Safari Accommodation in Uganda – Best Safari Lodges and Hotels In Uganda – Where to stay while on a safari through Uganda
Safari Accommodation in Uganda. Lodging in Uganda is not just an option for travelers visiting parks, game reserves, or forest reserves in Uganda, but an experience itself. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip or an unforgettable weekend getaway, you’ll find what you’re after in Uganda’s national parks.
If a night spent in a camping tent is not your style, you have the option of luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation in and around national parks, in cities, in small towns, and in villages around tourist attractions.
Economically the further you stay from the park; the less expensive accommodation will be but a truly rewarding East African safari comes with the convenience that comes with staying near the attractions. Take into account how much mileage you will be driving to and from the park as well as through the park. Add this up to determine where the best place to stay for your budget.
Safari Accommodation in Uganda
Planning a safari to any of the Uganda Parks is exciting and the trip itself is one of the most memorable adventures you can take while in Africa. One big thing you can do to avoid issues during your road trip would be to make your reservations for hotels in advance. Towns nearby the parks usually fill up fast, so you don’t want to be stuck driving around looking for an available hotel or lodge. Another thing to keep in mind is that there are usually a limited number of towns near the parks. If you haven’t reserved your hotel or lodge in advance, you might find yourself driving to the next town which could easily be many miles away. Don’t do this to yourself, plan, make your reservations early, and enjoy your road trip to the National Parks stress-free!
Lodging and Accommodation options in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
10 chalets with private verandahs invite a breathtaking view over Bwindi. The cottages offer comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, flushing toilets as well as hot showers (some have a bathtub too). The lodge has been carefully designed with a sustainable approach in mind, focusing on the use of natural as well as local products to respond to a responsible tourism policy. An elevated lounge, dining, and bar area overlook the stunning forest scenery. Activities easily accessible include gorilla tracking, forest walks, birding and cultural interactions.
CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE
Built of local volcanic stone, each of the 7 cottages has a large sitting room with a fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets. There are soaring ceilings, massive exposed wooden beams, big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes, and mountains; and a gentle, warm welcome, quiet dedication from the personal butlers, and smiles on the faces of all the staff. It is a short walk from the lodge to the Nkuringo trailhead or a transfer to the Rushaga base to track the gorillas. Clouds, with the ultimate goal of protecting the natural habitat of the mountain gorilla, directly benefit the community of Nkuringo in a multitude of ways as they have a significant stake in the lodge and its income. It was built in conjunction with AWF, USAID, IGCP, and NCCDF and offers many community-based activities. It is the ultimate accommodation in either Northern or Southern Bwindi.
Mahogany Springs Lodge rooms are all spacious and include an en suite bathroom with an open shower as well as a private terrace. A dressing table and desk add more comfort to the already exquisitely designed suites. If you are seeking more luxurious accommodation, the presidential suite will cater to these needs by offering an additional bedroom and bathroom, an expansive living room, and a terrace overlooking the Munyanga River and the ancient forest. Gorilla tracking stands at the top of the activities list when visiting this good-value lodge. Additional activities include watching some of the rarest East African bird species, forest walks, and visits to the local Batwa tribe.
Safari Accommodation in Uganda
SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP
8 stylish and spacious tents are on offer at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. They feature queen-sized beds as well as a large bathtub facing the jungle, perfect for recharging your batteries after a day filled with exciting and adventurous walks around the forest. Observing some of the rarest forest animals from your bathtub, or the private viewing desk while being served by a personal attendant will create an unforgettable experience. The camp’s main area consists of a welcoming lounge and bar area, comfortable dining facilities as well as a mini spa where you can enjoy numerous treatments. The bar and dining cottage is situated on a raised platform, overlooking the rainforest. Aside from gorilla tracking, cultural interactions through the community walk or the Batwa tribe visits will enhance your understanding of the traditions and cultures of the old inhabitants of the park. A highly recommended lodge.
This exclusive, colorful, and vibrant lodge enjoys spectacular views across Lake Mutanda with the Virunga Volcanoes as a magnificent backdrop. Each chalet flaunts its own identity and color scheme along with high-quality, handmade furnishings that boast a unique Euro-African style.
The lodge offers a special blend of comfort and relaxation, where attention to detail and personalized service are paramount. As well as being the perfect base to visit the mountain gorillas, one can also enjoy a trip on the hand-built boat available for excursions. The kitchen is famous for its mouth-watering food. Specialties include bread, slowly baked in our wood-fired oven, homemade muesli with hand-picked ingredients, and the freshest fruits and vegetables from our very own organic garden.
