Campsites & lodges

Via Via Guesthouse is an affordable and cosy guesthouse, managed by an enthusiastic Belgian couple. Its is a serene spot, surrounded by nature and has a very welcoming bar and a delicious restaurant. A perfect get-away, whether you escape Kampala for the weekend, or start or finish your roadtrip.

Besides regular rooms, they also erected two fantastic 'glamping' tents, with views on the water.

Muti is a garden café, restaurant and guesthouse in the gateway town of Entebbe, Uganda, less than ten minutes drive from Entebbe Airport. The idea behind Muti is to create a contemporary African café in a tranquil, family friendly, garden environment.

This is a long standing guesthouse, managed by Nature Lodges, you can be assured of good service for the most reasonable price. 

Only 5 minutes from the airport, this guesthouse is set in a quiet neighbourhood in a spacious garden. They offer free pick up from the airport.

Right at the beach front with a string of nice, little restaurants and the best pizzeria of Entebbe, the African Roots Guesthouse is a good place to start or end your Roadtrip adventure in Uganda.

Rooms are no frills yet decent, with a nice balcony. The compound is a bit small, but the location makes up for it.

The Boma Hotel is a boutique hotel in an old Victorian country cottage, set in a tastefully landscaped garden. There is a swimming pool and good restaurant. 

Its rooms and dorms are clean, modern and affordable. The double room en-suite for $50 with a view is superb value for money. The bar/restaurant has a very friendly atmosphere where lots of locals meet up during the weekend. Pitchers with margarita, a sandwich named after Donald Trump (its with cheese) and life size Djenga makes this a great hang-out!

Red Chilli Hideaway is Kampala’s oldest and most popular budget retreat. In 2013, they moved from Mbuya suburb to Butabika, a quite area about 40 minutes’ drive from Kampala City Centre.

They cater for self-campers and provide dorm beds and private rooms (with or without en-suite facilities). Furthermore, the compound has a large swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and free internet. They arrange for a complimentary shuttle bus to the city centre at set times.

Orchidea Guesthouse, attached to the Italian Cafe Roma, offers comfortable spacious cottages set in a lovely garden. Great place to start your self drive safari in Uganda.

This mid-range guesthouse is located in Muyenga, a nice residential area, and great value for money. orchideaguesthouse@yahoo.it +256 - 0777 812017

Apartments are arranged around a large garden with a swimming pool, sauna and BBQ area. We love the homely ambience and the peaceful setting at the shores of the lake. Great place to relax for a day or two. You can cook your own meals or place an order, provided that you reserve in advance.

Eagle's Nest is located high on a hill bordering Lake Mburo National Park commanding great views of the park. Accommodation is in comfortable and self contained, safari tents. The bathrooms are a real bush experience; they fill the shower upon your request and the toilet is an eco-friendly invention. 

Eagle's Nest is part of Nature Lodges, they are known for their good price-quality ratio. 

Want to have it all for yourself? Go or bushcamping at the 'UWA campsite 3' in Lake Mburo. It's about 7KM south (along the lake shore) from the main camp spots. The moment you think that you are too far, you'll find a small path leading to the lake shore. Upon arrival, the hippos in the lake welcome you with their mouths wide open, and as soon as the sun set, you'll hear a cacophony of strange noises from the surrounding bushes. Exhilarating!

A long term favourite for many Roadtrippers on a self drive safari to the gorillas is a stay at the friendly Rwakobo Rock. It is a mid-range eco-lodge, nestled high on a scenic rock outcrop at the edge of Lake Mburo National Park.

This well owner-managed lodge is a peaceful and secluded retreat with a friendly, laid-back ambiance. The accommodation at Rwakobo consists of thatched chalets tucked away in the bush land, which blend nicely with the natural landscape. There are also cheaper rooms available, within the comfort price category. 

The site offers lots of places to chill out, at the pool, in a hammock or on your private veranda, whilst enjoying the lasting views over Lake Mburo National Park. They offer mountain bike safaris and nature walks. 

