Karibu Guest House

The gardens at Karibu are lovely and overgrown in the best possible way and at the heart is a swimming pool surrounded by shiny tiles and a handful of chairs. Find a shady spot in the garden to read and sip a cold local brew, head to the spa for a massage or sit on the rooftop with the views over the garden's canopy. Dining takes place on the wide, cool veranda. Here, fresh, plentiful continental breakfasts are served as well as exceptional Mediterranean-inspired meals made with ingredients from the organic garden.

Rooms are spacious and light with wooden French doors opening onto the garden or views of Lake Victoria. Tiles throughout and a ceiling fan keep things cool, unless it's the thick of summer in which case there's no escape... A four-poster bed is draped with mosquito netting and there's a decent mattress to encourage optimal shut-eye. Decor is a little lacking, aside from the vivid colour scheme but the en-suite bathrooms have good showers! And the on-tap coffee is sourced organically from Uganda’s own Sipi Falls.

While your eyes will no doubt be set on Uganda's highlands, Entebbe offers a few pleasant activities if you've got an itch to get out. The Botanical Gardens are a five-minute walk from Karibu and are home to over 300 plant species and a good number of birds. They were established in 1898 and have been the backdrop to many illustrious films, including the original Tarzan. If you've got a half-day to spare, the chimpanzee sanctuary on Ngamba Island is well worth a visit. It was established by the Jane Goodall Institute and protects about 40 rescued chimps. Otherwise, Karibu's garden is full of birds – 36 recorded species – and provides a worthy space for idling.