Gorilla valley lodges
Located on the border of the impenetrable forest and set on a steep slope the lodge has a truly unique setting. Imagine waking up with the sounds of the forest, having your cup of coffee or tea on your private terrace, experiencing the forest coming alive and the mist mysteriously giving way to a lush jungle.
Gorilla Valley Lodge a ‘medium range hotel’, consists of 12 rooms, with spacious private bathrooms, Toilets, Dining/Waiting area beautifully situated in a lowland evergreen forest allowing breathtaking views of the African Eden, rich with wildlife and at a close distance the majestic Virunga Volcanoes. Every room has been lovingly furnished with twin beds and decorated in a modern retro style.
Gorilla Valley Lodge is a slice of wilderness paradise far from the madding crowd; a place of renewal and reconnection with the natural world. And trust, one could never get closer to Bwindi!!!! The gentle Giants are at home at GVL, Sometimes the gorilla’s come out of the forest to spend some time feeding and playing in our gardens…… From the veranda of the rooms, you can almost touch this national park and home of our mountain Gorillas.
Lodging and accommodation options in Entebbe
Serena Lake Victoria presents a selection of unique accommodations. Choose from standard rooms, executive suites, and presidential suites. Housed in Tuscan-style buildings, which are widely spaced around the terraced rose gardens, the standard room accommodation is elegantly presented in shades of terracotta and cream. Each room features either a queen-sized or 2 twin beds, a dressing table, work station, a seating area, a balcony, and a lavish marble bathroom with a walk-in shower. The suites offer many additional facilities and are great for those looking for the next level. With massive gardens, this hotel is more of a resort than a hotel in terms of its look and feel and its facilities. It’s pretty stylish and has a laid-back, relaxed feel to it.
THE BOMA
The Boma is located 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport. Double rooms, triple rooms, and family rooms are all available. It is a combination of modern comforts and charm of character from the 1940s. All rooms are individually decorated in a mixture of African and European décor and reflect colonial architecture. Facilities available include a bar and restaurant, swimming pool, beach area, and the Internet. The Boma is a long-standing favorite stopover of many visitors to Uganda.
From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting.
For one of the most flavorsome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired with an international wine list and served with pride. Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this bustling city. Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym.
KARIBU GUEST HOUSE
Just 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport, we are a boutique hotel set in a former presidential residence. Catering to a small number of guests at any one time, we offer a high level of personalized service, quality food, 24-hour reception, a relaxing swimming pool, and comfortable sleep. Whether your visit to Entebbe is for business or pleasure, you’ll feel at home with us.
With a background in managing African Safari Lodges, Luxury European Hotels, and operating Safaris in Uganda, we understand what is important during your stay – and that it is the little things that count. Whilst we are proud of our room designs, food, and tropical gardens – it is our staff who we believe set us apart from the rest. Our team of 18 comes from all parts of Uganda, and many of them have been with us from the first day we started.
LAICO LAKE VICTORIA HOTEL
Lake Victoria Hotel is located in Entebbe, 1.6 km from Victoria Mall Entebbe and 500 meters from State House. Free WiFi access is available. It also has a free shuttle service, restaurant, and outdoor pool. The Uganda Wildlife Education Center is 1.4 km from the hotel.
All accommodation at the hotel is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a balcony, and a private bathroom. The Lake Victoria Hotel offers some rooms with views of the pool. A full continental and English / Irish breakfast is offered each morning at the property. Lake Victoria Hotel also includes a terrace. In the vicinity, you can go cycling. The reception is open 24 hours. The staff speaks English and Swahili. Attractions near the Lake Victoria Hotel include the Victoria Shopping Center and the Entebbe Botanical Garden.
Entebbe stay
Enjoy all the glamour of Entebbe in this bespoke apartment nestled into the lush greenery of Lake Victoria on a gated property, providing a cool and airy cocoon for downtime or entertaining. Harmonies of light-toned wood, luminous white, and touches of vibrant color create a soothing atmosphere.
The entry level is dedicated to gathering and socializing featuring a hidden spa, a bar with Mahogany wood finishes, and a fully integrated entertainment system. The open-concept, living/dining area boasts a fully equipped kitchen with Viking appliances and an ample living-room area flowing out to the balcony.
Generous wide windows and glass doors let sunlight wash over plush couches. The backyard opens onto a pool with a fountain, while potted succulents set the tone for alfresco dining.
