Best hotels in Kampala

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…

Perched atop Buziga Hill above bustling Kampala, Cassia Lodge offers views of Lake Victoria and the city's sparkling lights that will take your breath away. Winston Churchill said of Uganda, "For magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life, for vast scale, Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa.” You'll feel the same way after experiencing the beauty of Cassia Lodge and its surroundings. Spend peaceful days cooling off in the pool, enjoy local and international dishes skillfully prepared by the in-house chef and marvel at the views of blue water and city lights.

An excellent blend of five-star polish and pan-African panache, the 152-room Kampala Serena Hotel is a good choice if you find yourself in the capital for a night or two. Located in the thumping heart of the city, there's a good choice of restaurants, a wellness spa and an outdoor pool, and beautifully-landscaped indigenous gardens that make stepping off (or preparing for!) that long-haul flight a little easier. And if you want to do a spot of exploration, it's conveniently located for some pavement pounding through the streets of Kampala.

This large hotel and golf resort has a commanding position on the shores of Lake Victoria, and surely ranks as one of Uganda’s most luxurious establishments. The resort is beautifully designed in the style of a Mediterranean hillside village, with clusters of villa-type rooms in the terraced rose gardens that lead down to the private marina. Outstanding leisure facilities include a PGA-affiliated championship golf course, a state-of-the-art gym and health spa, and boat cruises on the sparkling waters of the lake. The mix of luxurious accommodation and world-class sporting amenities makes this a superb choice for a stylish Ugandan breakaway.

​Up there with the fastest growing cities on the planet, Uganda's capital is diverse and lively – at times hectic, but never dull. Humura Resort is a boutique hotel that sits slightly north of the city centre, only just removed from the ruckus but buffered by an 18-hole golf course. It offers refined but personal care, allowing you to rest in a space that blends local charm with the conveniences of a major hotel. Whether you're in town for business, or en route to some of the country's wilder regions, Humura, meaning "calm" or "peaceful", is a good choice.

Embedded in the greenery of Makindye Hill, Latitude 0° is quite the hospitality giant. Blending Ugandan aesthetics with a contemporary twist and all the mod cons, the hotel comes with a pool and private cinema. The artwork and textiles at Latitude 0° are the creations of local artisans, produced with recycled and sustainable materials, and with their one-of-a-kind motifs, you're never sure if you've stepped back in time into a 60s lounge or found yourself in a tropical bar filled with colourful murals. Complete with views overlooking bustling Kampala and the shimmering Lake Victoria, this is an ideal stop-over choice for an East African safari.

​Just a 30-minute drive from Kampala, Uganda's capital city, this sprawling mega-venue is multi-faceted and multi-functional, catering for everything from large conferences and weddings to international delegations. Speke Resort is a safe bet for travellers in transit as well – come for a night en route to the country's wilder side – those forested highlands where mountain gorillas and other primates reside. For many this will be just a pit-stop, but it's a good one, with a pleasant atmosphere, plenty of open space and more than satisfactory food.

The extensive Speke Resort is nestled on the banks of the great Lake Victoria in Uganda. It's one of the few listed 5-star resort-style accommodation in the country and boasts an Olympic-sized pool, a spa and wellness centre, an equestrian centre, and a wide range of regional activities. Situated 12km from the capital Kampala, the resort is very easy to reach and offers an oasis from the urban sprawl. During your stay, enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake, take a wildlife-watching game drive, or cross between the hemispheres at the equator, found 72km south of Kampala.

Kampala is a thrumming hub of colour and culture, with charmingly friendly people, and noise. It's an obvious entry point for travellers seeking out Uganda's wilder regions, especially the rainforested highlands and their resident endangered mountain gorillas. Le Petit Village Hotel is a secure and restful retreat, Set back on its grounds, it has a rustic elegance that's instantly inviting, with thatched roofs, lush gardens and modern amenities (including two excellent on-site restaurants that serve fresh, gourmet international options). Rest your head here and relax for a day or two between treks to and from what locals call "the bush".

ONOMO Hotel Kampala, on the north shore of the vast Lake Victoria awaits Kampala. Embark on Nakasero Hill, Kampala's mecca and meeting place for entrepreneurs, businessmen and shopping enthusiasts. Around its magnificent swimming pool, the hotel deploys a contemporary and stylish architecture. Two wings: the first houses 114 rooms, the second apartments. The hotel also has a conference room and a meeting room bathed in natural light. With a varied menu, the restaurant spreads its tables on a sunny terrace. Take advantage of the homemade cocktails and treat yourself at any time to the chef's gourmet dishes. ONOMO Hotel Kampala is the ideal destination for families, couples and business travelers from Africa and around the world.

Nestled in a leafy part of Munyonyo, by the shores of Lake Victoria, Casa Solada is the premier boutique hotel in Uganda. Centered on the pillars of comfort, luxury and outstanding service, our architectural style is a fusion of medieval Mediterranean and Roman renaissance with victorian style furnishings and Italian artwork. Our spaces have a hand-crafted feel, a nod to a period before the industrial age when everything was made by hand. Uncomplicated and familiar, a safe retreat from the mad world outside, Casa Solada is your home away from home where you can expect comfort, serenity and security.