Mihingo is an exclusive, family owned retreat in a magical setting within Lake Mburo National Park. Perched high on a rocky kopje, you can enjoy spectacular views over a vast savannah landscape from your infinity pool.

Rooms are spacious, with lots of privacy and tastefully decorated to blend in with nature. They organise horseback safaris with former race horses from Kenya. It allows you to get even closer to zebra's as they tolerate horses. 

Indeed Mutanda Lake Resort has the most stunning location in Uganda, at the shores of Lake Mutanda with dramatic views on the volcanoes in DRC Congo and Rwanda. 

The lodge is conveniently located for trekking the Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla families and it is the only mid-range accommodation option in the region.

Excellent, creative food is served in Swiss mountain chalet ambience. Accommodation is in semi-tented cottages with ensuite bathroom and balcony.  

Apart from going on a gorilla trek, there are several things to do during your stay at Lake Mutanda. You can go sailing or Stand Up Paddling boarding at the lake, hike the Virunga Volcanoes, go birding or enjoy a cultural village tour. Check the website of the lodge for a complete overview. Or read this travel blog from a roadtripper, about why you should choose Mutanda Lake resort as the ultimate base for your gorilla trekking experience. 

Roadtrippers receive great discounts when staying at Mutanda lake Resort! 

Simple yet clean facilities and a warm welcome. Budget stop for when you go gorilla tracking in Mgahinga. Prepare for chilly nights if you are camping (USD 5 pp) in this place, but also beautiful views over the valley and mountain peaks.

Set in a small community ground, Nshongi camp is a basic accommodation and campsite. The place is charming and locally run. It has basic facilities, but clean. Real roadtrippers destination for whoever is on a budget safari! It is a short walk to the starting location of the trekking, and sometimes gorillas are even spotted in the camp ground.

Kalebas Campsite, Bunyonyi Overland Resort and Byoona Amagara are nice budget options at Lake Bunyonyi.The latter is on an island in the lake. Kalebas and the Overland Resort are next to each other, of which Kalebas is the quiet alternative.

Gorilla Valley Lodge is a middle range lodge, located at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It's a ten minute drive from the Rushaga trekking gate.

The lodge is operated by Nature Lodges, known for their good price - quality ratio. 

This old grandeur hotel is set in a quiet bay, 1 km before Rutindo village. The place has a long and interesting history dating back to before the Amin era. The lodge has a swimming pool.

BirdNest Eco Overseas

BirdNest Eco Overseas is located right in front of the main Bird's Nest Bunyonyi Resort. A guarded parking space and motorboat transport to the site are included. Breakfast is served at BirdNest Eco Overseas, while lunch and dinner are offered on the main Bird's Nest @ Bunyonyi site. You can go for a nature walk in their private forest, sit and relax at the fireplace, read a book from the library or just enjoy a drink and service and delicious food, for which the hotel is so well known. Enjoy the view of the lake from a panoramic dining room offering service and delicious food for which the hotel is so well known.

Kasenyi Safari Camp is strategically located on the rim of Lake Bunyampaka in the Kasenyi Savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The tents are on platforms with a thatched canopy roof. There are four tents all with en-suite bathrooms, spacious living areas and private decks.

This campsite is located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the South end of the peninsula. There are only basic facilities but it rattles with potentially dangerous wildlife after dark. If you are up for an adventure, this is the place to be!

The campsite has a number of dangerous animals, like hippos and lions, that are frequent visitors. And if you intend to cook for yourself, bring your own food (or if you're brave you could wander to Tembo canteen for a meal). But be careful after dark and don't even think about it without a good torch.

If you don't feel like pitching your own tent, you can also choose for the Mweya Lower Cottages right opposite the Tembo canteen. These cottages are another budget option, but the beds are comfortable and they are completely self-contained.

The Bush Lodge is an intimate tented camp situated just outside the park boundaries, overlooking the Kazinga Channel. You can either stay in a lazy tent (budget) or a spacious tented room with ensuite bush shower and veranda (mid-range).