Safari Accommodation in Uganda
Hotels in jinja
Lamella WILDWATERS LODGE
Wildwaters Lodge is the ultimate luxury and intimate accommodation in Jinja. The 10 large canvas-walled rooms are scattered around the island in a calm forest environment featuring free-standing baths (they are amazing!). The restaurant and bar area is easily reached by the elevated wooden paths, and the mother-nature-created swimming pool nearby is situated almost in the rapids! The roaring sound of the rapids with its refreshing breeze makes this place a hidden treasure. The lodge is on a calm forest island with only the rushing water and the special bird species interrupting the peaceful atmosphere, but you can experience some of the most extreme action sports such as bungee jumping from a platform right above the Nile, intermediate to extreme white water rafting or racing against the strong Nile River current in a 450HP jet boat very close by.
Living waters resort jinja
Living Waters Resort is located at the Source of the Nile at the point where the Nile River emerges from Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. The property includes botanical gardens with a plethora of birds and tropical plants. Established in 2010 as a Prayer and Healing center and a leisure garden, Living Waters Resort has grown to now include luxury camping accommodations.
Safari Accommodation in Uganda
Hotels in Kampala
SERENA hotel KAMPALA
The Serena Kampala offers generously proportioned deluxe rooms, executive suites, business suites, and royal suites, all of which feature a large en suite bathroom, dressing table, work station, seating area and terrace, air-conditioning, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, voicemail and 24-hour room service. It is close to activities such as banks, the national theater, shopping malls, and a variety of social life, but this is not felt whilst inside the 5-star hotel as it has large gardens and an extensive swimming pool area with a rocky waterfall. There is a mind/body/spirit spa, a running track on the grounds, and a golf course close by. A hair and beauty salon, VIP entrance, helipad, dedicated car park, taxi and limousine service, and business center also add to its facilities. It is a huge hotel but is a safe base to start/end a safari in Uganda.
SHERATON KAMPALA
This International brand hotel offers many room types (classic, executive, club, diplomatic suites, suites, and presidential suites). All rooms have an extensive entertainment system, a comfortable bathroom, and all other necessities. Sports enthusiasts can pursue their fitness activities with a personal trainer in the in-house health club or enjoy the day playing a relaxing round of golf on the course nearby. The sauna facilities and the outdoor pool will ensure that you can recharge your batteries after an exhausting day wandering around Kampala. Cold drinks and good dining can be enjoyed in any of the several bars and restaurants serving cocktails, snacks, and meals. The Sheraton suits all types of guests but perhaps is best geared towards conferences and business people.
Safari Accommodation in Uganda
KIBALE FOREST N.P – FORT PORTAL & THE SEMLIKI VALLEY
KYANINGA LODGE
The 8 cottages at Kyaninga Lodge are built on platforms and set apart to ensure peace and intimacy. There are large beds with soft duvets and cushions in the spacious bungalows, as well as freestanding baths and large showers in the en suite bathrooms. In the main area, a cozy fireplace, two intimate galleries and an outdoor platform with comfortable loungers are available. If the numerous outdoor decks are not enough, the view from the pool overlooking the valley is pretty spectacular. Tennis and cricket fanatics will also love this lodge with its grass tennis court and cricket field surrounded by a British-inspired landscape. With Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park just a few hours away, you will be able to track down some of Uganda’s most impressive wildlife. Kyaninga is one of our favorites in the area.
NDALI LODGE
Ndali can host 16 guests in their 8 luxurious chalets – each one has an en suite bathroom with a bathtub and shower and an intimate verandah from where you can enjoy beautiful sundowners with the Rwenzori Mountains in the background. A special feature of this accommodation is that it is ‘missing’ electricity or generators and runs fully on solar energy. At night the open dining room is filled with candles creating a romantic and private feeling. The nearby crater lake can be used for relaxing afternoon swims or sunbathing which allows you to forget entirely about the stresses of the real world. With Kibale Forest National Park only 45 minutes away and Queen Elizabeth National Park also in close range, Ndali Lodge represents a great stopover for people visiting these areas.
PRIMATE LODGE
Kibale Forest N.P – Fort Portal
Primate Lodge offers several variations of accommodation including 8 safari tents which gives camping a whole different meaning with their queen-sized beds and en suite bathrooms, 7 intimate forest cottages with private verandahs, and a sky tree house. The sky tree house particularly is often visited by forest elephants and will make you think of the adventures we all dreamed about as children. Would you like to simply relax in comfortable large chairs or pillows while listening to the sound of the forest and watching red-tailed monkeys playing around in the trees? The lounge of the Primate Lodge is the perfect place to do so. A mid-range lodge, but good value.
