Protea Hotel Entebbe

Feel yourself unwind as you enter the cool double-volume reception area, with its stone-covered walls and decor a calm combination of natural tones and wood. There are plenty of chairs and couches in which to relax as you wait to check in or out. Beyond is an large buffet-style dining area that opens out to a large terrace, well-maintained gardens and, a little further, the pool and small lakeside beach. There's also a late-night bar and a fitness centre.

Stretching out to face both the lake and the airport are 73 contemporary en-suite rooms of varying sizes, each with tiled floors, large and deep beds with cream and mahogany-red linens, and free wi-fi. The standard and deluxe rooms have all the amenities you'd expect from an upper-standard hotel, and the 12 executive suites have added lounge areas and an outdoor balcony. For the best lake views, ask for an upper floor room.

Relaxing in and around the pool while taking in the views is almost obligatory. For those wanting to explore further afield, the Entebbe Wildlife Centre and the botanical gardens are close by and worth a visit, as are excursions on the lake, which can be arranged through the hotel. Golf fans can get in a round at Entebbe Golf Club, just five minutes from the hotel. Try out a few nearby restaurants, especially if local musicians are playing.