It is managed by Nature Lodges, who successfully run a circuit of tented camps and lodges throughout Uganda. Book well in advance. 

Enjojo lodge is a quiet and intimate retreat, situated amidst acacia forest and palm trees at the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge is only a 5 minute drive from the park gate entrance, and is the ideal base from which to go on a game drive to spot the tree-climbing lions. Bird life is abundant and herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes are regularly spotted on the premises. 

Accommodation is in grass thatched cottages that are interlinked with an elevated walkway, each with a veranda, en suite bathroom and outdoor shower. Or you can pitch your own tent, or go lazy camping. There is a camp ground with kitchen area and fire pit. 

Marafiki Lodge is beautifully situated, overlooking Lake George in the Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. They offer several different sizes of accommodation, varying from twin/double to family size luxury safari tents or cabins, with open-air showers, giving you that little bit of extra African experience. Their pool, overlooking Lake George, is the perfect place to relax after a day of game driving, or enjoy a lovely meal in the restaurant while watching the sun drop behind the Rwenzori Mountains.

On top of the escarpment of the Albertine Rift overlooking Lake Albert thrones Kikonko Lodge. Breath taking views of Lake Albert and the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo are guaranteed.

Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp is a community based safari lodge located along the channel track gate 11 off Katunguru community within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy the serenity of the plain Savannah of this beautiful park with a chance of animals moving all around the lodge premises day and night. They also have options for camping with your own gear!

Little Elephant Camp is a one of a kind tented 'Glamping' experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The camp is nestled in the golden savannah grasslands directly on the boundary of Queen Elizabeth National Park in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. From your own private camp, you can enjoy views into the national park along with the various species of animals and birds that live in and around the camp. Little Elephant Camp gives its guests all the comforts and conveniences necessary to make your visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park a memorable one.

Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge is a lovely, intimate luxury lodge located within Queen Elizabeth National Park, at the shores of Lake George, near Kahendero fishing village. They have a small but refreshing pool.

Mweya Safari Lodge is an all time favourite, due to its stunning location in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park,  its beautiful infinity pool overlooking the Kazinga Channel, and neo-colonial, architectural grandeur.

It is among the oldest lodges in Uganda and boosts the best location in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Facilities are a bit outdated though, and the massive set up dominating the peninsula might not appeal to everyone.

Roadtripper Paul Hissel:
"we loved this place! Quite basic but good facilities, restaurant & food.
No real campsite available. Getting to the facilities is quite a climb but is rewarded with very nice views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Activities offered are very nice, in particular the village tour. We really felt as part of the community. The Ruboni community is doing great work.

Great stay if you want to visit the Rwenzori National Park and mountains, and contribute to the local community."

A Roadtrippers' recommendation if you are travelling with a rooftop tent, as you will not be able to pitch it at the nearby Kibale Forest Camp. Very friendly owner, campfire and a beautiful setting in nature. Nothing fancy, but there is a clean (cold water) shower and pit latrine.

Our recommended place to stay in Fort Portal town is Ruwenzori View Guesthouse. A friendly and well managed guest house that has been around since 1997. This affordable place is famous for their tasty homemade meals served at one big table where all guests are seated - a great chance to connect with other travelers. However, be aware that the place is not suitable to dine by yourself.

Dutchess is a budget hotel in Fort Portal town, run by, as in the name, a Dutch family. It is particularly known for its tasty pizzas and homemade cheese, served in the garden. It's a good choice for a stopover, when you're looking for a good meal, homemade breakfast and a proper shower.

Kasiisi Guesthouse is a budget guesthouse located between Fort Portal and Kibale Forest. Friendly atmosphere, and hosts Faith and JB do all they can to make you feel at home. All meals are included and cooked fresh by JB on site. They even provide hot water bottles in your bed when the evening draws in, and clean your boots after a long day trekking through the rainforest.

Rooms include bathrobes and a safe for your personal belongings, solar heated hot showers and latrines with comfortable seats. 

A stay here means you contribute to the community via the Kasiisi Project.

