Luxury Lodges in Uganda: 6 Best Safari Lodges in Uganda
This guide to the best luxury lodges in Uganda will share where to stay in the country.
One of my favorite aspects of a luxury safari is experiencing the unique accommodations along the way. On my recent ten-day trip to Uganda, I stayed in five different locations, trying out some of the top hotels in the area.
This guide includes a luxury tree house, a resort known for gorilla visitors, and one of my top hotels I’ve ever stayed in. Keep reading for pictures and descriptions of the top lodges in Uganda.
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1. Nile Safari Lodge
Location
Murchison Falls National Park – The Nile Safari Lodge is located near Murchison Falls, which is a giant waterfall in the Nile River.
The lodge is on the bank of the river with amazing water views and wildlife viewing opportunities. In addition, the national park is home to safari animals, making for great game drive opportunities.
Amenities
Infinity pool with swim up bar, bar with lounge, multiple fire pits, stargazing bed, river boat for Nile cruises
Getting Here
Fly into Pakuba airstrip, followed by a one-hour drive to the resort
Why Stay Here
This isn’t only one of the best luxury lodges in Uganda but is one of the best luxury lodges in the world. On my recent group trip with many experienced (and bougie) travelers, the consensus was that this is one of the top safari lodges on the continent and is worth a visit to Murchison falls simply to stay at the resort.
What made it so great? From the moment you step foot in the resort, the level of service is above and beyond. After each activity, we were welcomed home with fresh juice, a cold towel, and many smiling faces.
Eat each meal, the dining staff accommodated all dietary restrictions and requests. In the morning, the staff provided a wakeup call with delicious specialty coffee drinks. I never expected to have an oat milk cappuccino in the middle of the bush!
In addition to amazing service, the grounds and buildings at this resort are stunning. The rooms are huge, at least 1000 square feet.
There is both an indoor and outdoor shower, and a freestanding tub overlooking the river. The common areas are equally beautiful with a hand-woven thatch roof and décor that is art in itself.
I’ll give you a spoiler, this was my favorite lodge on this list, but keep reading for other great places to stay.
Keep This in Mind
Honestly, there aren’t really any downsides to this resort. I will mention that there isn’t any air conditioning, but the fans and cool nighttime temperatures make this a non-issue.
Overall Rating
Service: 5/5
Rooms: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 4/5
Amenities: 5/5
Activities: 4/5
Total: 23/25
2. Kyaninga Lodge
Location
Fort Portal – The Kyaninga Lodge is a short drive from the town of Fort Portal, which is the closest town to Kibale National Park. Kibale is a popular destination for chimpanzee trekking.
Amenities
Pool, bar and lounge, crater walk path, dock with paddleboards and boats
Getting Here
Fly into Kasese airstrip, followed by a two hour drive to the resort
Why Stay Here
This lodge is worth staying at for the view alone. It sits atop a large crater lake with views of the water, surrounding farmland, and mountains.
The views are visible from everywhere at the resort including the large deck, pool area, dining room, and your private balcony.
Each room is a standalone cabin, with a king bed, sitting area, and large bathroom. The design of the resort is very rustic, with log cabin walls and natural finishes.
The crater walk is an easy three-mile loop that follows the edge of the crater and passes through the local village. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and prepare for any larger hikes on your trip.
Keep This in Mind
Since this resort is treehouse-style, there are a ton of steps. From our room to the dining room, there were about 200 steps, leaving me a bit winded.
As with the other resorts in Uganda, there is no air conditioning in the rooms. However, with the high elevation at this resort, the temperatures remain comfortable.
In addition, there is no Wi-Fi in the rooms, but it is a good way to disconnect.
Overall Rating
Service: 3/5
Rooms: 3/5
Food & Beverage: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Activities: 3/5
Total: 17/25
3. Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Location
Queen Elizabeth National Park – This lodge is located along the Ishasha River, inside of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. This national park is one of the most popular destinations in Uganda for game drives, and is home to the famous tree climbing lions.
