It was revealed last month that Uganda, otherwise known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, saw a 10% increase in tourist numbers to its national parks in 2018-2019. With such unique opportunities to discover wildlife, this does not surprise us at #Teamcoco. And yet we know that there is much more to Uganda than the bush. Its iconic Lake Victoria and the vibrant capital of Kampala are also unmissable and unmistakably Ugandan experiences. Having sent our girl, Rachael Lindsay, to visit Africa’s Pearl earlier this year, we take a look at her round-up of the best three resorts to experience the best of Uganda.
For the lake: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
Nestled on the banks of the world’s largest tropical lake, the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa is our top pick of Uganda’s hotels. The winding pathways, bridges and fountains of the resort make it a joy to get lost in and the Marina restaurant offers fresh fish and sunset views at the lake’s edge. It has all of the luxurious touches that you would expect of a five-star resort as well as bespoke boat expeditions to nearby Ngambe Island, home to 49 orphaned chimpanzees.
For more information, visit serenahotels.com or read our full review here.
For the bush: Bwindi Lodge by Volcanoes Safaris
Set on the boundaries of Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest, this stream-side hideaway is the perfect place from which to visit Uganda’s mountain gorillas. A new deluxe Banda opened in June this year and all Bandas feature four poster beds, locally inspired furnishings and personal butler service. The local gorillas often choose to relax around Bwindi Lodge, making it both a stylish and natural spot from which to get to know these fascinating animals.
For more information, visit volcanoessafaris.com.
For the city: Latitude O, Kampala (due to open October 2019)
With stunning properties in Lilongwe, Malawi, and Lusaka, Zambia, Latitude Hotels offers experiences in Africa’s cities that match its great beach resorts and safari lodges. That’s why we had to include Latitude 0 in our list, which is set to open in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, in October 2019. Located among indigenous orchid-filled trees atop of Makindye Hill and with a Ugandan-inspired design using reusable materials, this hotel is going to be a seriously stylish addition to the capital and the perfect base to recover from those post-safari blues.
For more information, visit 0.thelatitudehotels.com.
Cover photo: @rachannelindsay at Lake Victoria Serena