Athul LalMumbai: The FAM trip organised by Uganda Tourism Board in connection with Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2020 held in February stood a class apart for the accommodation that was provided. For those who are planning a visit to Uganda, here are some of the options for your stay
CRATER SAFARI LODGE
Overlooking the second largest crater lake in Uganda, Crater Safari Lodge would be a fine choice for those planning to do Chimp trekking at Kibale National Park. Around 22 km from Fort Portal town, the lodge offers 21 well-appointed rooms. To enjoy the stunning view of the crater lake, do check in to one of the 11 deluxe thatched chalets with expansive wooden balconies. For a group, the 10-pool facing standard cabana rooms would be fine. Family chalet has inter-connecting rooms with two double beds and four single beds in total. If needed, deluxe chalets have space for an extra bed. Besides the basic amenities, all rooms have mosquito nets, outdoor furniture, outdoor dining area, and bedside tables with lamps. Being a safari lodge, which is operating completely on solar energy, power supply is a luxury. To charge mobiles and laptops, guests will have to use the common facility at the lounge. But, I am sure that would not in any way hamper your comfort at this lodging facility.
www.crater-safari-lodge.com
NDALI LODGE
Perhaps, the finest luxury property in Fort Portal, Ndali Lodge provides a perfect base from which to visit Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project that is home to a variety of monkeys and other mammals. Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are within easy driving distance from the property. The lodge is also the favourite weekend retreat for many families and professionals in Kampala with its facilities for yoga, sauna and massages. It also provides local guides for walks around the 1000 acre farm and the Ndali Vanilla processing plant or to the nearby Muhoma Falls.
www.ndalilodge.com
EMBURARA FARM LODGE AND CONFERENCE CENTRE
An excellent option for honeymoon and family retreats, Emburara Farm Lodge offers a luxury stay in the wild. The property derives its name from a local tall grass called Emburara (Hyperemia ruffa) which the long-horned Ankole cow keepers treasure as the best fodder for their cows as it boosts the fat content of the milk thus enabling the production of high grade cow ghee. Mbarara district, where the lodge is located, is actually believed to have picked its name from Emburara grass that used to cover the whole area. Located 14 km away from Mbarara city centre, the property is considered a perfect base to explore the famous national parks and attractions situated in South Western Uganda.
www.emburarafarmlodge.com
KIKORONGO SAFARI LODGE
This luxury tented camp is another option for stay while you explore Queen Elizabeth National Park. The cottages at the edge of the rift valley offer scenic views of QENP. The cottages are thatched with local grass presenting a cool atmosphere suitable for relaxation while on a safari. As all tents are set up on top of the hill, guests should ascend dozens of steps, paved with loose pebbles, to reach their rooms. Hence, the property is not suited for elderly people.
www.kikorongosafarilodge.com
KASENYI SAFARI CAMP
Located close to Lake Bunyampaka in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the property has eight tents, set up on elevated platforms, with spacious living areas and private decks. It has an elevated dining structure that is meticulously thatched. Many animals frequent the camp during day and at night. Guests can spot lions, hippo, leopard, buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, kob, hyena and wart hog during the stay.
www.kasenyisafaricamp.com
ARCADIA LODGE, LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Located inside the Lake Mburo National Park, this safari lodge offers stunning views of Lake Mburo. An excellent option for those who are planning to explore the wildnerness of the national park. Since the cottages are located far from each other, guests can enjoy the quietitude of the region at its best, especially during nights. For groups, who arrive in the park for an evening game drive, the lodge can be an excellent option for your lunch. The wooden balcony above the restaurant gives the stunning view of the Lake Mburo. The property has a modern fleet of vehicles for transportation of guests in or around town and tourist vehicles for safaris.
www.arcadialodges.com
SPEKE RESORT MUNYONYO AND MUNYONYO COMMONWEALTH RESORT
Planning a destination wedding or an annual convention, Speke Resort Munyonyo at Kampala would be an excellent choice. The 90-acre integrated resort property can host family celebrations to grand ballroom galas at its lakefront, ballroom and marquee wedding venues. Each venue is unique in its own way and can be set up to suit your particular needs and requirements. For accommodation, the resort has presidential suites, presidential cottages, executive rooms, superior rooms with beautiful views of either Lake Victoria or the tropical garden.
www.spekeresort.com
KYANGABI CRATER RESORT
Located in the Rubirizi district in Western Uganda, the property borders Queen Elizabeth National Park and hence, it offers a panoramic view of the country’s most popular national park from the rooms as well as the restaurant. The property has double, twin and family rooms; two conference halls; bar and restaurant that serves both local and continental dishes.
www.kyangabicrater.com