Amenities
Fire pit, bar
Getting Here
Fly into Kasese airstrip, followed by a two hour drive to the resort
Why Stay Here
Ishasha is what I would consider glamping. It lacks some of the luxuries of other resorts on this list, but you certainly are not roughing it.
Each permanent canvas tent has a patio, bedroom, and large bathroom. There is running cold water for washing your hands, and a thermos for hot water and drinking water.
There is something very special about falling asleep with African wildlife only a thin piece of canvas away. Throughout the night, you will be able to hear the sounds of nearby hippos, monkeys, and birds.
Keep This in Mind
As I mentioned, this is more like camping than any of the other resorts on the list. There is no air conditioning, Wi-Fi, heat, or hot water.
Hot water for showers is available on request, which will be delivered to your room for a 5-minute rinse.
I also need to mention that the bugs are pretty bad. Although there is a bug net around the bed, I noticed many trapped inside that would buzz around us at night.
Overall Rating
Service: 3/5
Rooms: 2/5
Food & Beverage: 3/5
Amenities: 2/5
Activities: 4/5
Total: 14/25
4. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Location
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – The GFC is in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the most popular tourist destination in all of Uganda. Bwindi is famous for gorilla trekking, and also has a vibrant community with opportunities to interact with local charities and tribes.
Amenities
Fire pit, bar and lounge, spa, gift shop
Getting Here
Fly into Kihihi airstrip, followed by a one-hour drive to the resort
Why Stay Here
This was definitely my second favorite resort on the trip. The staff is super friendly and helpful. They helped us prepare for gorilla trekking by outfitting us with extra gear, packing a boxed lunch, and providing helpful tips.
After the treks, they would welcome us back with hot food on request. Before leaving the resort, they cleaned all of our laundry with a few hour turnaround and cleaned our muddy hiking shoes to look brand new.
In addition to the amazing service, the grounds and rooms are stunning. The entire area is lush, with the potential for gorillas to wander into camp.
The rooms are beautiful permanent tents, with a separate bedroom and bathroom. The bathroom has a walk-in shower, standalone tub, and plentiful hot water.
Keep This in Mind
There are no concerns with this resort, besides the typical reminder that there is no air conditioning.
Overall Rating
Service: 4/5
Rooms: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 4/5
Amenities: 3/5
Activities: 5/5
Total: 21/25
5. Protea Entebbe
Location
Entebbe – The Protea is a quick five-minute drive from the international airport (EBB), making it great for a one-night stay on your way in or out of the country.
Amenities
Pool, gym, restaurant, bar, gift shop
Why Stay Here
This hotel barely belons on a list of the best luxury lodges in Uganda. It really is not luxurious at all. However, it is in an amazing location near the Entebbe airport.
If you need to spend a night near the airport on your way in or out of the country, this is the best place to do so.
The hotel is clean, safe, and reasonably priced. It’s also owned by Marriott, so you can earn and redeem points for your stay.
Keep This in Mind
As mentioned above, this is not a luxury resort. Don’t expect 5 star service or amenities, simply a safe place to get some sleep.
Overall Rating
Service: 2/5
Rooms: 1/5
Food & Beverage: 2/5
Amenities: 3/5
Activities: 0/5
Total: 8/25
The Verdict: The Top Luxury Lodge in Uganda
All in all, you cannot go wrong with any of the luxury resorts on this list. If you choose to stay at one place, it should absolutely be the Nile Safari Lodge.
You will not be disappointed with the luxurious rooms, beautiful grounds, and incredible service.
For more Uganda travel tips, check out my 10-day itinerary and travel guide.
Related Posts:
- Planning A Trip To Uganda | Complete Uganda Travel Blog
- Ultimate Uganda Packing List – What To Wear In Uganda On Safari
- Three Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Itinerary And Adventure Guide
- Guide To Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda – How To Prepare And What To Expect
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