Not only is this luxurious property located inside the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is less than five minutes’ walk away from the starting point for gorilla trekking. It is one of the few lodges in the park where mountain gorillas make surprise visits. This mostly happens as they cross over from one side of the forest to the other in search for food. The lodge boasts of 8 chalets, each of which is tucked in a quiet part of the jungle. It thus enables guests to connect with nature without any interruptions from walk-in clients. It’s a great place to sit back and chill with a book in one palm and hot Ugandan coffee in the other.
Still on the part of chalets, the mountain cabins here are rustic and have a small front porch with fire pit. The rooms are spacious and well ventilated to allow in the pristine freshness of the forest. Each cabin also boat of a soaking tub and large stone shower.
At night, you will be given a hot water bottle to warm up your bed.
If you need a massage after that exhausting gorilla trekking excursion, the lodge has a mini health club where you will be treated to a healing holiday. Further to that, your clothes and shoes will be washed for free. This is a big plus considering that you will be quite a mess by the time gorilla trekking gets done.
In brief, this lodge is intimate, lavish and remote.
One of the things that keep visitors coming back here is that everything is made with great attention to detail. This cuts across from the way the roof is beautiful thatched to the way the food is presented. Mahogany is one of the only three lodges in Bwindi National Park with a Presidential suite. It is huge, with a wide living area and two bedrooms with their own bathrooms–each with good water pressure. The suites further boast of an outside terrace where you can bond with loved ones.
The ordinary cottages are equally roomy and well equipped with everything you expect of a four star safari lodge. They have two king beds and a cozy bathroom that lives up to the hype of unrivaled luxury.
As you catch fresh air from the comfort of your veranda, your jaws will drop in admiration of the sense of serenity flowing over you. You will also be enchanted by views of mountain ranges upon which Bwindi lies. Each cottage has small fruit garden that gives the setting a homely feel. Through the day, lots of playful monkeys come by for relaxation before fleeing out of sight.
During your holiday at Mahogany Springs, you will be treated to relaxing sounds of a river that flows from the heart of Bwindi to the respective streams in Buhoma. Along the way, it forms ponds with crystal clear water where you can swim without worrying about drowning. They are not that deep.
Prior to your departure, you will have an opportunity to plant a tree that will never be cut down for the rest of its life. It will be named after you in your commemoration. Put simply, a piece of you will stay here for eternity even when you are thousands of miles away.
It is very rare for Mountain Gorillas to wander into a place with humans, let alone stay there for long. However when they do, then you know there is something extraordinary about it. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one such place is Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. It receives over 30 surprise visits from Mountain Gorillas every year. Most of them camp here for at least thirty minutes as they wander in its well-mowed lawns. This is how it came to be called gorilla forest camp.
According to Gorilla Doctors in the park, the frequent visits of these gentle giants to the lodge is caused by the fact that they can easily relate with it because it is ecologically respectful. Sanctuary scores highly in terms of distinctive architecture, use of natural materials, and the integration of design with a montane-forest surrounding. It’s interior is largely made of well-polished wood. The furniture and beddings have a strong African feel because they have indigenous prints. The eight tents here are cool and chick. Each has two queen sized beds and a huge bathtub that faces the jungle’s canopy. There is also a mini spa that offers a wide selection of treatments. You can think of it as a great place to rest as you listen to the forest’s sounds.
For much of the year, the weather here is sunny and great for pursuing the various outdoor activities such as bird-watching and nature walk.
Most excitingly, Sanctuary is few minutes away from the starting point of your gorilla trekking adventure.
This luxurious destination that offers top notch views of one of Africa’s 7 Natural Wonders, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
It is over 10 years old, but you will have a hard time believing that because it looks opulent and new. This is thanks to a yearlong renovation that took place in 2017. The result is an inviting guest lounge and a dining area with a spectacular atmosphere. In the lodge’s living arena, you will find a stylish fireplace where you can mix and mingle with fellow gorilla enthusiasts.
The eight individual bandas here are stocked with four poster beds and handmade furniture. They(bandas) are ideal for those wanting absolute privacy and solitude. You will be blown way by them if you are looking for a place for honeymoon or a family-friendly hotel to travel with small children. Wherever you chose to stay while here, you will spot playful monkeys and birds hidden in the foliage.
