Best hotels in Uganda

If Uganda’s lodges were lined up on stage, Kyambura would definitely get a standing ovation from us. Originally a coffee farm, the old processing buildings have been given the ultimate safari makeover and are a voguish tribute to all things Afro-chic. But coffee hasn’t been entirely forgotten – the lodge is surrounded by plantations of the shiny black beans and directly supports a cooperative of women growers. So, sustainable, stylish – what about the activities? There’s many, including trekking chimpanzee in the gorge, game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP, coffee tours and lots of hiking. A round of applause, please!

It's just a five-minute walk from Kibale Primate Lodge into the Kibale Forest National Park, so this is a great place to stay if you're really keen to see chimps. The lodge itself is very peaceful (though you can hear the chattering primates in the distance), the lush forests are alive with birds and countless smaller creatures, the accommodation is charming and the food, staff and general service is warm and accommodating.

Hunched beneath trees on a rocky kopje (koppie), Mihingo overlooks Lake Mburo National Park and its sweeping landscape covered with boulders, shrubs and trees. Natural elements predominate in the lodge's construction too – the walls are of local rocks and olive wood, and rugged tree trunks support the roofs, which are thatched in rural Ugandan style. The place is perfect for both unwinding after a safari or a longer stay, its setting is peaceful and very beautiful, the accommodation, facilities and simple but delicious food will more than fulfill your expectations.

Tucked into Uganda's south-western corner, just on the border with Rwanda and the DRC, Mount Gahinga Lodge provides access to some of the best jungle trekking on the continent. And the reason for this fabulous jungle trekking? To see the rare mountain gorilla and the endangered golden monkey, both of which live in the tangled forests of Mgahinga National Park. But the adventure doesn't end here - the lodge is surrounded by traditional Batwa communities, and visiting the village and experiencing the daily life of the local people is magical.

The overnight city stay: an essential part of most African safaris and so often disappointing in the company of dazzling safari lodges. But not if you find yourself at The Boma. Located in a tranquil suburb of the Entebbe, the friendly guesthouse is perfectly located for minimal-fuss travel to and from the international airport – definitely a bonus. The 1940s stone and tile building might not look like much from the outside, but don’t let that fool you. This is a cosy and charming B&B with beautiful flower-filled gardens, a rather lovely swimming pool and second-to-none service. What a way to ease gently into African life…

Claiming fame as Uganda’s first boutique hotel, the Emin Pasha is a superb spot for some pre- (or post-) gorilla trekking relaxation. A restored 1920s farmhouse, it’s very colonial-meets-contemporary, where grand verandas rub shoulders with spangly terraces and antique cabinets house state-of-the-art televisions. Located on the outskirts of the city centre, neither airport is far away (Entebbe is a 50 minute drive and Kampala, 10 minutes) and the city’s attractions are also within easy reach. But with those glorious gardens to relax in, you probably won’t want to go far…

A world of rustic elegance awaits at Uganda's Wildwaters Lodge. The lodge is, in fact, perched on an island in the middle of the mighty River Nile, and as soon as you've hopped in your canoe to paddle across, you'll enter a magical world of racing water, emerald-green forests and twittering birds. Walk among the trees, and look out for an otter or giant monitor lizard, or take a dip in the natural pool and listen to the cries of the African fish eagle overhead. And when you can drag yourself away, some of the best watersports and white water rafting in the world await...

Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge is a lovely location from which to trek endangered mountain gorillas, who occasionally cross the little stream that separates the lodge from the forest and roam the grounds. The staff anticipate your every need – there's a drink (hot or cold) for your return, someone will take your clothes for laundering, your shoes will be polished and your grumbling stomach will be well fed. This is not canned tourism – it's the real deal, African style.

Queen Elizabeth National Park isn’t exactly busy, but if you’re looking for some real solitude, head south to the Ishasha sector for a few nights in the aptly named Ishasha Wilderness. The camp does exactly what it says on the tin and does it really rather well at that - this is bona-fide eco-camping in a pristine spot, where hippos snort languidly in the river and elephants wallow in the shallows. The style is simple (but very comfortable) and the emphasis on good-living, with hearty Euro-Ugandan cuisine on the menu, cold beers on tap and smiling faces all round.

After a bold make-over, the Nile Safari Lodge is making a comeback as Uganda's latest answer to a sophisticated safari experience. With immaculate views over a slice of the Nile River and within floating distance of Murchison Falls, you'll find yourself in a bubble of comfort, surrounded by natural showstoppers that can be enjoyed from your, ahem, private deck. With the exclusive feel of a private camp, but with all the punch of a well-oiled lodge, the staff are forever attentive and personal touches like tailored menus from the lodge's stellar chefs really seal the deal.