Did you know that safari means ‘long journey’ in Swahili? Well, you do now. A top contender on almost everyone’s bucket list – treetop lodges! elephants! – safari lodges in Uganda are top of many a bucket list.
As for when to go? June to October is your best bet for a great safari season. And of course, you’ll want to stay somewhere just as beautiful as the scenery outdoors. So, we’ve rounded up the very best places to stay…
Best safari lodges in Uganda
How do these rankings work?
1. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
At over 2,000 metres above sea level, this is Uganda’s highest lodge. You’ll be sleeping in the clouds in one of eight cottages that are built from volcanic stone. Spectacular views stretch all the way to the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda, with the soft glow of the volcano visible at nighttime.
One of the best lodges to track the famous gorillas, there’s also private butlers, cosy fireplaces to take away the mountain chill and a spa.
2. Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge
This rustic lodge is on its own private section of the Munyanga River, and mountain gorillas can regularly be viewed from the terraces crossing the river outside the lodge. It’s no wonder that
At Mahogany Springs it is the little touches that make the big difference. Think: complimentary Afternoon Tea, board games and enormous bathtubs.
3. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Uganda’s endangered gorillas await when you stay in one of these only eight private luxury tents in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Rooms even have outdoor bathtubs with forest views.
Sip on local banana beer and keep an eye out for the family of gorillas that visits the camp four to six times per month.
4. Apoka Safari Lodge
Apoka Safari Lodge is right in the middle of one of Africa’s best destinations – Kidepo Valley National Park. It’s Uganda’s most remote park and is the only park in Uganda with cheetah.
Big beds with soft duvets come with mosquito nets, there’s extra large plush towels, over-sized dressing gowns…you may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing.
5. Kyambura Gorge Lodge
This eclectic contemporary safari lodge is an ideal location for tracking the lost chimps in the sunken forest of Kyambura Gorge nearby – all suites are individually named after the Kyambura Gorge chimpanzees. You can spot tree climbing lions and finish off the day with a massage at the on-site spa.
To top it off? Meals are prepared using the freshest local ingredients and served in front of a roaring fire in the dining area. Bliss.
6. Crater Safari Lodge
Crater Safari Lodge overlooks the second largest crater lake in Uganda, and is also super close to the famous Kibale National Park, home of the chimp trekking safari.
The boma area is the ideal place to relax around a roaring and crackling fire, while rooms (deluxe chalets or standard cabanas) also have views of the crater lake. It is in a remote area and the journey to paradise is long, but it’s worth it to stay in one of the best safari lodges in Uganda.
7. Ishasha Wilderness Camp
A peaceful camp that’s ideal for anyone looking to take a break from the busy world. Next to the Ntungwe River, each of the camp’s 10 spacious canvas tented rooms has a private verandah overlooking the river.
Keep an eye out for the tree-climbing lions, or, if you’re lucky, George, the lone hippo.
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