05 May Where To Stay When You Visit Uganda
It’s fair to say that many people are not sure what to expect from an Ugandan safari and, in particular, from the accommodation. All our itineraries are tailor-made, and that includes selecting the right properties to match our clients’ requirements and budgets while providing excellent experiences.
There is a huge range of accommodation available, and in this month’s newsletter, we thought we’d feature some of the more high-end properties on offer that’ll make you feel right at home whether you staying in a lush rainforest, a wild savannah or by a tranquil lake. Each offers something unique that will make your adventure extra special.
Reach out to our lovely travel consultants to design your personalised itinerary with accommodation to suit.
Mahogany Springs, Bwindi
If gorilla tracking is at the top of your wildlife experiences bucket list, then Mahogany Springs is a must!
Ideally located, Mahogany Springs is just a 2-minute drive or a 5-10-minute walk from the park headquarters in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the locations where your gorilla tracking adventure could begin!
The lodge itself offers spectacular views of Bwindi, thanks to its panoramic terrace. Best known for hospitality, you can enjoy your meals in the lovely restaurant or choose private dining on your balcony or alfresco by the river. After a long and exciting day searching and spending time with gorillas, why not visit the spa and enjoy a pampering treatment?
What we love most about Mahogany Springs is its commitment to responsible travel. Alongside supporting the conservation of the gorilla population, this beautiful lodge also runs a tree planting scheme for guests to offset their carbon footprint and supports Ride4AWoman (a charity empowering local widows) by contracting the women to work at the lodge.
You can also visit Bwindi Plus Nursery and Primary Orphanage School, a project set up by a member of the housekeeping team, which now provides education, food and accommodation to over 200 children.
Honey Bear Bush Camp, Queen Elizabeth NP
If you’re looking for a true wilderness experience, then welcome to Honey Bear Bush Camp. Pitched on the southern bank of the Kazinga Channel, the camp features 5 beautifully appointed tents that immerse you in the heart of nature.
Alongside the privacy and serenity of your own tent, you can also relax in the spacious, communal tent, which boasts a dining area and sitting room. For a truly unique experience, why not unwind in the homemade tin bathtub under the sky?
You’ll be treated to incredible views overlooking the channel; imagine waking up to see elephants and hippos making their way to the water for a morning swim! Honey Bear Bush Camp is also the perfect place to start your game drive or boat cruise to view the wildlife along the riverbanks.
Entebbe Forest Lodge, Entebbe
Want to immerse yourself in nature? Entebbe Forest Lodge has everything you need!
Tucked away in the heart of the forest, the lodge is home to luxury cabins that blend modern comforts with the magic of the forest; expect birdsong, fresh air and the sounds of the wild. Savour culinary delights, feel rejuvenated with soothing spa treatments, relax by the refreshing pool, and sleep peacefully in gorgeous rooms that connect you with the natural world.
Designed sustainably and built with locally sourced materials – not a single tree was cut down! – these eco-conscious cabins were made with the environment and local community in mind. Entebbe Forest Lodge also has excellent eco-credentials, including tree planting, responsible tourism practices, and wildlife protection. On top of that, they work closely with conservation organisations and local communities.
Nile Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls
Escape the ordinary when you stay at Nile Safari Lodge. Perched on the banks of the River Nile in Uganda’s largest national park, Murchison Falls, this lodge is family-owned, with an emphasis on eco-friendly values.
Spanning across 32 acres, there are 8 luxurious villas, a lounge bar and a stunning open restaurant. You can also enjoy the infinity pool, floating massage, and campfires or spend the night under the stars on a star bed.
Nile Safari Lodge is a member of Beyond Green with some incredible initiatives to support nature, community and culture. The lodge itself is proud to run 80% of its operations on solar energy, while water is drawn responsibly from the River Nile through an ultraviolet water-purification system run by 100% solar energy.
They also support biodiversity conservation through ‘Snares for Wares’ (an anti-poaching programme), work hard to conserve the local culture, are committed to socio-economic wellbeing in the community, and even cultivate sustainable agriculture practices through their on-site greenhouse and have a no-plastic policy and excellent waste management.
Kibale Lodge, Kibale
You can expect jaw-dropping views when you stay at Kibale Lodge, which overlooks not only the Rwenzori Mountains but also the Kazinga Channel and the plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Kibale Lodge is a brand-new property which opened in summer 2024 and features eight stunning, elegantly styled villas that bring you closer to nature. You will also enjoy access to the tranquil spa and pool.
The luxury lodge embodies the deep traditions of the local Batooro people, which are based on values and respect for families and elders, so each guest has their own personal butler throughout their visit, making your stay seamless. The lodge also prides itself on working with partners to promote conservation and community activities around Kibale.
What’s perhaps most exciting about this location is that it’s just a 30-minute drive from Kibale Forest National Park – the primate capital of the world – meaning it’s one of the best places to stay if you’re planning to go chimpanzee tracking or for the chimp habituation experiences.
Apoka-Safari-Lodge-Kidepo
Ready to go remote? Apoka Safari Lodge is in Uganda’s most remote park, Kidepo Valley, which is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, leopards, zebras, ostriches, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes – and the only national park in Uganda to have cheetahs!
You’ll be enamoured with the peace and tranquillity of the wilderness, especially as Apoka is the only lodge inside the park.
The stunning camp offers 10 beautiful furnished rooms incorporating natural materials and hand-crafted beds. Of course, there’s plenty of wildlife to see in Kidepo, but you can even watch the animals from the privacy of your own room – how magical is that? And don’t forget the 460 bird species you’ll have the opportunity to spot!
It’s hard to resist the beautiful rock-carved swimming pool, where you can take a dip to cool off after a fun day spent on game drives or safari walks in the warm African sunshine. You won’t want to leave!
Uganda has something extraordinary for every traveller and we want to help you find your perfect stay. We have relationships with a diverse range of properties throughout Uganda, so if you have specific interests in mind or you’d like to book one of the incredible properties from above, please get in touch