A holiday at Kluge’s Guest Farm near Fort Portal is more than just a break. It is a whole new and exciting experience of first class hotel and restaurant, family-stile hospitality in the middle of pure nature.

Over the years Mariam and Stefan Kluge have developed a 72 acre piece of farmland into a piece of paradise, planting a big number of trees and uncountable flowers of various varieties.
Today, the farm is home to different species of birds and monkeys and the ideal hideaway from the hassle and bustle of urban life. Visitors find a calm place to relax as well as the perfect point for one or half day trips to numerous tourism destinations nearby.

Turaco Treetops is Kibale Forest’ newest semi-luxe lodge. We believe in creating an uncomplicated, and warm-hearted atmosphere and offer our guests a unique experience in the forest with stunning views over the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains. Turaco Treetops is the place to go on a chimpanzee trekking, share tasty meals, laugh, read a book near our fire place, learn about nature, play a game, or take dip in our refreshing pool. And not to forget: enjoy that well-deserved hot shower and comfortable beds that help you get ready for a new day of exploration in the Kibale Forest region.

Kibale Forest Camp is a small eco-lodge set in the middle of the rainforest. Accommodation is in safari tented rooms with en suite bathroom and veranda. They also have a good campground for lazy camping. Managed by Nature Lodges. Roadtrippers' Tip: If you are travelling with your own tent, you will not be able to pitch it here. Try the nearby Hornbill Cave Campsite.

Located at the edge of Kibale Forest, Isunga Lodge offers seven comfortable cottages. Each of the cottages is self-contained and they are spread out over the hilltop, ensuring privacy. Beautiful views guaranteed, both from the cottage itself as from the central dining area on top of the hill. Make sure to catch the sunset over the forest below from the small but well-maintained swimming pool for the best experience.

Ndali Lodge is perched on the rim of an extinct volcano which has filled with water to become the stunning Lake Nyinambuga. There is a main thatched lodge with spacious sitting room and dining room, flanked by eight cottages providing luxurious accommodation for 16 guests. At night, the  classy dining room is lit by candles, whilst breakfast is served on the veranda overlooking the lake.

Luxurious cottages, a restaurant and a pool, located between extinct volcanoes and the crater lakes. Papaya Lake Lodge is a high-end accommodation with beautiful views over the Rwenzori Mountains.

Boomu Women’s Group is a cute budget place to camp. Located just outside Murchison Falls National Park, at the southern entrance gate near to Kanyiyo Pabidi Forest, where chimp trekking is possible. 

You can also sleep in a traditional grass-thatched banda, set in their beautiful garden. Simple meals can be provided. It is a community-run lodge,  managed by local women. Tel +256-7772-448-950.

The popular Red Chilli Hideaway in Kampala also has a branch in Murchison Falls National Park. It’s a basic, old time favourite.

Red Chilli is conveniently located near the Paraa ferry crossing, has decent food and a lively bar at times. They offer cheap bandas, safari tents and have a campground. Facilities are a bit run down.

A perfect place to stay when you are visiting the home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Enjoy a nice birding walk or walking safari to the rhinos and spend the night in a variety of accommodation options, either with private or shared facilities.

You will need a permit to be allowed to set up camp, and you will be accompanied by a ranger. You can book it in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Association (USD 35 pp) or arrange it on the spot in the UWA office at Paraa ferry point (US$ 45 pp). Bring your own food and drink, including some for the ranger. The price includes night drive and morning drive with a knowledgeable ranger.

KonTiki Hotel is a pleasant budget hotel in Hoima town, the staging point between Fort Portal and Masindi. Rooms are clean and the flowery garden is well maintained. It is a good place to spend an afternoon relaxing in the gardens or at the pool.

The setup of this mid-range lodge evokes the ambience of an isolated outpost from times when Arab traders explored the African hinterlands. They offer en suite rooms and a number of safari tents for 'lazy' camping. Managed by Nature Lodges, known for their good price- quality ratio. A newly built swimming pool offers a welcome plunge in the afternoon.

