Papaya Lake Lodge

On the lush slopes of an extinct volcano, Papaya supplies top-notch facilities to match its location. Having put together a stellar chef team, the lodge serves recipes from across the globe, made with ingredients from the on-site garden and often enjoyed under the stars. The indoor dining area is decked out with black and white photographs of Uganda, old-fashioned lamps, and director's chairs. Curl up with a book by the fire or sip on a G&T on the terrace overlooking the lake, its waters alive with birds.

Papaya has nine thatched cottages with large beds and natural wooden decor. The bathrooms are laid with local stone and come with showers heated by a wood-burning stove. A post-trekking massage is offered as well. The cottages are kept incredibly private by a natural wall of trees and the view is best enjoyed from the hammocks on the veranda. The ninth cottage is Papaya's 'penthouse'; a double-storey villa with three bedrooms, a living room (warmed by a rustic, stone fireplace), and panoramic terrace. Keep your ears piqued for the chatter of monkeys in the canopies!

Kibale is true primate territory and a day or two will no doubt be spent trekking into the forest to see cheeky chimps and bearded L’Hoest’s monkeys. The region also has 20 dazzling crater lakes, which you can explore on foot, bicycle or motorbike (called a boda boda in Uganda). Keep your eyes peeled for Kibale's renowned birdlife, from the soaring African crowned eagle to the tiniest green-throated sunbirds. On the right day, you may even spot a hippo breaking the water's surface. If you're a keen hiker, venture into the 'Mountains of the Moon' and then soothe your aches in the hot spring.