Regardless of whether you are a foodie or not, the cuisines here will leave you speechless. The lodge’s chef has a reputation for making foods that tickle the taste buds. Most of these are of inter-continental dishes but prepared with a Ugandan touch. The result of this mix is finger licking food that many can’t say no to. It attracts as many countless mid-range tourists even from surrounding Five star lodges. They prefer dining here to their hotels.
The showers are good with lots of hot water, offering a much needed revitalization after a daylong adventure in the forest.
Not only will you have sensory views of Bwindi’s tropical forest from this lodge, you will feel its positive energy and immerse yourself in it’s tranquility. It sits at the foot of a mountain range upon whose slopes the park is majestically spread.
Engagi takes the meaning of eco-friendly to the next level. It was built using local materials that existed at the lodge’s current location when it was still within the park’s boundaries. This includes rocks and eucalyptus as harvested by locals. The lodge consists of just 8 en-suite cottages, all of which are powered by solar energy. They are well spaced from each other and tucked in utterly green surroundings.
All the decor in Engagi’s rooms are handmade and colourful. The usage of banana fibers to thatch its rooms is inspired by a traditional architectural style that dates back to the prehistoric times. Thanks to the way they are carefully weaved, they are good at absorbing heat and thus offer a cool ambiance.
Whether you prefer double or twin beds, this lodge is for you. Its bathrooms are ensuite and have constant supply of warm water.
The staff mostly comprise of locals who have grown up seeing and mingling with mountain gorillas as the park is in their ancestral village. As such, they have lots of real-life stories to share with you over camp fire. Further to that, they are helpful in suggesting and arranging activities you can pursue during your stay. Such includes a hike to the waterfalls in the forest, and a village walk, both of which go a long way in enabling you see Bwindi from a different perspective.
Chimpanzee Forest Guest House is hard to forget for its unobstructed views of rolling hills and the pristine jungle of Kibale National Park. It is surrounded by scenic tea plantations that are a historic treasure to Uganda.
During Uganda’s colonial period, it was a residence of a British district commissioner. In 2003, it was converted into a fully-fledged Guest. It features a charming lounge with an excellent collection of colonial African literature, some dating back to the 1800s.
Each of the lodge’s small bandas and spacious cottages are furnished and equipped to a high standard.
Brace yourself for a warm welcome by its staff. The tour around the lodge not only offers a great way for one to stretch their muscles ahead of their chimp trek, but also refreshes the senses with endearing sights of a colourful flower garden. Here, you will find different birds—with stunning calls inclusive of grey parrots, swallows and great blue turaccos.
The lodge stands out as a good base for guided village walks and Crater Lake excursions thanks to its proximity to them. There is always plenty of food to replenish you after that exhausting chimpanzee trek. We have never gone hungry here.
Chimpanzee Forest Guest House is hard to forget for its unobstructed views of rolling hills and the pristine jungle of Kibale National Park. It is surrounded by scenic tea plantations that are a historic treasure to Uganda.
During Uganda’s colonial period, it was a residence of a British district commissioner. In 2003, it was converted into a fully-fledged Guest. It features a charming lounge with an excellent collection of colonial African literature, some dating back to the 1800s.
Each of the lodge’s small bandas and spacious cottages are furnished and equipped to a high standard.
Brace yourself for a warm welcome by its staff. The tour around the lodge not only offers a great way for one to stretch their muscles ahead of their chimp trek, but also refreshes the senses with endearing sights of a colourful flower garden. Here, you will find different birds—with stunning calls inclusive of grey parrots, swallows and great blue turaccos.
The lodge stands out as a good base for guided village walks and Crater Lake excursions thanks to its proximity to them. There is always plenty of food to replenish you after that exhausting chimpanzee trek. We have never gone hungry here.
A midrange safari lodge that we remember as a gorgeous place to stay! Thanks to its surrounding forest, you will feel totally immersed in nature as you enjoy beautiful views of Africa’s highest mountain, Rwenzori.
Its rooms are spacious with a hot shower and balcony where you are guaranteed of seeing or at least hearing enthusiastic vocalizations of chimps and calls of all kinds of birds. The communal area where the restaurant is found is comfortable and stylish with an African theme. It also features a lounge area with a cozy fireplace, a bar, an outside terrace, and a first-floor lounge.
