Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a land of diverse landscapes and an unparalleled richness of wildlife. The country boasts an impressive number of national parks and wildlife reserves, making it a prime destination for safari-goers and nature enthusiasts.
Equally impressive are the camps and lodges scattered across these protected areas, offering comfort and luxury amidst the wilderness. These accommodations have been thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into their natural environments and offer visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Uganda’s wilderness.
Here are the best camps and lodges in Uganda in no particular order.
Bwindi Lodge
Bwindi Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge located in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda. The lodge is known for its close proximity to the mountain gorillas living within the national park, making it an ideal base for gorilla trekking, a popular tourist activity.
Bwindi Lodge is situated on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lodge overlooks the primeval Bwindi forest and offers stunning views.
The lodge is designed to blend in with the surrounding environment, with the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. The main building features a comfortable lounge, bar, and dining area. With only 8 bandas (cottages), Bwindi Lodge maintains an intimate, exclusive, and serene atmosphere.
Each banda at Bwindi Lodge has a private terrace that offers superb views of the forest. The bandas are spacious, with large, comfortable beds, and private bathrooms. The décor is a mix of traditional Ugandan style and modern comfort.
The lodge has a spa, offering massages and other treatments, perfect for relaxation after a day of gorilla trekking. There’s also a cozy fireside area for guests to enjoy drinks and share their day’s experiences.
The main activity at Bwindi Lodge is gorilla trekking, with the lodge providing easy access to the starting points of the treks. The lodge can arrange the treks, which are led by experienced local guides. Guests may also explore bird watching, nature walks, and community visits to the local Batwa Pygmy community.
Visitors often praise the lodge’s beautiful setting, the warm hospitality of the staff, the excellent food, and, of course, the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking.
Bwindi Lodge can be reached by road or air. There are scheduled domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the lodge. The drive from Kampala/Entebbe takes about 9-10 hours.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Kyambura Gorge Lodge, also known as Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge, is a stylish safari lodge located near the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda.
Situated on the eastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the lodge boasts sweeping views of the rolling savannah, the distant Mountains of the Moon and the sunken Kyambura Gorge.
The lodge has been constructed using local materials and has been designed to blend with its surroundings. Once a former coffee processing plant, the main building has been beautifully restored to house a stylish lounge, dining area, and bar with glass doors opening onto a series of sun-drenched decks.
The lodge comprises eight spacious and luxuriously appointed bandas (cottages). Each banda features a modern en-suite bathroom and an individual balcony where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the park. The lodge also features a saltwater swimming pool, a spa, and WiFi in common areas.
In addition to the stunning wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge Lodge offers guests the chance to track wild chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge. Other activities include game drives, boat trips on the Kazinga Channel to view hippos and birds, guided walks in the gorge, and visits to local communities supported by the lodge’s community projects.
The lodge can be reached by both road and air. The drive from Kampala or Entebbe can take about 6-7 hours. Regular scheduled flights are available from Entebbe to Mweya or Kasese, followed by a short drive to the lodge.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is a luxury lodge located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. It is well known for its unique high-altitude location and its close proximity to the habitat of mountain gorillas.
The lodge is situated in Nkuringo, on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It’s the highest lodge in Uganda, nestled at over 2,000m above sea level, offering stunning views of the forest, volcanoes, and the Great Rift Valley.
Built of local volcanic stones, the lodge exudes a warm, rustic charm while providing modern luxury comforts. The main lodge features a spacious, inviting lounge area complete with a fireplace, plush sofas, and a well-stocked bar. The ambience is one of serene tranquility and natural beauty.
The lodge features 8 private cottages (2 of which are double cottages for families), each with its own large sitting room complete with a fireplace, a spacious bedroom, and en-suite bathroom. Each cottage also has a private veranda offering stunning views. The lodge has a central dining area where delicious meals are served.
The main activity at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is gorilla tracking. The lodge serves as an excellent base for this as it’s located very close to the starting point for the gorilla treks. In addition, guests can enjoy guided nature walks, bird watching, and cultural visits to the local community.
The lodge can be reached by both road and air. A drive from Kampala or Entebbe can take about 9-10 hours. By air, one can fly from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the lodge.
Apoka Safari Lodge
Situated in the heart of Kidepo Valley National Park, Apoka Safari Lodge offers beautiful views of the park’s savannah landscape, punctuated by rugged mountain ranges.
The lodge has been thoughtfully designed to blend with its surrounding wilderness. The main lodge area features a comfortable lounge, a dining area, and a bar, all decorated with a combination of traditional African and modern style. The overall ambiance is one of exclusivity and tranquility.