SEMLIKI SAFARI LODGE
Nestled in the mystical Wasa River Valley is the intimate and luxurious Semliki Safari Lodge. The 8 rooms are tented with large four-poster beds, Persian carpets, and en-suite bathrooms. At night you can hear the animals moving around you… particularly the leopard’s harsh sawing as it hunts baboons. There is a great swimming pool area and the fresh food is renowned as some of the best in Uganda. You can go for a boat ride on Lake Albert in search of the endangered Shoebill and enjoy open-vehicle game drives. There are miles of amazing trails cut through the riverine forests that crisscross the savanna – perfect for guided walking. They helped develop the Semliki Chimpanzee Research Project – so have a chat with the chimp researcher and learn about evolution and bipedalism. Staying at Semliki is like stepping back in time. It evokes the spirit of the old explorers, piques curiosity, and inspires discovery.
Safari Accommodation in Uganda
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
APOKA SAFARI LODGE
Everything at Apoka is handmade by local craftsmen, everything is large and capacious. 10 expansive rooms with natural canvas walls surround a rocky kopje with endless views. Inside sitting rooms and private verandas provide plenty of places to relax, read, and sprawl. Big hand-hewn beds with soft duvets are draped with mosquito nets, hand-woven woolen carpets… you may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing. Step outside to a sheltered terrace and slip into your outdoor stone bathtub. The swimming pool – deep and cool – has been carved out of the big rock. This is the kind of pool that makes you want to jump in, splashing and yelling, feeling like a kid again. Do you want to stride out across the savanna and walk with zebras? Spend time in a Karamojong village learning about their traditional way of life. Enjoy a sundowner in the arms of a massive fig tree? Come to Kidepo…
Kidepo savannah lodge
On the edge of one of the most beautiful national parks in Uganda…
Our latest and most remote property of Nature Lodges, Kidepo Savannah Lodge does justice to this wildlife gem which has received several international awards as one of the greatest Parks of Africa. Being just 500 mt away from Kalokudo gate, the lodge is a stone’s throw from the park. It offers unparalleled vistas of the expansive Narus Valley, Mount Morungole, and the distant mountain ranges which form the border with Southern Sudan.
The lodge is inspired by the savannah surroundings, the grasslands, rocky outcrops, and … the karamajong, the tribe with their typical manyattas and colorful blankets.
The lodge had to blend in rather than stick out, so we opted for a choice between the more luxurious self-contained safari tents and comfortable lazy camping tents.
Safari Accommodation in Uganda
MIHINGO LODGE
The luxury safari tents covered by a thatched roof and built on a wooden deck featuring en suite bathrooms make Mihingo Lodge a very special retreat. The 10 tented rooms are situated in diverse environments and are placed in different corners of the property which ensures tranquility and privacy. The infinity pool is a special feature of this lodge as it seems to disappear into the countryside below, adding a special feeling to your swimming experience. Late afternoons can be spent watching a variety of wildlife coming together at the nearby water hole while the sun disappears in the vast landscapes of the Lake Mburo National Park. Spotting zebras, buffalos, hippos, or leopards during an exciting game drive, horse-back safari or boat tour are only a few of the activities offered by the environmentally friendly Mihingo Lodge and Mburo National Park. Safari Accommodation in Uganda
Kigambira safari lodge
A fusion of rustic African & luxury
Kigambira Safari Lodge is a luxury eco–lodge built in the Southern part of Lake Mburo National Park; Uganda’s smallest park. Nestled between Lake Kigambira and the Rubanga Forest, the location provides the ideal base for the adventurous traveler with a range of activities from game drives & boat trips on Lake Mburo, to exhilarating hikes through the low canopied forest or the looping trail around Lake Kigambira.
Mburo safari eco-lodge
Mburo Safari Lodge is a luxury and eco-friendly lodge in Lake Mburo National Park. Relax in one of our luxurious cottages, all raised on a wooden platform and covered by a grass-thatched roof, perfectly blending with the natural environment, stylishly and thoughtfully designed for your absolute comfort, convenience, and pleasure. All cottages have a private balcony with a great view and chances to see the wildlife of Lake Mburo. The luxury cottages are spacious, very comfortable, and equipped with a clean private bathroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet. Comfortable king-sized beds with mosquito nets will make sure you have a perfect night. Safari Accommodation in Uganda
Safari Lodges in MURCHISON FALLS National Park
BAKERS LODGE
The newest lodge in this park is our personal favorite: Bakers Lodge, with 10 safari tents. Each of the individual cottages is raised from the ground on supporting pillars and has its deck overlooking the river. Privacy is guaranteed but with a beautiful view. The main area offers a lounge, restaurant, and bar with a 180-degree river view. Enjoy their great menu that changes daily or have a sundowner drink on the deck while enjoying the sounds of nature. It’s a carefully constructed lodge, with attention-to-detail, and excellent service levels. The ideal base to explore Murchison Falls, National Park.