Upon arrival from your long trip or return from you chimpanzee trek, you will be treated to a warm welcome by staff—who will offer you a revitalizing glass of juice. Much appreciated after a hot and active day. The food is superb and well done in every aspect.
Kids can play in the kid’s corner while parents are enjoying their refreshing beers.
You can’t miss the five mile community walk during your stay here. It offers a great way to see the native way of life of the Batooro and Bakiiga ethnic groups.
Famed for its tranquil atmosphere and spectacular bungalows, Crater Safari Lodge is a premium beachfront property at the shoreline of one of the most beautiful crater lakes in Uganda.
It features nine ultra-luxurious double/twin cottages and two larger cottages each with two rooms to sleep up to four. The view of Nyinabulitwa Crater Lake from each room is a feast for the eyes.
At the main lobby, you will find a Wifi and a charging station where you can power your gadgets and cameras. Crater Safari Lodge has many on-site activities including an introduction to tea. This guided agro-tourism experience entails having a guided walk through the plantations as you learn different species of tea leaves. You will also mix and mingle with the workers picking the leaves as you discover their traditional ways of life. The experience is crowned with a tasting experience as you savour the flavor of several teas along with a few sweet nibbles.
Best of all, this lodge is also an excellent position for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. Very convenient!
A great place to stay in Kidepo Valley National Park as you mingle with wildlife. The lodge has a magnificent disposition sitting on a rise overlooking the plains. It features luxurious tents provided with any kind of comfort. All are within easy walking distance from a swimming pool area that is built into the rocks. It is a cozy setting where you can cool off after a long game drive or nature walk. One of Apoka’s biggest assets is its location in the middle of a vast savannah plain with a thriving population of the Big 5 animals. In the distance it is surrounded by mountains.
During your stay here, you will be blown away by the silence of the place as you listen to nature take control. As you relax at your balcony or room, you will enjoy the sight of lots of giraffes, buffaloes and zebras as they stroll through Narus Valley in search for water, some might even reach your balcony.
Apoka Safari Lodge will treat you to bush breakfasts and evening meals with a table set out under the stars. Absolutely enchanting!
Each day at this lodge has its new surprises and in a discrete way they steal your heart! It offers a sweet taste of Africa’s hospitality industry. The food is delightful to the taste buds but what you will really enjoy is its fabulous views of the mountains and abundant wild life. Here, you will find twelve beautifully appointed safari tents on raised decks. Each of the spacious ensuite tents has a private verandah offering splendid views of the mighty savannah. Even with all the great things about this peace of paradise, the staffs make it one of the best experiences in Africa.
Meals are a mix of buffet and a la carte depending on the time of the day and guest numbers. If you wish to explore Ugandan dishes, there are a couple of options to try out.
If bird watching is your cup of coffee, we can ask the lodge to arrange a private easy trek for you to photograph a considerable number of species that are unique to this part of the world. Along the way, you will find monkeys, and watched other monkeys cavorting.
If you want to skip the long drive from Kampala to here, we shall organise for you a direct two hours flight from Entebbe Airport.
We have visited so many different parts of Africa and Kidepo Valley National Park is one of our favorite parks. This lodge is one of the reasons why. It makes you really feel like you are on the edge of nowhere. Adere breaths authenticity and features 20 self-contained charlets, each with a comfortable lounge where you can read an in-house book collection. Adere offers views of an endless flat savannah, with beautiful mountains on the background. Beyond this is South Sudan and Kenya is on your right, Ethiopia is just a hundred kilometers away. Having a binocular will of course increase your viewing pleasure.
If you come hear around December, you will experience a dry hot weather while outside the lodge. Interestingly, a stay inside the lodge is super comfortable. It is pleasantly cool as the roof is made of grass thatch and thus reflects heat.
The swimming pool of this gem is a necessity after a day of riding around the park viewing lions, huge herds of buffalo, elephants, zebras, giraffes…….the list goes on.
Strategically located at the boundary of the park and community, Nga Moru is a midrange destination with five caravans. Their ventilation is made of nets that stop intrusion of all insects including mosquitoes. The safari tents have all you need, including spacious washrooms that offer a nice shower to travellers after long and dusty game-drives in in Kidepo National Park.
