11 Beautiful Places to Stay in Uganda

Can you experience sophisticated luxury in a rainforest? Yes, at this lodge you certainly can – as well as enjoying views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the Great Rift Valley, two of Africa’s most spectacular natural landmarks. From your stone cottage, you can venture into the forest on a guided walk, searching for birds, butterflies and giant, centuries-old trees, or visit a local village to learn about the amazing relationship the people have with their forest home. You can also of course trek up into the mountains to see the famous mountain gorillas – an experience you will never forget.

Best Lodges in Murchison Falls

Nile Safari Lodge takes its time from the mighty river that flows through Murchison Falls National Park, where this family-owned ecolodge is located. Built entirely of organic materials, it blends in beautifully with its surroundings – and yet still offers exceptional river views from every room. You can even indulge in a bubble bath in your room while you gaze out over the Nile. From the lodge, you can explore the area, including visiting the famous (and dramatic) falls, and ticking off a great many species of African wildlife from your must-see list. You can even walk in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway; the famous author once survived a plane crash nearby.

Also in Murchison Falls National Park, Bakers Lodge is named for Samuel Baker, the first European explorer to view the remarkable sight of the Nile River being forced between a narrow gap in the rocks and tumbling over a precipice. Stylish and charming, this lodge sits right on the riverbank, which guarantees wonderful views, plus the chance to view the wildlife and birds which are drawn to the water. Activity options include boat excursions on the Nile as well savannah game drives and tracking wild chimpanzees in the nearby Budongo Forest. This is your chance to become a modern-day explorer!

Best Lodges in Entebbe

Hotel No.5 is one of Uganda’s top boutique hotels. Featuring a spa and wellness center, as well as a restaurant and bar, its location in Entebbe (near Uganda’s main airport) makes it the perfect place to begin or end your Uganda safari. This chic boutique hotel effortlessly blends a warm Ugandan welcome with style and luxury and offers a tranquil, leafy sanctuary in which to rejuvenate after your international flight or prepare yourself for a return home after your adventures. Our favorite feature is the swimming pool – very refreshing indeed on a tropical afternoon!

Best Lodges in Kibale

If your Ugandan itinerary includes the Crater Lakes region (and it really should), then you might want to check out this charming country house. Ideally situated for excursions to Kibale Forest (chimp trekking, anyone?) or Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (for birding without equal), Ndali Lodge also offers closer-to-home delights. These include the chance to stroll around the working farm and revel in the heady fragrance of the vanilla processing plant, or take a guided walk to the lovely Muhoma Falls. You can also explore local banana plantations, and wander through misty valleys in search of birds and butterflies.

It’s hard to imagine a more awesome setting for a luxury lodge: Kyaninga Lodge sits between a crater lake and the towering Rwenzori Mountains. This is a breathtakingly beautiful part of Uganda, with mist-shrouded mountains, lush forests and deep, mysterious lakes. Add in a very luxurious lodge, and you have all the ingredients for romance. On cooler evenings, you can snuggle up closer to the fireplace, or enjoy a soak in your claw-footed bath. Oh, and needless to say, the morning coffee is outstanding!

Best Lodges in Jinja

A unique opportunity to spend time on an island in the midst of the mighty Nile… Kalagala Island is about 15 miles downstream from the source of the Nile at Jinja. As the name of the lodge suggests, the waters surrounding the island are anything but tranquil! From your luxury suite, elevated above the river on huge granite boulders, you can remarkable views of the foaming rapids, with the sound of rushing water always audible. Stroll along the raised wooden walkways to the restaurant or bar, or get to know the Nile a whole lot better on a white-water rafting expedition.

Best Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park