Uganda is a country that wears many hats. Its luscious landscapes have earned it the moniker of the ‘Pearl of Africa’, and its jungles – where few can say they have ventured – are home to the world’s largest collection of primates. But what you may not know is that Uganda’s wildlife-brimming reserves rival some of East Africa’s finest safari spots and you can see and do a continent’s worth without having to cross a single border. These bucketlist-smashing experiences don’t come at the price of roughing it either (unless you really want to), with accommodation ranging from stellar lodges with gorillas as your neighbours, to cabins perched on the Nile River. Now, take a look at our favourite Uganda lodges and get planning…
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Uganda’s biggest claim to fame is the mysterious, magnificent mountain gorilla and with good reason, for the country is home to nearly half the world’s remaining population. Well and truly hidden in the (almost) impenetrable forests of Bwindi, it’s worth the gruelling trek to see the gorilla just as they should be – in the wild. It’s no exaggeration when we say that Bwindi is pure magic and what could be more fitting than a lodge encircled by clouds with volcanoes in your eyeline, G&Ts by the fire, and gorilla treks (followed by a foot massage) that begin right on your doorstep? Enter Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Made from volcanic stone, the cosy cottages offer, dare we say, cloud-like beds with picturesque views, and private patios for afternoon tea served by your very own butler. During the day, there is an endless roster of activities from incredible birdwatching and learning the ancient songs of the Batwa people, to the surreal experience of being mere metres away from a mountain gorilla. You’ll be walking on air after a few nights here…
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Just like its namesake, Queen Elizabeth is the reigning monarch of Uganda’s safari scene – and one of our favourite lodges happens to sit just between the park and its parade of big cats, elephant and birdlife, and the ‘Valley of the Apes’ where large and lively troops of chimpanzee make their home. Converted from an old coffee farm, Kyambura Gorge Lodge has eight spacious bandas, each with original, quirky decor and views reaching all the way to the ‘Mountains of the Moon’. From this vantage, there are epic activities in every direction. Take to the pulsing waters of the Kazinga Channel to spy on yawning pods of hippo (the highest numbers in the world) and verdant birdlife, zoom off in a 4×4 for an action-packed game drive, or trek into the gorge to see the famous chimps. You might need some R&R after all that, which is happily provided by your personal butler and ice-cold drinks at the pool.
Wildwaters Lodge
Jinja
You might suspect that Wildwaters is just a clever name to inspire your imagination, but actually, it couldn’t be more fitting. Wildwaters sits on a private island at the famous Source of the Nile, surrounded by the rush of the river and a flurry of birdlife. Hidden amongst the forested banks, you couldn’t ask for better views from your bubble bath, lantern-lit dining table, or the natural pool, beautifully carved from pink granite. Jinja area also happens to be the adventure capital of East Africa and a bevy of watersports are on offer from the lodge including kayaking adventures, paddle-boarding amongst the tiny islets or, for the truly adventurous at heart, a wild morning of white water rafting and bungee jumping. For the quiet moments, there are spa treatments right beside the water, a cosy library or queen-sized day bed for a lazy afternoon of watching the world go by… sign us up!
Kyaninga Lodge
Kibale Forest National Park
Deep in an ancient rainforest, where indigo mountains are reflected in the crystalline waters of Lake Kyaninga, you’ll find this one-of-a-kind lodge. Built from 1000 hand-carved logs, Kyaninga combines the feel of an alpine chalet with the heart of a safari lodge and a good dose of luxury. You’ll sleep in an ultra King-sized bed, dine on three-course meals, and enjoy full-body massages on your private deck accompanied by that dreamy view. Activities-wise, visit Kibale to see as many of the 13 primate species as possible – chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkeys and the rare red colobus to name a few – walk the ‘Top of the World’ trail to peer into lime-green crater lakes, and kayak or take a dip in Lake Kyaninga (a rarity in Uganda).
Mutanda Lake Resort
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The setting? Sublime. The activities? Top-notch. And the views from the private jetty? Spectacular! We’re talking about Mutanda Lake Resort, a charming lodge complete with log-burning fireplaces, Swiss-inspired chalets, and dinners under the clearest sky. The biggest drawcard is, however, the chance to see the mountain gorillas. Bwindi is the land of the gorilla (it’s home to around 320 of them) and you’ll have the chance to trek deep into the forest to find the incredible creatures whilst also learning about the Batwa people, the original ‘Keepers of the Forest. Other activities include hikes into the Virungas, fishing trips and lake explorations by paddleboard, pontoon boat or rustic canoe. Well-placed jetties are also dotted around for sunning, swimming and gazing at the pretty scenes. Silverbacks, golden views and Ugandan hospitality? What more could you ask for.
