These five tourist lodges are Uganda's best kept secret

The people are famously known for being friendly to outsiders, and of course, it is home to the hottest ladies north of Rwanda. Ahem.

The point to be made is Uganda is worth visiting both for outsiders and Ugandans themselves. Having said that, Uganda has quite a big number of tourist lodges, most of which are household names.

However, these five tourist lodges are Uganda's best-kept secret:

Crater Safari Lodge

Crater Safari Lodge Pulse

Kibale National Park in southern Uganda protects a swath of lush, misty tropical rainforest. A few minutes’ drive from its border is Crater Safari Lodge, a nine-cottage property on the banks of Nyinabulitwa Crater Lake. There’s a mobile spa facility and individually designed furniture, and each room has its own spectacular view of the pristine lake.

Wildwaters Lodge

Wildwaters lodge Pulse

From the moment you step onto the small boat on the western bank of the Nile River just outside Jinja (30 minutes away), you will know that an adventure vacation of a lifetime is about to unfold at Wildwaters Lodge.

As the name suggests, the accommodation offers a front row seat to the impressive rapids of the Nile. Nestled within a gorgeous six-hectare riverine forest on a private island are 10 charming cottages built of canvas, stone, and thatch, constructed upon wooden stilts to offer outstanding views.

An added benefit is that the island is part of a wild reserve, a protected conservation area that encompasses a group of unique islands in the river.

Apoka Safari Lodge

Apoka Safari Lodge Pulse

Kidepo Valley National Park inhabits Uganda’s northernmost tip, a short distance from South Sudan and Kenya. This is the safari vacation you’ve always pictured: a dry, fawn-colored landscape dotted with Tim Burton–esque acacia shrubs and fat Kigelia trees, and the roar of lions rolling in from distant hills. Apoka Safari Lodge is a shocking oasis of luxury in the middle of the rugged savannah; there’s a stunning open-air main lodge, a curated handicraft shop, and even a luxe swimming pool, not to mention 10 handsome cottages with private terraces and outdoor stone baths. Come for the remoteness; on three half-day game drives, my group encountered elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions—and zero other jeeps

Kyaninga Lodge

Kyaninga Lodge Pulse

Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the Rwenzori Mountains beyond, Kyaninga Lodge is the spectacular result of one man’s vision and six years of unwavering commitment to creating an experience of Africa’s beauty unlike anything else.

You can experience the beauty and romance of this unexplored region, while staying in the height of luxury and elegance. Nine exclusive cottages made from hand carved logs, superb dining, and a wealth of adventures await.

Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge

Kiho Safari Lodge Pulse

Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge is a gem in all conceivable aspects. The new lodge, which opened to tourists in August, is located on Bugarama hill in Ruhija sector. This sector is the highest point of Bwindi Forest at an altitude of more than 8,200 feet, and Bugarama Hill, on which the lodge sits, also happens to be one of the highest peak of the sector at an altitude of more than 8,400 feet above sea level.

This is, therefore, the coldest part of the National Park, averaging at 12 degrees Celsius, which explains the ever present cloudy mist on top of Bugarama hill, where the lodge sits.

Because the lodge is located on one of the highest peaks in Bwindi, tourists staying here get to see the best views of forested ridges of Bwindi, stretching from Mugahinga mountains of Kisoro all the way to the Virunga mountains in the Congo.

The hotel was designed in such a way that visitors would fully soak in the elements. The exceptionally high ceilings, humongous doors and expansive hallways, ensure constant supply of the airflow in the main building, where tourists dine and hang around.

The Kiho lounge Pulse

Because of the thick forest and the misty-rainy weather here, daytime tends to be darker than usual. So natural light had to be designed in the property. There is a lot of transparent roofs, pergolas and wide, sliding glass walls to let in as much light and air as possible.

Fireplaces are everywhere because the weather is extremely cold. They were designed in the blueprint; the lounge, the restaurant, the bar, even in the bedrooms.

Worthy of Note

Source of the Nile Hotel

Source of the Nile Hotel Pulse

Located just 5 minutes from the source of the great River Nile, in Jinja, Source of the Nile Hotel is fancy and luxurious. The gardens and terraces of the Hotel offer the best views of the calm waters of the Nile between the source and the Owen Falls Dam. It is the easiest to access and the most pocket friendly of the lot. A night at this Hotel will help you soak in the intense night culture of Jinja, and the pristine breeze of the Nile.

These five tourist lodges are Uganda's best kept secret

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