Beyond offering lovely views of the Narus Valley and open Savanah, Nga Moru has a lovely outdoor sitting arena where you can behold the beauty of the incredible sky at night. If you wish to treat yourself to a romantic experience, you can take a short walk from your chalet for sunset viewing. Don’t forget to carry with you a glass of wine or beer.
The employees always tell you with a smile “This is your home”. Even better, they make you feel better than at home. Mary knows how to make you feel special and ensures the team anticipates all your needs.
This vibrant destination is brand spanking new but you can hardly tell as the staffs are excellent. They will make you feel at home with their warm, attentive and professional management. This is one of the things that make the lodge a must-visit for travelers to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Standing at an altitude of 941 metres above sea level, Elephant plains boasts of cottages that are spacious and well-appointed with large beds. Each has verandah with an imposing view of the rift valley escarpment and its endowments such as Kyambura Gorge, Lake Gorge and a rolling savannah. The surrounding plants are lovely. Though they are still young, you can tell that in a short period of time, they will add a more spectacular feel to the place.
The food is what is in season and available. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines are fresh and flavorful and a great mix of African and other cuisines.
The only reason for the 4 stars, instead of 5 is that there are a few issues with things like the safe in the room not working and the electricity going out in the rooms.
This is one of the first lodges we visited when we started as tour guides years back. Staff may change but the standards remain high. It sits on Mweya Peninsular which is the intersection of the Kazinga channel and Lake Edward. Nothing beats its views of both water bodies. It is out of this world. Despite being so full with guests due to its size, the lodge’s staffs still manage to keep a certain intimacy. Mweya’s lawns are kept cropped by the local warthogs. As you walk past it, you are likely to bump into a family of Banded Mongoose. They are quite habituated to people but never the less, these are wild animals. Don’t be tempted to play with them otherwise you will be in for a surprise.
No worries about catching malaria while here, the rooms are well furnished and fitted with nets in a curtain screen like arrangement. Mosquitos can’t sneak in.
You can’t miss the outdoor dining experience on the verandah of the main lobby. It is a lovely vantage point from which you can enjoy the splendid views over the Kazinga river to bathing elephants and their young ones.
Be aware of the local wildlife after dark and always take an escort to your room. We have personally experienced lion in the lodge. Hippos often graze the lawns after dark.
Having just read three reports from over indulged travel writers, we found this a very good lodge in a very remote area. Its location in the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park qualifies it as a great place to stay during your pursuit of the tree climbing lions. The lodge is surrounded by riparian forest vegetation and a savannah filled with acacias. Ishasha Jungle Lodge is far basic. It is a captivating eco-friendly lodge, entirely made with local materials and African art. It features en-suite wooden deck cottages with spacious rooms and bathroom, all finished with canvas.
It has excellent size rooms with good on suite facilities inclusive of outdoor showers feel. The eating area is simple and looked after by friendly staff who welcomed us with a warm lunch and home juice, just the perfect treat we needed after that long drive from Kampala. At the end of our second day, one of them escorted us to and from the cottages due to the risks from wildlife. Initially, I thought this was unnecessary till the second morning when we saw Cape buffalo prints near our room.
We have no complaints about the 3 course meals that we were provided.
This destination is an ideal place to stay for romantic pair. It features luxury suites with panoramic windows, each with a view of both Maramagambo tropical jungle and Lake Nyamusingire, one of the most scenic craters in Uganda. Its eco-friendly suites are decorated in African design, with full bathroom and comfy beds.
Not so far from the main lounge is a swimming pool where you can bask in the sun with a glass of Champagne.
The chef, will impress you with every little edible flower or sauce. Delightful! Because Jacana is on edge of the park, you don’t start paying your 24 hour park entrance fees till you actually go on safari, as opposed to staying inside the park.
The warmth and service here is heart melting. The lodge is within easy reach from most gates of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is great. Its cottages and tents are made of well-polished timber, but what most remember about them is their incredible views of Lake Gorge. Marafiki is surrounded by flora and fauna of the majestic wilderness.
The only thing we felt was a bit below par was the swimming pool. It appeared to be under filled and rather cloudy, it did not seem to have a pump working. With the peak tourism season now around the corner, we are optimistic that they will fix them.