Apoka Safari Lodge has 10 spacious rooms (including one family unit), each with an en-suite bathroom and private veranda. The rooms are built from wood, thatch, and canvas, and feature large, comfortable beds draped with mosquito nets. Each room also has an outdoor bathtub. The lodge offers a communal dining area, a swimming pool carved out of a big rock, and a lounge area.
The main attraction at Apoka Safari Lodge is the wildlife viewing. Kidepo Valley National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and numerous species of birds. Game drives, guided walks, and bird watching are among the activities offered. Cultural visits to the local Karamojong community can also be arranged.
Primate Lodge Kibale
Located within Kibale National Park in western Uganda, the lodge offers immediate access to the park’s attractions. It’s nestled amidst lush rainforest, which is home to a variety of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
Primate Lodge Kibale has been designed to blend in with the natural environment. The main lodge, constructed from local materials, houses a spacious dining area, bar, lounge, and a large outdoor area where guests can relax and enjoy the sounds of the forest.
The lodge offers different accommodation options to cater to various needs and budgets. These include nine spacious and comfortable luxury cottages with en-suite bathrooms and private decks, a well-appointed tree house for a unique forest stay, and budget-friendly tents.
The main attraction at Primate Lodge Kibale is primate tracking. The lodge is strategically located for chimpanzee tracking and also for the nocturnal primate walk, which allows guests to see bushbabies and potto. Birdwatching is another popular activity, with the national park hosting more than 300 recorded bird species. Guests can also enjoy cultural visits to nearby communities.
Primate Lodge Kibale can be accessed by both road and air. By road, it’s approximately a 5-6 hour drive from Kampala. By air, chartered flights can be arranged from Entebbe or Kampala to Kasese airstrip, followed by a 2-hour drive to the lodge.
Mihingo Lodge
Mihingo Lodge is a tranquil and luxurious retreat located in the Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding savannah landscape and is known for its eco-friendly approach and commitment to local community support.
Mihingo Lodge is strategically located on the borders of Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smallest but diverse national parks. It is set on rocky outcrops and offers fantastic views of the park and its abundant wildlife.
The lodge has been constructed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, using local materials such as rocks, ropes, and wood. The main lodge includes a dining area, bar, and a comfortable lounge with impressive views of the wilderness.
Mihingo Lodge features 12 luxury tented rooms, each nestled on a private, wooden platform. Each tented room includes an en-suite bathroom, an outdoor shower, and a spacious veranda overlooking the surrounding wilderness. The lodge also has a swimming pool offering panoramic views, a craft shop, and a massage room.
At Mihingo Lodge, guests can embark on game drives in Lake Mburo National Park, where they can see zebras, impalas, elands, and if lucky, leopards and hyenas. The park is also a bird lover’s paradise, with over 350 bird species. Other activities include boat trips on Lake Mburo, horseback safaris, walking safaris, and visits to the local community.
Baker’s Lodge
Located on the southern bank of the mighty Nile River within Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park, Baker’s Lodge boasts an idyllic riverside setting, spacious accommodations, and a range of activities designed to bring guests closer to nature.
Situated in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, Baker’s Lodge offers views of the river and the wildlife that it attracts. The location is perfect for exploring the park and its varied ecosystems.
Named after the English explorer Samuel Baker, one of the first Europeans to see and name Murchison Falls, Baker’s Lodge features a thatched central lounge and dining area raised on decks to capture the cool breezes and panoramic views. The eco-friendly design and furnishings reflect the textures and tones of the African bush.
Baker’s Lodge offers 8 large, well-appointed safari suites, each raised on decks and featuring netted windows, allowing guests to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river and the surrounding wilderness. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom and private deck overlooking the Nile.
The lodge offers a variety of activities to explore Murchison Falls National Park and its wildlife. These include game drives, boat cruises to the base of Murchison Falls, delta cruises for bird watching, guided nature walks, and community visits. Fishing trips for Nile perch can also be arranged.
Baker’s Lodge can be reached by both road and air from Kampala. By road, the journey can take around 5-6 hours. By air, a flight can be taken from Entebbe to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrip, followed by a short drive to the lodge.
Papaya Lake Lodge
Papaya Lake Lodge is a stunning eco-resort located on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater lake in Uganda, offering spectacular views, luxury accommodations, and close proximity to Kibale Forest National Park.