PAARA SAFARI LODGE
Paraa Safari Lodge is the largest within Murchison Falls National Park. It is well located for the game and has 54 rooms, all of which have en suite bathrooms and mosquito nets. For those looking for more luxury, there are suites available and a luxury private cottage as well as safari tents built with great views over the Nile. Staying at Paraa will remind you of the Africa of old. A classic safari experience with a modern touch. The lodge has a large swimming pool looking out over the Nile with a bar right in the water. The meals at the lodge are generally served as a buffet. Even though the lodge is large it certainly is a little piece of heaven in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park and provides a good standard of service. Safari Accommodation in Uganda
Safari Accommodation in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National game park.
ISHASHA WILDERNESS CAMP
You will be staying in one of 10 large tented rooms with en suite bathroom surrounded by forest and in close range to the river, complete with hot water bush shower. The main building allows you to have your dinner either under a cool thatched roof or on the shaded area by the river. The evenings can be spent around the fireplace where you can exchange your exciting and adventurous stories about the happenings of the day or simply enjoy a relaxing sundowner. There is an eco-friendly approach to everything which is the reason why the solar-powered outlets are limited to the central lodge area. But don’t worry about having to sacrifice anything… most requirements are catered for here. The Ishasha Community Uplift Group provides you with fulfilling community visits that will broaden your knowledge of the local inhabitants. We highly recommend the Camp as the best in the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth. Safari Accommodation in Uganda
KATARA LODGE
The 8 cottages at Katara Lodge have been built with the help of the community. Local products have been used to build the large cottages from where Queen Elizabeth National Park can be viewed. The 8 cottages’ movable beds allow for romantic and peaceful nights under the stars on the veranda. In addition, the large refreshing rain shower allows you to recharge your energy after a long day in the wilderness. An additional bedroom and sitting area are included in the slightly larger family cottage. The swing couch and hammocks make it an ideal place for the entire family to hang out and discuss the happenings of the day. Next to the pool, you are welcome to pick a book from the lodge library which you can enjoy reading in one of the sitting areas or the comfortable hammocks.
KYAMBURA GORGE LODGE
The 8 bands are situated on a hilltop creating a fabulous view surrounding this small but luxurious lodge. The bands include an en suite bathroom and large beds. They reflect the local architectural style by making use of brick/timber walls in combination with iron sheets or thatch roofs. The lodge is built out of an old coffee store, and one can call a stay at this lodge a journey back in time. Although the original structure has been mostly retained after the restoration, one will not have to sacrifice anything, as luxurious features have been added which will make your stay a unique experience. Would you like to do more than simply track chimps, leopards, lions, hippos, etc.? You will be able to discover the hidden wetlands, visit the busy beehives, kick around a ball with the locals at Omumashaka playground or simply seek total relaxation through the different massages available at the lodge.
MWEYA SAFARI LODGE
Mweya Safari Lodge is a large lodge offering standard rooms, deluxe rooms, suites, and a variety of cottages, all of which have en suite bathrooms and a balcony. The cottages will cater to the needs of most looking for more spacious and luxurious accommodation. Especially the presidential and queens cottage, which offers more intimacy and exclusivity. You will be able to spot different animals bathing in the Kazinga Channel while enjoying a dip in the large swimming pool overlooking the valley. After a long day out tracking wildlife, the verandah of the safari-themed Tembo Bar is the perfect place to enjoy an ice-cold drink while peering over Lake Edward during the sunset. Spotting hippos on a water safari, watching lions on the hunt, enjoying a romantic bush breakfast, or spotting animals from a hot-air balloon are only a few of the activities available in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Important Points About Camping or Lodging
No matter where you plan to stay if it is in a hotel/lodge or a campsite, you should always plan your trip and book as early as possible. Lodges and campsites inside the parks book up very quickly while hotels outside the parks you have a little more time with in regards to planning. In busy parks such as Yellowstone, you should consider making your reservations several months in advance.
Keep a watch out for early bird specials! Often the parks and towns nearby will offer specials if you visit early in the year. This is great because it is a less populated time of the year and you can save a few extra pennies.
If you do not book your hotels in advance and decide to say, “wing it”, do some drive-bys of hotels and inquire to them about room availability. If you find that multiple hotels have room availability, you have a chance of getting a discount. Compare the prices, visit some rooms, and request at least 10% off.
If You Will Arrive Late
If you know you will be arriving late at a hotel, call in advance and let them know. This can help avoid any confusion and ensure that they don’t give your room away! This is extremely important if you will be entering areas where choices are slim and the next down is a distance away.
For any inquiries about arranging a road trip through Uganda, feel free to contact info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com