Nile Safari Lodge
Murchison Falls
On a quiet stretch on the banks of the world’s longest river, Nile Safari Lodge was built to be incognito in its wild location. Eucalyptus structures make the main area as wall-less as possible and the whole lodge has an intimate, tropical feel. Spacious thatched bandas come complete with chic, all-wood interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air monsoon showers. Then, of course, there are the activities. The Nile River provides a scenic highway for birding cruises and African fish eagles, hornbills and even the secretive shoebill are regular sightings. Boat trips to the base of Murchison Falls reveal wildlife gathering in droves, and game drives into the reserve offer the chance to spot all but one of the Big Five. At the end of the day, return to the lodge for a refreshing dip in the saltwater pool and private dinner tailored just for you.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Queen Elizabeth National Park
With a feather-light footprint, exclusive game drives, and ever-present wildlife, Ishasha Wilderness Camp does safari with flair. The canvas tents couldn’t be closer to the Ntungwe River, where you’ll be treated to the sight of elephant splashing and hippos dozing, and inside, you’ll find large, net-covered beds, woven rugs and open-air, solar-heated showers. The camp is within the borders of wildlife-rich Queen Elizabeth National Park, so you’ll already be on safari before other 4x4s start their engines. Wildlife-wise, spot elephant, leopard, Uganda kob and the jaw-dropping tree-climbing lion on a game drive or from the basket of a hot air balloon. Put your safari boots to good use on a guided walk beside the river to see the plentiful birdlife.
Bwindi Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Easily one of the most enticing places on Earth, Bwindi Forest provides a pristine home for around half of the world’s gorilla population, some of whom have been known to make their way across the stream – and straight into Bwindi Lodge. In fact, the lodge is even closer to the forest than the park HQ! In the hands of expert guides, you’ll wander through the bird-filled trees and clouds of butterflies to spend an unforgettable hour with the gorillas. Bwindi isn’t lacking on things to do when you’re not tramping through the dense greenery, visiting the fascinating Batwa tribe or picnicking beside a waterfal. Put your feet up back at base and enjoy replenishing massages at the forest spa or sip on an original ‘Gorillini’ at the lodge’s award-winning bar. From the well-cushioned lounge to the stylish dining area, it’s easy to forget where you are – but take a look outside, sigh and breathe it all in.
Papaya Lake Lodge
Kibale Forest National Park
Uganda may be the land of fairytale vistas and Kibale definitely holds its own with a string of crater lakes dotted amongst forested peaks. Papaya Lake Lodge sits on the slopes of an extinct volcano, and its warm and well-styled cottages feature wood-heated showers, lazy hammocks and views of monkeys scampering through the trees from the verandas. When the views become too good to resist, head into the forest to find Uganda’s primates. There are 13 species in Kibale Forest alone and chimp trekking is one of the most exciting excursions. Otherwise, swim in the idyllic crater lakes and soak in the hot springs hidden in the Mountains of the Moon. Of course, this organic, solar-powered lodge has plenty of tricks up its sleeve as well. The hilltop pool offers 360° panoramas complimented by iced cocktails, there are hand-woven souvenirs to peruse, and the chef whips up menus from all over the world, to be served under the stars.
Murchison River Lodge
Murchison Falls
If you fancy cruising down the Nile River and spotting birdlife that dazzles, hiking to the very top of the breathtaking Murchison Falls, and falling asleep to the sound of hippo munching right outside your thatched tent, make your way to Murchison River Lodge. Cliche or not, the lodge has a genuine safari feel with chunky wooden beds, hand-painted signs, and sundowners on the riverside deck. The views of the islands covered in egrets and elephants splashing are a delight, and days in the lodge are laidback and easy. But, when you’ve had enough reclining (for the time being), enjoy boat rides to the base of Murchison Falls and spot everything from lion to herds of buffalo, hike to the top of the falls for incredible views, or go chimp trekking in the forest.