Situated near the village of Ndeija and close to the boundary of Kibale National Park in western Uganda, Papaya Lake Lodge offers stunning views of the lyantonde crater lake and the surrounding lush highlands.
The lodge’s architecture harmonizes with the surrounding environment, utilizing local materials and traditional techniques. With its main lodge and cottages spread out across the hillside, the ambience is one of tranquillity and exclusivity.
Papaya Lake Lodge offers 9 spacious and luxurious cottages, each with a private terrace offering beautiful views of the crater lake. The cottages are designed with a blend of modern and traditional African design elements, providing a comfortable and stylish retreat. Each cottage has an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and shower. The lodge also features a swimming pool, restaurant, and a lounge area.
The lodge provides a range of activities to engage guests. These include guided walks around the crater lake, bird watching, swimming, and canoeing. For those wanting to explore beyond the lodge, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park and visits to the local community can be arranged.
Paraa Safari Lodge
Overlooking one of nature’s best kept secrets, the Nile River, Paraa Safari Lodge is situated in Murchison Falls National Park, the largest national park in Uganda, and offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure.
Paraa Safari Lodge is located in the northern region of Murchison Falls National Park on the eastern bank of the Nile River. The lodge offers stunning views of the river and the rich wildlife that it supports.
Established in 1954, Paraa Safari Lodge retains a certain historical charm while providing modern comfort and amenities. The main lodge houses a lounge area, dining area, bar, and a souvenir shop. The ambiance strikes a balance between luxury and the rugged beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
The lodge offers a variety of accommodation options, including rooms, suites, tents, and cottages. All accommodation options come with en-suite bathrooms and balconies or verandas with views of the Nile. Amenities include a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Paraa Safari Lodge provides a variety of activities for guests, including game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, boat trips to the bottom of Murchison Falls, bird watching, nature walks, and cultural visits to local communities. Fishing trips for Nile perch and other species can also be arranged.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Located in the Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s most spectacular nature reserves, Chobe Safari Lodge offers guests an unforgettable wildlife experience combined with the comforts of a luxury safari lodge.
Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in the northeastern section of Murchison Falls National Park, overlooking the stunning Nile River. It is named after Chobe, a local name for the Nile.
The lodge boasts a luxurious design that integrates natural materials and modern amenities. The main lodge has a dining area, bar, lounge, and an outdoor area with views of the Nile. The ambience of the lodge is characterized by a seamless blend of comfort and nature.
The Lodge offers a range of accommodation options, including deluxe tents, standard rooms, suites, and cottages. Each accommodation option is comfortably furnished and comes with an en-suite bathroom and a private balcony offering views of the river. Amenities include a large swimming pool, a health club and spa, a restaurant and bar, and Wi-Fi in public areas.
Chobe Safari Lodge offers a variety of activities to explore the rich biodiversity of Murchison Falls National Park. These include game drives, river cruises to the bottom of Murchison Falls, bird watching, fishing trips, nature walks, and cultural visits to local communities.
Semliki Safari Lodge
Nestled in the remote Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Semliki Safari Lodge offers a classic “old Africa” safari experience with a touch of luxury and a gateway to a unique ecosystem in Uganda.
Semliki Safari Lodge is located in the Semliki Wildlife Reserve in western Uganda, between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Albert. The lodge offers stunning views of the beautiful Albertine Rift Valley and the reserve’s rich biodiversity.
The lodge embodies the spirit of the explorers of the past while offering modern conveniences. The main lodge includes a comfortable lounge, dining area, and bar, all opening to the outdoors to maximize views and allow guests to feel connected to nature.
The lodge offers 8 large, well-appointed tents that provide an authentic safari experience combined with comfort. Each tent features en-suite bathrooms, four-poster beds, and a private veranda for relaxing and soaking up the surrounding views.
Semliki Safari Lodge provides a range of activities to explore the unique landscapes and wildlife of Semliki Wildlife Reserve. These include game drives, boat trips on Lake Albert to see shoebill storks, guided forest walks, bird watching, and night drives to see nocturnal animals. Visits to the local Batwa community can also be arranged.
Semliki Safari Lodge can be reached by both road and air. By road, it’s approximately a 5-7 hour drive from Kampala. By air, chartered flights can be arranged from Entebbe or Kampala to the airstrip in Semliki Wildlife Reserve, followed by a short drive to the lodge.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Located in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for visitors seeking a serene and intimate wildlife experience in one of Uganda’s most diverse conservation areas.
Situated along the Ntungwe River, Ishasha Wilderness Camp is in the heart of the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This region of the park is famous for its tree-climbing lions.