Located in the heart of the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, Amuka Lodge offers a luxurious stay in the African wilderness. Unfenced chalets offer an escapist feel and encounters with the wildlife of the area.

Located in Hoima district, Hoima Cultural Lodge is an ideal place to stay on your way to or from Murchison Falls National Park. Your accommodation is one of the spacious en suite grass thatched cottages.

Murchison River Lodge is located on a beautiful spacious plot at the southern bank of the River Nile. They offer a variety of accommodation possibilities, including (family) cottages, 'lazy' camping' or pitch your own tent. There's an inviting swimming pool, nice lounge and restaurant area, and campsite with great facilities. The campsite evokes the ambience of a romantic olive garden in Greece, but with the additional sound of hippos at night... 

There are three public camping spots in Kidepo National Park; Nagusokopire and Kakine campsites have the best views. The UWA Bandas (Apoka bandas) are near the restaurant. Facilities are basic, but that just adds to the wilderness feel. You will probably be the only camper, but don't feel too alone - the campsites are notorious for lions that roam here at night. 

Karamoja Safari Camp & Backpackers is a simple, friendly guesthouse in Moroto town, the principal town of the Karamoja area. The guesthouse has different types of rooms, self-contained safari tents and the option to camp using your own equipment. They serve good food and several cultural activities can be arranged through them. A few of the many activities they offer are sleeping in a kraal, hiking mount Moroto and visiting the community in a traditional manyatta.

Kidepo Savannah Lodge is the latest and most remote property of Nature Lodges. Located just 500m from Kalokudo gate. From the lodge you can enjoy endless vistas of the expansive Narus Valley, Mount Morungole and the distant mountain ranges which form the border with South Sudan. You can either stay in self contained safari tents or opt for lazy camping tents. All facilities have hot showers. Great value for money.

A community run accommodation with simple rooms and a basic camping spot in Sipi Falls. It's signposted from Kapwirwok village. Don't expect anything fancy, but the location is excellent. There is a nature walk going up the hill leading to stunning views.

Home of Friends is located on the lush flanks of Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda. Enjoy their great panoramic views, fresh food and leisure opportunities. Nice fact: They support the idea of boosting social and economic impact through tourism.

There are three old time favourites and good value-for-money campsites adjacent to one another, close to Bujagali Falls.
Nile River Camp, home of Nalubale rafting company, offers camping, lazy camping, and dorm rooms set around a pleasant garden with swimming pool. Next door is the more upmarket Nile Porch, with semi-tented bandas, swimming pool and The Black Lantern, a good á-la-carte restaurant. Next is Nile River Explorers, which has the liveliest bar - even wild at times - and very popular with backpackers.

There are no mid-range to high-end accommodation options in Sipi Falls. For those looking for more comfort, Lacam Lodge would be the best option. 

Lacam lodge is a charming eco-lodge from which you have a spectacular view of the Sipi falls.
Accommodation is in basic wooden chalets with private bathroom. The on-site Endiro cafe is a great add-on. Endiro is a locally owned coffee chain, highly respected throughout Uganda, serving great coffee, breakfast and lunch.

A newly opened camp site along the shores of the river Nile with the option of pitching your own (rooftop) tent or lazy camping in their tents. They offer a variety of activities and their restaurant serves simple but great meals, with even vegetarian and vegan options (options you won't find everywhere in Uganda!)

Coming from Kampala, turn left before you reach Jinja town opposite the Nile Brewery in Njeru, continue on this road for 15km until you see the signpost on your right.

Inzu lodge offers a unique ecological accommodation, while respecting Rwanda's traditions and benefiting the local community. Beautiful views over Lake Kivu are guaranteed!

Iris Guesthouse is a Lovely guesthouse located in the capital city of Rwanda: Kigali. The guesthouse is close to several cultural activities in the city and promises a good night sleep with good facilities during your road trip.

Paradise Malahide is a true paradise located right on the shores of Lake Kivu. Roadtrippers are enthusiastic about the beautiful views, the friendly staff and the good food.
With huts offering direct access to the beach, this is the perfect place to dip your toes in the lake and relax!