane slave trade.
As efforts continue to promote historical and cultural sites along the Baker Trail, we hope that Fort Patiko will receive the attention and development it deserves, allowing visitors to explore and learn from this poignant chapter in history.
Hitting the Baker Trail – The Sad Reality at Present- Our Take:
Acknowledging the Incomplete Baker Trail and the Potential for Hiking Adventures in Northern Uganda: Unfortunately, the Baker Trail remains incomplete, and the prospects of its completion seem uncertain. While it would have been an authentic experience to follow in the footsteps of Sir Samuel Baker both inside and outside of parks, the safety concerns in South Sudan and Juba make those areas unsuitable for hikers or other visitors. However, it is worth noting that northern Uganda has enjoyed a period of safety and security for several years.
Despite the potential and viability of this tourism offering, there has been limited progress in developing the Baker Trail within Uganda’s borders. Although an article in a local newspaper in 2018 highlighted the trail, there have been few updates. It is disheartening to see that this page has been updated yearly, yet there has been little tangible progress. The Baker Trail has garnered international recognition, being touted as one of the top 20 trails in the world by National Geographic. It is truly a shame that Uganda has not capitalized on this and created a marketable trail.
However, amidst these challenges, it is essential to note that certain portions of the trail can still be hiked. If you are interested, we can curate a hiking adventure for you through parts of northern Uganda. The region offers its charm, with safe and secure areas that can be explored. You can still experience the beauty and adventure the Baker Trail promises by venturing into these areas.
While the complete realization of the Baker Trail remains uncertain, we are committed to providing you with an enriching and memorable hiking experience in Uganda’s northern regions. Let us know your preferences, and we will craft a personalized adventure showcasing this remarkable area’s wonders.
Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Trail- if you are interested in taking portions of the Trail in Safe Northern Uganda – let us know.
