Here are some of our top picks for accommodations in Uganda.
Phenicia Hotel (Entebbe)
The staff is eager to please, which was a nice introduction to Ugandan hospitality, however the standard room came with many little problems. The plus side is the room was affordable (very budget), the property was quiet, and the airport transfer was handled without a hitch. If you are going to stay here, be sure to inquire about the executive rooms, which look newer, cost only about $15 more per night, and will probably have more reliable fixtures, etc. Most travelers will be much better served staying at The Boma, which like Phenicia, is only about 10 minutes away from the airport, a huge relief after hours and hours of airports and flying.
Kampala Serena Hotel (Kampala)
This is the nicest hotel in the Kampala/Entebbe downtown area. The Kampala Serena Hotel is urban, central, and 5-star, with a range of rooms from standard to presidential suites. The deluxe room are excellent. While the comparable priced executive rooms are newer, the deluxe rooms had a better vibe and atmosphere. Overall the hotel presents a luxury oasis in the middle of the city. Plan about a 1.5 hour transfer however from the airport. Demanding travelers will probably want to consider a stay at one or the other Serena properties.
Lake Victoria Serena Hotel (Kampala)
This sister hotel, meanwhile, is about 1 hour away from the airport and is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria. There are no elevators, and the property is home to a significant golf course and private real estate development. Depending on your tastes, that could dampen the overall experience. It is certainly not a quaint boutique hotel. But it has all the amenities, offers views of the lake (including optional boat excursions for fishing, etc. if time were to allow), is in the countryside versus the city, and provides usual high Serena standards of service.
Budongo Eco Lodge (Murchison National Park)
While it was an attractive location surrounded by jungle, and the staff tries hard to please, this budget lodge features rooms that are very basic (poor lighting, etc.) and more open to uninvited insects than most discerning travelers would prefer.
Paraa Safari Lodge (Murchison National Park)
Enjoying an outstanding location on the north bank, the lodge affords sweeping views over the park. The lodge is your classic 3+/4-star African lodge with average rooms however the staff was very pleasant, with the public facilities quite nice and well-maintained. It’s also very close to the ferry landing, about5-10 minutes away.
Baker’s Lodge (Murchison National Park)
This is a luxury permanent tented camp, arriving in time for lunch. Bakers tented units are exquisite and the lodge enjoys a privileged location right on the Nile’s banks. The lodge provides fantastic food and the swimming pool provides a welcome retreat from the heat.
Kyaninga Lodge (Fort Portal)
This is an intriguing high-end choice for active adventure travelers. The lodge overlooks a beautiful crater lake, in which you can swim, kayak, or hike around. We ate lunch here, enjoying more of the expansive views of nearby mountains and pretty, rural countryside. All these views can be enjoyed in the roomy private chalets of the lodge.
Primate Lodge (Kibale Forest National Park)
Kibale’s principal edge is the location, just 3-minute walk to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation. Accommodation options include luxury forest cottages, the mid-level Forest Cottages or for the more adventurous guest the Sky Tree house.
Ndali Lodge (Fort Portal)
This is probably the premier property to enjoy in the general Fort Portal zone. Gorgeous views, fantastic coffee and grounds, and much more.
Simba Safari Lodge
I would not recommend the extremely budget Simba Lodge except for travelers looking for the cheapest of lodging in the area or a campsite (camping is permitted).
Mweya Safari lodge
This is a huge 4-star African lodge with commanding views of the channel, including distant wildlife views right from the room.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Ishasha)
This is a lovely and tranquil high-end property.
Sanctuary Lodge and Bwindi Lodge (Bwindi)
The more expensive Sanctuary offers unique permanent tented chalets while the slightly less expensive Bwindi is closer to the river and offers lodge chalets. Uniquely, Bwindi Lodge includes a nice variety of bonus inclusions during your stay, including drinks, laundry, and massage.
Mahogany Springs Lodge (Bwindi)
This is lodge in the Buhoma, Northern side of Bwindi, located on its own private section of the Munyanga River, and very close to the ranger station where travelers start their trek. Mahogany Springs offers high standards of service, privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting.
Mihingo Lodge (Lake Mburo National Park)
This is a peaceful and exclusive retreat, situated in Lake Mburo National Park. It features twelve luxury tented chalets which are built on wooden platforms. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent equipped with en-suite bathrooms with stunning views. Each room is nestled on a private piece of the lodge’s property, enabling complete seclusion. The main dining area is a large thatched structure built of rocks. Below the dining area, an infinity swimming pool stretches out from the rocks. From the dining and pool area, guests can enjoy the view of a westward oriented valley and its stunning evening sunsets over Lake Mburo National Park. Being perched higher up, on an expansive rocky outcrop, the units catch a very pleasant cool breeze despite the heat.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK – at extra charge:
- Mountain bike safari; great rides (with or without guide) are available in the valley or in the swamp areas with lots of zebras, topis and waterbucks. Price from US $40 per person.
- Horseback safari; explore the surroundings on the back of a horse, a peaceful and relaxing way to get close to the wildlife. Price from US $50 per person
- Bush breakfast; start the day with a delicious, private breakfast before going on guided bush walk. Price from US $60 per person
- Cultural walk to learn more about the Bahima culture
- Sundowners on the rocks; watching the sun go down and listening to hyenas calling in the valley below is a lovely way to end a day full of excitement
- Night game drive in search of leopards, hyenas and other nocturnal animals. Price from US $25 per person
- Enjoying a relaxing massage; a perfect way to unwind after a busy safari or a long flight! Price from US $20 per person
All of our Uganda and Rwanda safaris are custom and private, you can start them any day, and tailor them to the length of time you have available to travel, from 3-14 days. We can help travelers with mid-range and luxury lodging or you can mix and match. Contact us >> for more information or for quotes, or visit our Uganda/Rwanda >> page for trip ideas too. The shorter 3-5 day trips are excellent extensions to a Tanzania or Kenya safari, while a longer 8-14 day tour would be an excellent trip all on its own.