The camp provides a true wilderness experience while offering comfort and high standards of service. Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, the camp exudes an old-world safari charm. The main lodge includes a lounge area, dining area, and an outdoor river-facing area for guests to relax and enjoy the wilderness views.
The camp features 10 spacious tents set in the shade of large trees and each facing the river. The tents are tastefully decorated, and each comes with a private en-suite bathroom and a veranda. The camp is eco-friendly, operating on solar power.
Guests at Ishasha Wilderness Camp can take part in game drives to see the area’s tree-climbing lions, buffalo, elephants, and a variety of antelope species. Bush breakfasts and sundowners are also offered, along with community visits, birding, and guided nature walks.
The camp can be reached by both road and air. By road, it’s approximately a 6-7 hour drive from Kampala. By air, chartered flights can be arranged from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kasese airstrips, followed by a drive through the national park to the camp.
Ndali Lodge
Set on a high saddle between two beautiful crater lakes, Ndali Lodge is a luxurious, family-run accommodation offering panoramic views and easy access to the Kibale Forest National Park, a prime location for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
Ndali Lodge is situated approximately 26km south of Fort Portal in western Uganda. The lodge enjoys a privileged location on a 1,000-acre private estate and offers breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.
Ndali Lodge was built using local and traditional materials to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. The main lodge houses a spacious sitting room, reception area, dining room, and a large veranda, all overlooking the dramatic landscape of the Rwenzori Mountains and the stunning crater lake.
The lodge consists of 8 cottages, each comfortably accommodating up to four people. Each cottage is complete with en-suite facilities and a private veranda that overlooks the dramatic landscape. The lodge operates on solar power for lighting and there is a swimming pool on the site.
Ndali Lodge is ideally located for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, which is just a short drive away. Other activities include guided walks around the estate, visits to the local community, bird watching, and swimming in the crater lakes. The lodge can also arrange trips to other nearby attractions, such as the Rwenzori Mountains and the Semliki National Park.
Ndali Lodge is approximately a 5-6 hour drive from Kampala. Chartered flights can also be arranged from Entebbe or Kampala to Kasese Airstrip, followed by a drive to the lodge.
Buhoma Lodge
Situated within the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma Lodge is a top-quality accommodation that provides a serene, comfortable base for mountain gorilla tracking and other forest activities.
Buhoma Lodge is situated in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in southwestern Uganda. The lodge is elevated on the side of a hill and offers spectacular views of the Bwindi Forest, home to a variety of wildlife including the mountain gorillas.
Built using sustainable and locally sourced materials, Buhoma Lodge maintains an authentic feel while offering comfortable amenities. The design blends seamlessly with the environment and provides a genuine wilderness experience.
The lodge comprises 10 comfortable cottages, each with its own private veranda, offering superb views of the forest canopy. The cottages are well-equipped with en-suite bathrooms, including hot and cold running water, showers, and flushing toilets. The lodge also offers a dining area, bar, lounge area, and services like massage therapy on request.
The primary activity for guests at Buhoma Lodge is gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. However, guests can also engage in bird watching, forest walks, and local community visits. The lodge can organize all these activities, providing guests with trained and experienced guides.
The lodge can be reached by both road and air. By road, it’s approximately an 8-9 hour drive from Kampala. By air, chartered flights can be arranged from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip, followed by a short drive to the lodge.
Silverback Lodge
Located in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Silverback Lodge is a premium accommodation choice for travellers seeking a convenient and comfortable base for gorilla tracking.
Silverback Lodge is located in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, just minutes away from the gorilla tracking start point. The lodge sits at an elevation of 2,000 meters and offers commanding views of the park.
The lodge is constructed out of local materials in a style that blends with the natural surroundings. The main lodge houses a warm and inviting lounge area, dining room, and bar, all designed to maximize the breathtaking views of the Bwindi forest.
Silverback Lodge offers 12 rooms designed to reflect the local building style while providing comfort and amenities. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water and a balcony with stunning views of the forest. The lodge also offers a comfortable dining and bar area and an outdoor viewing platform.
The primary activity at Silverback Lodge is gorilla tracking. Due to its close proximity to the tracking start point, guests can comfortably reach the area without long drives. Other activities include bird watching, nature walks, and cultural visits to the local Batwa community.
Silverback Lodge can be reached by road and air. By road, it is about an 8-9 hour drive from Kampala. By air, chartered flights can be arranged from Entebbe to the nearby Kihihi airstrip, followed by a short drive to the lodge.
